What are eaas?

EAAs, or essential amino acids, are amino acids that your body cannot synthesize on its own. Therefore, they must be obtained through your diet. Proteins are composed of amino acids, and there are both essential and nonessential types. Essential amino acids are crucial because your body needs them for various functions, including muscle repair and growth, but cannot produce them naturally.

When considering supplementation, essential amino acids can be beneficial, especially if your dietary protein intake is low. Supplementing with EAAs can enhance muscle building and recovery, particularly useful for people with diets low in protein such as vegans or individuals unable to meet their protein requirements from food alone. For those consuming adequate protein—about 0.6 to 1 gram per pound of body weight—additional EAA supplementation may not offer extra benefits 1.

Additionally, EAAs include branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are a subset of the essential amino acids. BCAAs have specific roles in muscle recovery and growth. However, the effectiveness of BCAAs in supplementation largely depends on overall protein intake 1.