EAAs vs BCAAs: What’s the Difference?
EAAs and BCAAs are two of the most common amino acid supplements used in sports nutrition. They are often taken during or after workouts and are popular with people who train regularly in the gym.
Because the names are similar, many people wonder what the difference is between them and whether one is better than the other. While they are closely related, there are some important distinctions.
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They play an important role in muscle growth, recovery and overall health. There are 20 amino acids in total, but nine of them are considered essential amino acids. These are called essential because the body cannot produce them itself, meaning they must come from food or supplements.
What Are BCAAs?
BCAA stands for branched-chain amino acids. This refers to three specific essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine.
BCAA supplements typically provide these three amino acids in concentrated form. They are widely used in sports nutrition and are commonly found in powdered drink mixes that can be consumed during training.
Many athletes choose BCAA supplements as part of their workout nutrition routine, particularly during longer training sessions.
What Are EAAs?
EAA supplements contain all nine essential amino acids required by the body. In addition to the three BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine), they also include lysine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and histidine.
Because EAAs provide the full range of essential amino acids, they are sometimes considered a more complete amino acid supplement.
EAA vs BCAA – Key Differences
The main difference between the two is simply the number of amino acids included. BCAA supplements contain three essential amino acids, while EAA supplements contain all nine essential amino acids.
Both types of supplements are widely used in sports nutrition products and are often taken around workouts as part of a training routine.
Because EAAs provide the full range of essential amino acids, they are sometimes considered a more complete amino acid supplement.
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between EAAs and BCAAs often comes down to personal preference and how someone structures their overall nutrition plan. Some people prefer BCAA formulas during workouts, while others choose EAA products that provide the full spectrum of essential amino acids.
Both types are commonly available as flavoured powders designed to be mixed with water and consumed during training.
Amino Acid Supplements at The Supplement Store
If you're looking for amino acid supplements to support your training, you can explore our full range of amino acid supplements available at The Supplement Store.
Popular options include BCAA and EAA formulas from brands such as CNP Professional, Applied Nutrition, Dorian Yates Nutrition, PER4M and Mutant.
Popular BCAA Supplements:
Applied Nutrition BCAA Amino Hydrate - sugar free amino acid and electrolyte drink. Also contains citrulline malate.
Xtend Original BCAA - 7g of BCAA per serving in the classic 2:1:1 ratio with electrolytes and zero sugar.
Popular EAA Supplements:
CNP Loaded EAA - full spectrum essential aminos with bioperine and astragin to increase bioavailability and absorption, with a range of unique flavours.
Per4m EAA Xtra - Provides 11g of Total Aminos per serving, including 5g of BCAAs in Per4m signature delicious flavours.
