Whether you are a bodybuilder, weekend warrior, or everyday fitness guru, gaining muscle is of utmost importance. There are many ways to increase hypertrophy, and one of those tactics is to add amino acids to your arsenal. In saying that, there is a question that comes to mind: Are BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) better than EAAs (Essential Amino Acids)? Though getting enough protein is an important way to build muscle, the 20 amino acids are vital to build building blocks for new tissue and cells. From the 20, only nine of them are considered essential. EAAs—as they are called—get their name because the body cannot manufacture them on its own. Mostly consumed by food, these nine EAAs include isoleucine, threonine, lysine, histidine, methionine, tryptophan, threonine, valine, and phenylalanine.
Though most EAAs can be consumed by daily food, there are powerful supplements that can help you build muscle. Another form of amino acids used to boost workouts involves BCAA supplements (Branched-Chain Amino Acids). BCAAs contain only three EAAs, but they bypass the liver and go directly to the muscles. In other words, they are broken down in muscle tissue instead of the liver. Though most workout gurus and bodybuilders see BCAAs as more widely used and popular, EAAs actually are the complete version of BCAAs.
If you think about what EAA supplements offer (nine EAAs compared to just three with BCAAs), EAAs are considered more effective in regards to building muscles and recovering from intense workouts. So just what are the positives and negatives of BCAAs? Branched-Chain Amino Acids are known to boost energy before workouts, support muscle-building, and also used as a post-workout solution to muscle recovery. Additionally, this powerful amino acid can also increase strength gains. In particular, Leucine, helps improve muscle synthesis, which can be responsible for significant muscle gain. In fact, according to Frontiers in Physiology, Leucine can help enhance muscle protein synthesis by up to 22%. What does this mean? The more you improve muscle synthesis, the more muscle you gain! It is also important to note that when you have only three amino acids, you are limiting your muscle gain. When comparing the two (BCAAs and EAAs), EAAs are more complete—which can lead to more muscle gain.
Additionally, BCAAs are not as effective with exercise compared to EAAs. You also have better protein synthesis response with EAAs, thus leading to more muscle gain. Plus, EAAs fare better than BCAAs in helping muscle fatigue and improving training sessions. That said EAAs are more likely to benefit those who don’t reach their daily recommended grams of protein.
Now there is a ground-breaking new product to boost your muscle gains, from PVL!
With nine essential amino acids, and three known as BCAAs, PVL’s EAA + BCAA COMPLETE will improve growth and recovery. It’s that simple! This superior product has the addition of L-Arginine, which helps in supporting amino acid transport. PVL’s amino acid complete blend is stimulant-free, contains energizing B-vitamins, and has five electrolytes that is bolstered with a 100% dose of the patented absorption agent, BioPerine so you can be equipped to tolerate hard-knocking workouts. With 10 B-vitamins and electrolytes, 8 grams of total aminos, no sugars, zero caffeine, and no carbs, you can enjoy the great-tasting flavors of tropical punch and sweet tea. What’s more is having a product that has nine of these essential amino acids helps increase muscle protein synthesis up to a whopping 50%! This is what ECAA + BCAA COMPLETE does. Moreover, the advance 10 amino formula keeps the muscles and amino acids intact so you can overcome the stress that comes with high-intense workouts.
Are you ready for total muscle growth and recovery?