Amino acids

Many athletes regularly rely on EAA supplements to support muscle growth. This is because they contain all the essential amino acids needed for muscle protein synthesis. BPS-Pharma also offers a variety of EAA powders that meet the highest quality standards. These supplements, manufactured under GMP conditions, support fitness enthusiasts, professionals, and strength athletes alike – but what should you know about them beforehand? Here you can find all the details about EAA powders and their effects.

What are EAA?

If you want to see results from your training as soon as possible, you need to stimulate muscle growth and support it with the right nutrients. Every athlete knows that protein is essential for this. Muscles are built from amino acids; a total of 20 proteinogenic amino acids are important for protein production. These amino acids are divided into essential and non-essential amino acids. 

• Essential amino acids: These include eight amino acids that are vital and cannot be produced by the body from other components. They must therefore be obtained through food to maintain all bodily functions. 
• Non-essential amino acids: These do not necessarily have to be obtained through food, as the body can synthesize them from essential amino acids and other building blocks. Nevertheless, these amino acids should also be consumed in sufficient quantities through food so that the body does not constantly have to draw on its amino acid pool and can function more efficiently.

It is important that all essential amino acids are consumed in a balanced amount through food. If even one essential amino acid is missing or present in insufficient quantities, the others cannot be used for protein and muscle building. In short: the desired effects of training would not occur. 

A look at the eight essential amino acids

So, which amino acids are among the eight EAAs we're talking about here? They are leucine, valine, and isoleucine, as well as lysine and phenylalanine. Threonine, methionine, and tryptophan complete the list of the eight EAAs. These three amino acids are also essential for infants and adolescents:

• Cysteine
• Tyrosine
• Arginine

Otherwise, only various metabolic disorders can necessitate the additional intake of non-essential amino acids. For example, if the conversion of certain essential amino acids into other amino acids does not proceed correctly. 

Semi-essential amino acids

Semi-essential amino acids are those that only become essential in certain situations—that is, temporarily—or due to illness, and must be obtained through diet or supplements. Histidine and arginine, for example, are needed by adolescents or during recovery, so they could become essential for a certain period.

EAAs in sports and bodybuilding

To effectively support muscle growth, you need all essential amino acids. For the reasons mentioned above, EAA supplements are very popular among athletes. Even if you generally maintain a balanced and healthy diet, it doesn't hurt to support muscle growth with appropriate supplementation. But essential amino acids aren't only important for strength and endurance sports: EAAs are also frequently used in medicine. Leucine, valine, and isoleucine occupy a special position among the essential amino acids: These are branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that can be directly metabolized in the muscles. Leucine serves to initiate muscle protein synthesis, while all other amino acids support this process throughout. Those who consume protein powder for muscle building should also pay attention to the product's quality. This means that it should contain all the necessary amino acids in sufficient quantities to optimally support muscle protein synthesis.

EAA intake and dosage

First of all, a balanced and healthy diet can generally cover your daily requirement of essential amino acids (EAAs). Those with increased daily needs due to intensive training can take an extra portion of EAAs before, during, or after their workout. EAA supplements are also very effective for improving the amino acid profile of various meals. The advantage is that all essential amino acids are consumed in sufficient quantities. Taking the supplement in the evening is also recommended to support regeneration during rest periods. We suggest a 13g serving with each of our products, taking into account that essential amino acids are already being consumed through a balanced diet. As a general guideline, users should consume between 10 and 20g per day – those who consume few EAAs through their diet can increase this dosage. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when taking the product.

Everything about the effects of EAA

EAAs are free amino acids that are more readily available to the body to support muscle protein synthesis. Why can the body absorb them so quickly? Because, unlike protein, amino acids don't need to be broken down first. EAAs replenish the amino acid pool very quickly, making them particularly effective immediately after intense strength training. EAAs are not only credited with promoting muscle protein synthesis, but they also serve as an alternative energy source and, among other things, stimulate the release of insulin (as is the case with leucine). 

Advantages of EAA powder

As mentioned earlier, the body can absorb EAAs in powder form more quickly than protein powder. This makes them particularly useful in cases of acute need. EAAs also seem to be easier on the stomach than protein powder. Those who want to obtain EAAs through a balanced diet can assume that they are present in various foods. Therefore, it should be easy to find suitable options for one's diet – which is another advantage. EAA powders as supplements are inexpensive, and their easy availability from many different manufacturers makes purchasing them even easier.

Vegan EAAs - are there suitable supplements? 

The ingredients in EAA powder don't necessarily have to be of animal origin – what's more important is that the EAAs are present in the necessary amounts and have been properly combined. Therefore, vegan EAA supplements are also an option. Our 4 Your Gainz Bro EAAs, for example, are made exclusively from plant-based raw materials and are thus suitable for vegans! Anyone wanting to buy vegan EAA powder should, of course, pay attention to quality and ensure that the EAAs are present in appropriate amounts. Our products meet the highest quality standards, so you can't go wrong with them. If you'd like to explore further, you can also take a closer look at the test winner from Supplement-Bewertung.de.

EAA or BCAA

EAA powders typically contain all essential amino acids, providing athletes with a good foundation for muscle growth. Manufacturers often also offer powders that additionally provide the three semi-essential amino acids, resulting in even better results. BCAA supplements, on the other hand, only contain the three semi-essential amino acids and therefore don't provide everything needed for an anabolic effect. For this reason, it's generally better to focus on EAAs. BCAAs, however, are useful as a supplement – ​​for example, to enhance protein shakes or for other purposes. Because the BCAA pool is usually depleted after an intense workout, the time after training is ideal for taking appropriate supplements. BCAAs can quickly replenish the amino acid pool and support muscle protein synthesis.

EAA capsules

EAA capsules are also available, making it easier to take them on the go. In most cases, they don't contain sweeteners. Swallowing them means there's no aftertaste – however, EAA capsules and tablets aren't without their drawbacks. Only a few brands offer this form of EAA. Another issue is that you have to swallow several capsules or tablets to achieve the correct dosage. This is not only inconvenient but can also be quite bothersome. Most users therefore much prefer a flavored EAA drink. This can be mixed in just a few minutes and enjoyed like a refreshing beverage, thus encouraging increased fluid intake and ensuring adequate hydration. 

Buy EAA powder

At BPS-Pharma, we understand the importance of the right quality standards – and our EAA powders meet the highest requirements. We generally offer EAA powders in 12 different flavors, so there's something for everyone. These currently include varieties such as:

• Peached Ice Tea
• Lemon Lime
• Woodruff
• Bubble Gum

Our EAA powder can also be helpful for weight loss: Those on a diet need to protect their muscle mass. Otherwise, it can be broken down, and the hard-earned muscles won't be as visible. This is because the body burns not only fat during this phase, but unfortunately also muscle mass. This is something most sports enthusiasts and bodybuilders don't want. EAAs prevent this effect and keep muscle protein synthesis going. MCT and saffron extract are also beneficial ingredients that support a ketogenic diet, offering users significant added value. Vitamins B6 and B12 are also included for comprehensive support. The amino acids are derived from plant-based raw materials through fermentation. This makes BPS-Pharma EAA powder ideal for vegans. Furthermore, users can rest assured that it is a sugar-free product, using only sweeteners. Our EAA powder is also available in sample packs, perfect if you'd like to try the different flavors and find your favorite. Each pack contains a single serving, allowing you to fully experience the taste.

Are side effects to be expected?

No side effects from EAA powder have been reported to date. Even when used in high quantities, EAAs appear to offer no disadvantages for the user. However, it is important to ensure adequate fluid intake and to use the amount of EAAs recommended by the manufacturer. It is also advisable to ensure that your diet is as balanced and healthy as possible to provide sufficient EAAs through other means.

Additionally, focus on the right foods

Even if you've optimally equipped yourself with the best EAA powder, you should know which foods can cover your daily EAA needs. Ultimately, a balanced diet is still essential. A combination of these animal and plant-based foods is beneficial for achieving a good amino acid profile:

• Chicken, salmon, eggs and pork
• Milk, cheese, turkey meat and lamb
• Soybeans, rolled oats, peanuts, sesame seeds, seaweed
• Lentils, peas and kidney beans

Ingredients like these can be used to create a varied diet that provides all essential amino acids and thus prevents the breakdown of hard-earned muscle mass. 

Summary

So, what can be said in conclusion?  EAAs are a valuable supplement that can be helpful during diets and muscle building in intensive training phases. Whether in powder or capsule form, these essential amino acid supplements ensure athletes receive all the important EAAs in sufficient quantities. With BPS-Pharma, users can rely on high quality and flavors that pack a punch and cater to every taste. For quick and easy absorption, EAAs are even a suitable alternative to protein shakes, making them a must-have in every supplement collection. The generally more budget-friendly price is another reason to choose EAA powder.