What's the Difference Between BCAA's & EAA's?

BCAA stands for branched-chain amino acids and refers to three specific amino acids - leucine, isoleucine, and valine. EAA stands for essential amino acids and refers to the nine amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet or supplementation.

The Differences Between BCAA and EAA

The key difference between BCAA's and EAA's is that BCAA's are a subset of EAA's, meaning they are three specific amino acids out of the nine essential ones. BCAA's are necessary for muscle protein synthesis and energy production during exercise, while EAA's are needed for various physiological functions such as muscle growth and repair, immune function, and hormone synthesis.

Therefore, EAA's are considered more important than BCAA's because they provide a complete array of essential amino acids required for optimal health and performance.

Both BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) and EAAs (essential amino acids) are important for muscle growth and recovery. BCAAs are made up of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, while EAAs include the three BCAAs plus the other six essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body.

BCAAs are often used as a supplement to help reduce muscle breakdown during exercise and improve recovery time. They are also known for their ability to increase muscle protein synthesis, which can lead to improved muscle growth.

EAAs, on the other hand, are considered the building blocks of muscle protein and can support overall muscle growth. They play a crucial role in the formation of new muscle tissue and minimizing muscle breakdown.

While both BCAAs and EAAs can be beneficial, it's generally recommended to consume EAAs as they provide a complete profile of all essential amino acids needed for optimal muscle growth and recovery.

When to Consume

The best time to consume BCAA's and EAA's will depend on your individual fitness goals. However, here are some general guidelines:

1. Pre-Workout: Consuming BCAAs or EAAs before your workout can help improve muscle growth, reduce fatigue, and increase energy levels during exercise.

2. Intra-Workout: Sipping on BCAAs or EAAs during your workout can help prevent muscle breakdown and enhance recovery.

3. Post-Workout: Consuming BCAAs or EAAs after your workout can help kick-start the muscle repair and recovery process.

It's important to note that while both BCAAs and EAAs offer similar benefits, EAAs provide a more complete amino acid profile, making them a superior option for muscle recovery and growth.

Contact us by email or phone to consult with our trained professionals. We are here for you every step of your journey. 

Lift heavy, live healthy, and stay strong.