If you want to build muscle...
You'd think protein is the way to go.
After all, protein powders is the most popular category.
Honestly, protein supplements are likely all you need.
They contain the right amount of amino acids to create the perfect environment for muscle growth.
But there's a huge disadvantage to protein powders.
With 14.675 grams of EAAs, BCAA by Huge Supplements is one of the best intra formulas.
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Intra by Transparent Labs contains a nice balance of amino acids, including EAAs, and 150mg ElevATP.
They can't be consumed during workouts.
And protein powders aren't one size fits all.
Digestion issues, types of protein, fillers and flavoring...
It's a cocktail of many ingredients that can cause issues, especially digestion.
This is where essential amino acid supplements come in.
But with many essential amino acid supplements vying for your attention, which do you choose?
To help you choose the best, we created a list of the 6 best Essential Amino Acid supplements in the market.
Let's dig into the list...
Ever felt like you're running on empty halfway through your workout?
You're not alone. Enter Transparent Labs' CoreSeries Intra Workout.
This supplement is designed to keep you fueled and focused, even during the most grueling sessions.
What sets it apart?
It's all about the ingredients.
This intra-workout is packed with essential amino acids (EAAs), including BCAAs, which are crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
It also contains electrolytes for hydration and a dose of carbs to keep your energy levels steady.
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
Some have mentioned the taste isn't their cup of tea but it is naturally sweetened.
And if you're on a low-carb diet, the carb content might be a deal-breaker.
But remember, the best supplement is the one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
If you're looking for a boost during your workouts and don't mind the taste or the price, this could be a solid choice.
Ready to give it a try?
Use discount code FITFREK at checkout to save a few bucks.
When you just want a formula that’s high in amino acids, you can’t go wrong with BCAA by Huge Supplements.
The grand total amino acids content rounds up to a whopping 14.675 grams per serving, one of the largest single-serving amino acids in the market.
Almost half of those come directly from its BCAA content, while ⅓ of the entire blend comes from Glutamine, one of the most critical amino acids for muscle building and glucose production.
Being a purely EAA supplement that doesn’t have stimulants, BCAA by Huge Supplements is ideal for those who want to have a good base for their pre workout or protein stacks.
One of our criteria for choosing the best EAA supplements is the flexibility they offer.
Not only does Enigma by Apollon Nutrition contains high EAA content (mostly BCAAs), it’s also lets you choose whether you want the full dose or just half.
After all, you don’t need the full servings every time.
Sometimes you just need it as part of your loading phase, similar to creatine, so the smaller dose is a welcome alternative.
But of course you can do this with any supplement.
Enigma also contains an electrolyte blend plus betaine for better recovery, which is always nice to have in any ergogenic blend.
The catch is, Enigma is also one of the more expensive EAA supplements in the market, with one bottle costing $54.95 or about $2 per scoop, depending on whether you choose half or full.
Then again, if you truly care about quality and nothing else, Enigma is perfect.
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Superhuman Intra contains a total of 10 grams EAA, with 6 of those 10 grams coming from instantized BCAA.
It also contains premium sources of electrolytes, trace minerals, taurine, and Astragin for added bioavailability.
Much like Enigma, Superhuman Intra provides dosing flexibility by choosing half or the full two-scoop dosing.
What sets it apart from Enigma is its use of instantized BCAA, which in theory should lead to better anabolic response and muscle protein synthesis because of its faster absorption.
Coconut water is another potent rehydration ingredient, mostly by maintaining electrolyte levels, and it works better than other electrolytes.
To top it off, Calci-K, a patented blend of calcium, potassium and phosphorus. These minerals can help keep those electrolyte levels at optimal levels.
And AquaMin is a super bioavailable natural mineral that is sourced from red sea algae.
That (and taurine) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
Bioavailability is increased too with the help of Astragin, which works like BioPerine in that it can help your body absorb the other nutrients it's consumed with.
So while Superhuman Intra loses out on total EAA servings, it more than makes up for it with using premium, fast-acting amino acids.
The taste is amazing as well.
It’s available in three flavors:
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Much like the other supplements in this list, Intra Blast has decent amounts of amino acids, most of which come from the standard 2:1:1 BCAA ratio.
There are also special blends for electrolytes and hydration, and a blend for performance to make it a well-rounded formula.
The glutamine in the formula is special, with it being the branded Kyowa Quality.
Kyowa Quality glutamine is a high-purity, vegetarian ingredient that guarantees fast absorption and maximum potency.
This can lead to reduced fatigue and better muscle protein synthesis.
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When you just want EAAs without the fancy stuff that also happens to be low-cost, Bulk Supplements has got you covered.
While the formula itself appears generic and the doses aren’t revealed (which is actually why it’s ranked last), the cost of a bag is often enough to entice newbies to try it out.
For veteran users, the lack of fillers and fancy ingredients make the supplement the perfect add-on to their pre-workout or protein stacks.
Bomba Intra Workout by ASC Supplements is designed to fuel your workouts and enhance recovery. With its comprehensive blend of all 9 essential amino acids, hydration complex, adaptogens, and antioxidants, it's a near-perfect intra-blend.
Struggling to find an EAA supplement that really delivers? Let's talk about Bomba by Xtremis Supplements.
This product is not your average EAA supplement. It's a comprehensive intra-workout formula that goes beyond just providing essential amino acids. With 7 grams of all 9 EAAs, Bomba is designed to fuel your muscles during your workout and enhance recovery afterwards.
But what sets Bomba apart is its unique blend of ingredients.
It includes a hydration complex with electrolytes, adaptogens, and even greens for antioxidants.
This makes Bomba a complete supplement that can support your overall health, not just your workouts.
Another nice bonus is its inclusion of PeakO2 and Spectra.
These ingredients are designed to enhance your performance and endurance, giving you that extra edge during your workouts.
But Bomba isn't perfect.
Some complain about the taste, finding it too sweet or artificial.
And the price is a bit higher than average.
If you're looking for a comprehensive EAA supplement that goes beyond just muscle support, Bomba might be worth a try.
And here's a bonus: you can save a bit by using discount code FITFREK.
Use discount code FITFREK to save on your purchase.
If you're looking for muscle gains, like really nasty size gains along with pumps and natural energy, then Intra by Core Nutritionals is for you.
This formula is huge and it will make you, well, huge.
Using 10g cluster dextrin, 6g dextrose and 5g d-ribose.
These 3 carb sources are high quality and have their own set of benefits.
D-Ribose for example is a natural pentose carbohydrate that can directly increase energy and physical performance.
When these 3 carbs are combined with creatine, you'll create a synergistic blend of potent muscle building ingredients that will bump up your size in a matter of weeks.
And there's even 3g beta alanine, which is clinically dosed, and that will also help delay fatigue while increasing workout performance.
The 2g GlycerSize will help with pumps, it can draw in more water into muscle cells, resulting in a more swole and fuller look.
For maximum muscle growth, there's the addition of 10g EAA's, including BCAA's.
Intra by Core is a supplement made for muscle gains, especially if you're a skinny guy (or gal).
Use coupon code FITFREK.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
As we all know, protein is important for quite a number of processes that happen inside our body.
In the case of bodybuilding, the amino acids found in protein facilitate the processes required for muscle growth, recovery, and physical performance.
Ever wondered what makes up the proteins in your body? Meet amino acids, the building blocks of life.
These organic compounds band together to form proteins, playing a crucial role in our bodies. From breaking down food to repairing body tissue, they're involved in a host of functions.
But here's the kicker:
Not all amino acids are created equal.
They fall into three groups:
Essential, nonessential, and conditional.
Essential ones? Your body can't make them.
You've got to get them through your diet.
Nonessential amino acids, on the other hand, are self-made by our bodies.
And conditional ones?
They're usually not essential, except when you're ill or stressed.
Now, let's dive into Essential Amino Acids (EAAs).
These are the nine amino acids your body can't produce.
Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine - they're all on the list.
And they're not just sitting around.
They're busy repairing and building muscle tissues, producing hormones and neurotransmitters, and boosting your immune function.
If you're an athlete, or someone who hits the gym regularly, listen up:
EAAs stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
That's your body's way of building new proteins and repairing muscle fibers.
The result? Increased muscle growth and improved recovery after workouts.
And there's more. EAAs can also help prevent muscle breakdown during intense exercise or fasting.
So if you're looking to maintain or increase your muscle mass, EAAs could be your new best friend.
In a nutshell, amino acids and EAAs are vital for a healthy diet and a fit body.
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just someone looking to improve your health, understanding these compounds can help you make smarter dietary choices.
The best sources of essential amino acids are animal proteins including meat, eggs, and poultry.
If you’re not fond of animal sources, especially if you have food allergies or prefer a plant-based lifestyle, many species of plants offer adequate amounts of all 9 essential amino acids.
The catch is, you tend to need to eat more plants to get the same amount you’d get from animal sources.
Then, some plants don’t have all 9 essential amino acids, so you have to mix and match them.
This is actually what vegan protein powders do when they claim to have all amino acids despite being a plant-based supplement.
While essential amino acids on their own are important for everyday function, taking them in high doses such as in supplements has been linked to several science-backed health benefits.
Mood enhancing
Boosts physical performance and enhances recovery
Supports wound healing
Protects against muscle loss
According to a study conducted in the US Military in 2011, the ratio doesn’t really matter provided you are getting adequate intake of ALL essential amino acids.
“These findings suggest that increasing the concentration of leucine in an essential amino acid supplement consumed during steady state exercise elicits a greater muscle protein synthesis response during recovery.” [3]
The key difference between essential amino acids (EAA) and branched chain amino acids (BCAA) outside of the amino acids content is the intent in taking them.
You take BCAA when your goal is performance-oriented. BCAAs are suited to boost strength, reduce fatigue, and enhance muscle recovery. You take EAAs if you’re after muscle growth, endurance, immunity, and hormonal balance. [4]
New findings also suggest taking EAAs over BCAAs is better if your amino acid intake is adequate for the physical activity you do on a daily basis.
Based on research and some coaching practices, it appears the best times to supplement with essential amino acids are between meals and following a workout.
Research involving older adults who took essential amino acids between meals have reduced risks of sarcopenia or the shrinking of muscles brought about by aging, which happens due to protein breakdown.
“Results provide promising preliminary results indicating that essential amino acids may provide protection against sarcopenia in healthy aging adults.” (5)
Both have pros and cons.
For whey:
Pros
Cons
For EAA:
Pros
Cons
There really is no such thing as “this is better than that” when it comes to supplements. What matters is you supply what your body needs, when it needs it. If you need to take more Whey over EAA or combine them, do it.
The goal is to get stronger, not to choose a side.
In choosing the right essential amino acid supplement, it’s worth noting the following:
Watch the video version of the best EAA's below:
What are essential amino acids (EAAs)?
Essential amino acids are amino acids that our bodies can't produce on their own. We must obtain them through our diet or supplements.
Why are EAAs important for muscle gain and recovery?
EAAs stimulate muscle protein synthesis, leading to muscle growth. They also help repair muscle damage caused by intense exercise, promoting faster recovery.
What's the difference between EAAs and BCAAs?
EAAs include all nine essential amino acids, while BCAAs only include three: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. While BCAAs are part of EAAs, full-spectrum EAA supplements provide a more comprehensive approach to muscle growth and recovery.
How do I choose the right EAA supplement?
Consider factors such as the EAA content, additional ingredients, brand reputation, and customer reviews. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.
How do I use EAA supplements?
EAA supplements can be taken before, during, or after workouts for optimal effect. The timing can depend on your personal preference and workout routine. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and usage.
What are the potential side effects of EAA supplements?
While EAA supplements are generally safe, they may cause side effects in some people, such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. Always start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance and consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse effects.
What is Bomba Intra Workout by ASC Supplements?
Bomba Intra Workout is a comprehensive EAA supplement that contains all 9 essential amino acids, a hydration complex with electrolytes, adaptogens, and greens antioxidants. It's especially beneficial for fasted workouts.
What makes Bomba Intra Workout unique?
Bomba Intra Workout stands out due to its comprehensive formula. It not only provides all 9 essential amino acids but also includes a hydration complex, adaptogens, and greens antioxidants. This makes it a versatile supplement suitable for various workout routines.
Can I use EAA supplements if I'm fasting?
Yes, EAA supplements like Bomba Intra Workout can be used during fasted workouts. They provide your muscles with the essential amino acids they need, preventing muscle breakdown for protein. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you're fasting.
When it comes to choosing an EAA supplement, always take note of the total dose, the accompanying ingredients, and the quality of the company you are buying from.
Because let’s face it: It’s not hard to build an EAA formula that works. The real challenge lies in making sure the product is made with high quality ingredients while still making it cost-effective.
If you’re ever in a pinch when it comes to choosing an EAA supplement, just look back on the supplements we prepared for you in this blog.
We guarantee each one is worth a try.
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