EAA and BCAA Amino Acids

Some protein sources in our diet contain a significant amount of essential amino acids, while others do not. Generally, we consider animal protein sources to be biologically more significant for humans because they provide our bodies with a greater amount of essential amino acids.

The biological significance of protein is currently assessed using the DIAAS method (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score), which evaluates the digestibility of indispensable amino acids, influenced by the presence of a limiting amino acid in a specific protein or protein blend in relation to its involvement in all processes occurring in the human body.

EAA = Essential Amino Acid, meaning essential amino acids are those that the human body cannot produce (synthesize). Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, are synthesized by the human body in limited amounts, approximately 30–40 g per day for an average person. From this, it follows that both essential and non-essential amino acids must be obtained through diet, but naturally, greater emphasis is placed on essential amino acids in intake.

Essential amino acids include:

L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, and L-valine, with three of them – L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine – classified as branched-chain essential amino acids, known as BCAA.

Amino acids are needed and utilized by every cell in the body. In the digestive system, proteins from food are broken down into individual amino acids, which are then reassembled into the types of proteins that our organism requires. The best way to ensure that you provide your body with the necessary amounts of all nine essential amino acids is to have the most varied diet possible without unnecessary extremes. However, in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we can observe various dietary deviations for different reasons: economic, personal, ethical, or health-related (veganism, diets, etc.).

Due to the fact that each protein source has a different amino acid spectrum, it is difficult to determine which amino acid is limiting in an individual's dietary pattern. Therefore, it is generally more appropriate for laypeople to supplement all essential amino acids rather than focusing on a specific one.

Comprehensive source of essential amino acids

A great source of all essential amino acids for humans is protein from dairy sources (for example, WHEY). If you choose a biologically significant protein with a complex amino acid spectrum, rather than a product containing selected amino acids, aim for a product with a broader spectrum of essential amino acids in an optimal ratio, such as the dietary supplement EAA Mega Strong Powder (a benefit for some is that it is dairy-free and lactose-free).

The product EAA Mega Strong Powder contains all essential amino acids, including BCAA, and offers vitamins B5, B6, B12, D and zinc. The mentioned B vitamins contribute, among other things, to energy metabolism, and vitamin D contributes to normal muscle function. From this perspective, the product can be useful not only for athletes. The combination of EAA and additional BCAA is also not necessary for an average individual with a regular diet for the reasons mentioned above.