If you are already using a complete protein powder, taking essential amino acid (EAA) supplements might still offer additional benefits, depending on your specific health and fitness goals. Below are some reasons why someone might choose to take EAA supplements in addition to consuming complete protein powders:
- Enhanced Muscle Preservation and Synthesis: EAAs, especially in free-form supplements, can be quickly absorbed and utilized by the body. This can be particularly beneficial for preserving muscle mass during calorie deficits or intense training periods.
- Improved Recovery and Reduced Muscle Soreness: EAA supplements can aid in reducing muscle soreness and speeding up recovery after exercise, which might not be as effectively addressed by protein powders alone.
- Convenience and Caloric Control: EAA supplements are often low in calories compared to protein powders, making them a convenient option for those looking to manage their caloric intake while still supporting muscle and overall health.
- Specific Health Needs: Some individuals might have specific health conditions or dietary restrictions that make it challenging to get all necessary amino acids from diet alone. In such cases, EAA supplements can help ensure adequate intake.
Ultimately, whether or not to take EAA supplements in addition to a complete protein powder depends on individual dietary needs, health goals, and lifestyle. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Great questions and thanks for your interest! I've provided some additional information re: essential amino acids below. Kelly does plan to release a new podcast episode and additional content to help customers better understand the product, but in the meantime please take a look here and hopefully that gives you enough guidance on if and when you decide to use essential amino acids. More to come soon!
Why supplement with essential amino acids?
If you’re into wellness, you probably regularly eat wild caught salmon or grass fed beef and take a daily omega capsule, right? You consume foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, but also know how compelling the science around the benefits of supplementing with it are, too.
Same story with amino acids and protein. Yes, your diet should be high in clean, whole food proteins, including protein powders like mine, but you can also benefit from supplementing with amino acids directly!
Supplementing with amino acids lets you quickly absorb the maximum benefits of protein. In fact, supplementation with one 6.5g serving of Be Well Essential Amino Acids is just as effective at protein synthesis as supplementation with 160g of whey protein! Source
EAAs, especially leucine, play a pivotal role in activating the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, which is essential for Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS). This pathway helps to increase the production of muscle proteins, thus counteracting the muscle degradation that can occur post-menopause due to lower estrogen levels.
Benefits of Essential Amino Acids
Essential Amino Acids help build and repair proteins within the body…
Proteins – composed of one or more chains of amino acids – activate most chemical reactions in the body. They regulate gene expression, make up the major structural elements of all cells, regulate the immune system, and form the major constituents of muscle tissue. Every aspect of bodily function relies heavily on proteins. Source
Essential amino acids also serve neurotransmitters, hormones, and aid in modulation of countless physiological processes. They can be used strategically to manipulate energy balance, resulting in changes in fat mass and body weight. Source
Some of the many roles amino acids play within the body include:
- Protein synthesis, or simply, the creation of proteins within the body
- Growth and repair of tissues, including collagen and elastin (hello, antiaging!)
- Repairing and rebuilding muscles – an ongoing process in everyone, but demands are higher in those who exercise
- Blood sugar regulation
- Balancing and supporting immune function
- Synthesizing neurotransmitters and hormones
- Energy production and fat metabolism
- Regulation of digestion, sleep, and sexual function
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.