In the fitness world, essential amino acid supplements have gained much attention due to their ability to help support performance from multiple angles. Even though they’ve grown in popularity, many myths and misconceptions about these supplements persist.
In today’s article, we’re going to dive into some of the most common myths about EAA supplements and reveal the truth behind them.
Myth #1: EAAs and BCAAs are the same
By far one of the biggest misconceptions is that EAAs and BCAAs are the exact same – that is absolutely not the case. While Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), consisting of Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine, are also considered essential amino acids, they’re not the complete package.
Essential amino acids include BCAAs, but they contain nine different amino acids that the body can’t produce by itself. Because of this, they’re considered to be much more effective when it comes to boosting muscle protein synthesis, as you’re getting all the necessary aminos.
BCAAs are good, but EAAs are, without a doubt, even better. Don’t fall for this misconception!
Myth 2: EAA Supplements Are Only For Bodybuilders
Another common myth is that EAA supplements should only be taken by bodybuilders or those looking to pack on a lot of muscle mass. That is incorrect – while they are indeed very beneficial for building lean muscle tissue, they’re valuable for more than just bodybuilders.
If you’re someone that is physically active, EAA supplements can be beneficial to you. That’s because they help prevent muscle breakdown and enhance recovery, so that means anybody that is remotely physically active can benefit from them.
Even if you’re someone who’s looking to lose weight but wants to hold onto their muscle mass, EAAs can step in to assist you. They help preserve muscle mass, so if you’re looking to lose weight, you can even look into taking them. Long story short, they’re a valuable supplement for anyone who’s into fitness or simply looking to improve overall health.
Myth 3: EAAs Are Only Necessary Post-Workout
”EAAs are only needed after you’ve finished working out” is another quote we often hear. While they’re often taken post-workout, they can also be beneficial when they’re taken at other times of the day.
For example, taking an EAA supplement before working out can help reduce your muscle breakdown, support exercise performance and even boost your endurance. Other individuals may choose to take essential amino acids in between meals to maintain a steady supply of amino acids throughout the day. This can be helpful if you’re going without food for a certain time.
By consuming EAAs, your helping your body improve muscle protein synthesis (MPS) which can be extremely beneficial for your overall performance, regardless of when they’re taken.
The Bottom Line
There’s a good reason why EAA supplements have become so widely used, and it’s because they’ve got plenty of benefits that range beyond building muscle and bodybuilding. They can be valuable for all types of athletes.
By debunking these myths and misconceptions, we hope you can now better understand the true versatility and importance of EAA supplements.