THE BEST AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS

Amino acids are compounds that are essential in helping your body build proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters. They’re primarily prevalent in protein-rich foods like meat, fish and soybeans but can be taken in supplement form to enhance your mood and athletic performance (Kabuda, J. 2022).

Nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen form the four fundamental compounds of amino acids. Your body requires 20 different amino acids to actually function properly, with only 9 of those classified as essential (Kabuda, J. 2022).

So that you know what amino acids to look for in the ingredients when you’re shopping for supplements, here are the nine most essential amino acids:

• Phenylalanine
• Valine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Methionine
• Leucine
• Isoleucine
• Lysine
• Histidine

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a number of crucial roles in the functionality of your body. When you consume protein, it is broken down into amino acids in the gut, which are used to fuel your body, build muscle, repair tissue, synthesise hormones, boost your immune system and perform a range of other biological processes (Radhakrishnan, R. 2020).

All amino acids follow the same basic structure, which is confusing to explain, but we’ll do our best. Keep reading…

Each molecule has a central carbon atom that is linked with four different groups; a basic amino group, a carboxylic acid group, a hydrogen atom group and an R-group (or side-chain group). The R-group is what makes each molecule unique. While the other three groups are common to all amino acids, the R-group determines the chemical nature of each amino acid (Ahern, A et al. 2021).

There is also another form of amino acids known as ‘branched-chain amino acids or ‘BCAAs’, which has aliphatic side chains with a branch, while regular amino acids are organic compounds that contain the four amine groups that we mentioned above (Madhu. 2018).

Of the great conveniences of amino acids is that they can be taken whenever you like. You can take them before, during or after training, combine them with a protein shake, consume them between meals or really any other way that you can imagine.

Keeping this in mind, the best time to take it may also depend on your goals. For instance, if you’re using amino acids to enhance your recovery, then taking them after training or combining it with your post-workout protein shake may yield the best results (Sunshine Biopharma. 2022).

If you have never heard of amino acids or branched-chain amino acids before reading this blog, we’ll help you find the best starter supplements to help you get the best out of what you’re looking for.

For the best start imaginable, Optimum Nutrition’s Essential Amino Energy is one of the most versatile amino acid supplements on offer at ASN and contains an optimal amount of rapid, free-form amino acids.

If you want an amino acid that can enhance your recovery, energy and focus, then once again, Essential Amino Energy is here to support you.

If you’d like an alternative, you can boost your hydration, recovery and performance if you get on The Grind, a vegan-friendly recipe designed to improve your restoration with a blend of BCAAs and EAAs.

It’s no coincidence that we’re mentioning it for the third time, but Essential Amino Energy is seriously fantastic! It utilises a natural energy compound, contains 5g of amino acids per serve and comes in 12 delicious flavours. Seriously, you had us at 12 delicious flavours to choose from!

Alternatively, if you’re after a fast-absorbing vegan-friendly formula, Veego Amino Acids is an electrolyte-charged BCAA & EAA recipe that helps to reduce fatigue and increase muscle synthesis.

For the best results in muscle growth, Xtend BCAA’s can accelerate your results, promoting muscle synthesis and reducing fatigue with its well-renowned formula that is delivered in the research-backed 2:1:1 ratio.

With muscle growth in mind, BCEAA Ultra by Body Science is designed with the intention to fuel your muscle growth and aid your recovery with an elite amino formula that is vegan-friendly and contains 5g of BCAA and 7g of EAA to give you the absolute best out of every scoop.

If you’re looking for an amino acid that can help you bring your body goals within reach, Amino Corps is a fast-absorbing formula that can help you lower your cortisol levels and improve your recovery while increasing your muscle protein synthesis with its plant-based blend.

Beyond EAA by EHP Labs is another great option if you’re looking to help those body goals become a reality. With a BCAA + EAA blend that promotes hydration, recovery and performance, this formula may be just what you need to get serious about your goals.

Amino acids are fantastic for recovery, but we want to highlight the best of the best to give you the best conditions for post-workout success.

BCAA Boost is excellent for recovery, offering 8g of BCAA’s per serving, as well as a blend of electrolytes and other nutrients to support tissue building and repair.

Additionally, BSC Essential Amino BCAA Fuel may help you reduce muscular fatigue and improve your recovery. With 23 vitamins and minerals, this HASTA-certified supplement is designed to restore you to your best self after an intense workout.

Evolve Damage Control is another amino remedy that can help you hit your recovery goals with a blueprint designed to increase muscle protein synthesis with the innovative PeptoPro formula and the world-renowned Ajinomoto aminos.

If you love a good run but need that extra kick to endure, then Ghost Amino could be perfect for you! Designed to improve your hydration and blood flow, this amino blend can also reduce fatigue and soreness after a long sprint.

To enhance your hydration while you’re running, R1 Train BCAAs can optimise your intensity, providing you with the electrolytes and BCAAs that you need to fuel you onwards. This formula is also stimulant and filler-free.

Another great option if you’re looking for a vegan formula is Amino Switch contains all 9 essential amino acids and is a highly effective way to support your workout performance, recovery and success.

Perfect for athletes of all levels, Optimum Nutrition’s Essential Amino Energy is designed for rapid absorption and can be consumed at any time of the day. With BCAAs to assist in muscle building and Arginine to promote a more intense pump, this performance, energy and recovery formula is one of the best in the business.

If you haven’t incorporated amino acids into your health regime, it’s not too late to start now! You may think your post-workout protein shake is all you need to increase your recovery, but we think otherwise. The proof is in the pudding, or should we say amino acids. To get the best out of your performance and recovery, put your trust in amino acids. We certainly do.

If you need help finding the right amino acid supplement for your needs or are looking for more information, our friendly staff can help you out online or in-store at one of our 32 Australian stores.

Kubala, J. 2022, ‘Essential Amino Acids: Definition, Benefits, and Food Sources’, Healthline, accessed 4 October 2022, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/essential-amino-acids

Radhakrishnan, R. 2020, ‘What Do Amino Acids Do?’ MedicineNet, accessed 4 October 2022, https://www.medicinenet.com/what_do_amino_acids_do/article.htm

Ahern, K et al. 2021, ‘2.2: Structure & Function - Amino Acids’, LibreTexts, accessed 4 October 2022, https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Biochemistry/Book%3A_Biochemistry_Free_For_All_(Ahern_Rajagopal_and_Tan)/02%3A_Structure_and_Function/202%3A_Structure__Function_-_Amino_Acids

Madhu. 2018, ‘Difference Between BCAA and Amino Acids’, Difference Between, accessed 4 October 2022, https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-bcaa-and-amino-acids/#:~:text=BCAA%20is%20a%20form%20of,and%20a%20specific%20side%20chain

Sunshine Biopharma. 2022, ‘When And How To Take An Amino Acid Supplement’, Sunshine Biopharma, accessed 4 October 2022, https://sunshinebiopharma.com/when-and-how-to-take-an-amino-acid-supplement/#:~:text=The%20beauty%20of%20taking%20an,before%2C%20during%20or%20after%20training