At Best-Supps, you'll find a complete range of amino acids, including EAA, BCAA, and individual amino acids in powder or capsule form from international premium brands – ideal if you're looking for a light, fruity amino acid drink to accompany your workout or a change of flavor from plain water. On this page, you'll not only find the right selection but also guidance on the basics of amino acids, the differences between EAA and BCAA, individual amino acids, intake recommendations, target groups, purchase criteria, as well as popular brands and useful supplements. Many athletes value amino acids as concentrated protein building blocks for the development and maintenance of the body's own structures, and at the same time as a practical, easily drinkable supplement during training. Discover the selection below and find the amino acids that suit your training.
What are amino acids?
Amino acids are the smallest building blocks of protein. When many amino acids combine to form long chains, a protein is created – conversely, the body breaks down ingested protein back into individual amino acids to build its own structures. They are thus involved in countless processes in the body.
A distinction is made between essential and non-essential amino acids. Non-essential ones can be produced by the body itself; essential ones, however, cannot – they must be supplied through food. This is precisely where amino acid products come in: they provide these building blocks in a concentrated, easily dosable form. As "aminos," "amino acids," or simply "amino acids," they are part of the range of products for many athletes around training.
EAA – Essential Amino Acids
EAA stands for "Essential Amino Acids." These are the nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce itself and therefore must absorb through food: leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and histidine. They are thus involved in countless processes in the body. Amino acids are important for the formation of enzymes and hormones, and proteins also play an important role in the immune system. Some amino acids are also precursors for neurotransmitters that regulate mood. An EAA product provides all nine in one drink.
Because they cover the complete spectrum of essential building blocks, EAAs have become the most popular amino category in recent years. Many people drink them during sports training or throughout the day. Such food supplements are usually available as a fruity powder to mix with water.
The practical appeal: EAAs result in a light, refreshing drink that is easy to consume during a long training session and provides variety to plain water. Especially those who train intensively or for a long time like to reach for a fruity EAA drink as a companion throughout the session to meet their needs and support muscle growth.
BCAA – Branched-Chain Amino Acids for Muscle Building
BCAA stands for "Branched Chain Amino Acids." This refers to three of the nine essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. EAAs are also important for hormone production and immune defense. They are often offered in the classic 2:1:1 ratio and are the classic among amino supplements, long before EAAs became popular.
BCAAs are also available as a fruity powder or capsules and are often used around training. Since BCAAs only cover three of the essential amino acids, many today also use or instead use EAAs with the complete profile, because they can promote muscle growth and accelerate regeneration – but for the classic BCAA, there is still a loyal fan base. An insufficient supply of EAA can also contribute to muscle weakness.
EAA vs. BCAA – the difference
The core difference is simple: BCAAs contain three essential amino acids, EAAs all nine. The BCAAs include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Especially BCAA leucine is considered an important impulse generator for protein synthesis, and BCAAs make up about 35% of the musculature and thus support the supply of muscles around training. BCAAs are therefore a subset of EAAs. Both are used similarly – as a fruity drink around training – but differ in the extent of the amino acid profile.
BCAAs are metabolized directly in the muscles. For leucine, the WHO recommends a guideline of 39 mg per kg body weight daily, which corresponds to about 2.7 g per day for a 70 kg person.
EAA and BCAA at a glance
Feature | EAA (Essential Amino Acids) | BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) |
|---|---|---|
Stands for | Essential Amino Acids | Branched-Chain Amino Acids |
Amino Acids Included | All 9 essential amino acids | 3 amino acids: L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine |
Profile | Complete | Subset of EAAs |
Typical Use | Intra-workout, throughout the day | Around training |
Classification | More modern, comprehensive choice | Classic with three amino acids |
Individual Amino Acids
In addition to EAA and BCAA, there are individual amino acids as separate products that are supplemented specifically. These include, for example, L-Glutamine, L-Arginine, or L-Citrulline. They are taken purely depending on preference or are already part of combination products such as EAA mixtures or boosters. The contents of each product are listed on the ingredients list.
Some people specifically combine individual amino acids with their other supplements, others prefer ready-made complexes in which several amino acids are already sensibly put together. Both approaches are common – the ready-made mixture is the simpler entry, individual amino acids give more scope for individual composition.
When and how are amino acids taken?
Amino acids are usually mixed with water in a shaker and result in a light, fruity drink. Intake during training (intra-workout) is particularly popular, as it allows for good drinking over a longer session. Intake throughout the day or around training is also possible. Capsules are a practical alternative for on the go.
The exact serving size and recommended intake time are on the respective product packaging – for specific dosing, follow the manufacturer's instructions. More is not automatically better: appropriate amounts are sufficient for the desired effect, and especially with BCAAs, an overdose can entail health risks. Paying attention to sufficient fluid intake during training is always sensible.
Who are amino acids suitable for?
Amino acid products are particularly popular in strength and fitness sports. They are aimed at anyone who appreciates a light, fruity drink with amino acids around their workout – for example, as a companion through a long session or as a flavorful alternative to plain water. People who want to make their day more varied with a low-calorie, aromatic drink also like to use them.
Important for classification: Anyone who already consumes enough protein through their diet and protein powder generally covers their amino acid needs. The German Nutrition Society recommends 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight daily. For strength athletes and other active sports enthusiasts, the requirement is often between 1.2 and 2 g per kg, depending on the intensity. Amino acid products are then an optional extra – practical and popular, but not a must. Protein powder remains the basis for the basic supply of protein.
Buying amino acids – what should you look out for?
A few criteria will help you find the right product for you.
EAA or BCAA
First, decide whether you want the complete profile (EAA) or the classic trio (BCAA). EAAs are the more comprehensive choice, BCAAs are the proven classic for muscle building and maintaining muscle mass during training, when it comes to building and limiting muscle breakdown as much as possible. A look at the ingredients list will show you the profile and dosage.
With or without caffeine
Some amino products – such as "Amino Energy" variants – also contain caffeine and are suitable as a light pick-me-up. If you want to drink the amino acids in the evening or without stimulants, choose a caffeine-free variant. A look at the label clarifies this.
Taste & Solubility
Amino acids thrive on refreshing taste. There are many fruity varieties; good solubility ensures a clear, pleasant drink. Premium brands score here with sophisticated recipes.
Brand & Quality
Reputable manufacturers stand for transparent information and good recipes. Especially with food supplements like EAA or BCAA, a careful evaluation of ingredients, origin, and dosage makes sense. At Best-Supps, we deliberately rely on international premium brands – you can see which ones these are in the amino sector in the next section. If you have questions about the selection, advice from a pharmacist can also be helpful.
Popular Amino Brands at Best-Supps
In the amino acid sector, several names have earned a solid reputation. These include Applied Nutrition with Amino Fuel, Optimum Nutrition with Amino Energy, and Ghost with its amino products. A popular product from the range is, for example. You can go directly to the manufacturer's complete range via the respective brand page.
Matching Categories & Useful Supplements
Amino acids complement the rest of your basic training equipment. For protein supply, Whey Protein and Whey Isolate are the foundation – protein shakes also contribute to protein supply and can help avoid muscle breakdown in a calorie deficit; protein powder already provides a complete amino acid profile. Creatine is a suitable daily basic supplement, and if you're looking for an extra kick before training, you'll find it with Pre-Workout Boosters. For on the go, Protein Bars are a practical protein source.
Quality, Storage & Shelf Life
You can recognize a high-quality amino product by a transparent ingredient list with clear dosages, good solubility, and a stable taste. High-quality nutritional supplements should also provide clear information for dosage forms such as powders, capsules, or tablets. Established premium brands stand for consistent quality.
For storage: store powder dry, sealed, and protected from heat and moisture so that it remains free-flowing and aromatic. It's best to mix a portion fresh. The best-before date and storage instructions can be found on the respective packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amino Acids (FAQ)
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The body cannot produce essential amino acids itself and must take them in through food, as it continuously needs a fresh supply from foods or other protein sources. Amino products deliver these building blocks in a dosable form.
EAA contain all nine essential amino acids, BCAA only three of them (leucine, isoleucine, valine). BCAA are thus a subset of the EAA. EAA are the more comprehensive choice, BCAA the classic one.
Particularly popular is taking them during training (intra-workout) as a fruity drink. Taking them spread across the day is also possible. Details are stated on the product packaging.
Protein powder already provides a complete amino acid profile. Complete proteins from foods like meat provide all nine essential amino acids, while plant sources are often specifically combined by comparison. Combinations of legumes and grains can sensibly complement the profile, and quinoa is considered a plant-based exception with a complete profile. Amino products are then an optional extra – above all as a light, fruity drink around training – and not a replacement for the protein base.
Yes. Variants like „Amino Energy“ additionally contain caffeine and serve as a light pick-me-up. If you don't want that, choose a caffeine-free variant.
Since BCAA are already contained in the EAA, an additional dose of BCAA alongside a complete EAA product is not necessary for most people. If you prefer the classic BCAA, simply use it on its own. For the specific combination, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Many amino products are obtained from plant-based fermentation and are vegan. Whether a particular product is vegan is stated on the packaging – a quick look at the label provides clarity.
Amino drinks are low in calories and a tasty alternative to sweet drinks, but they do not replace a diet. In sports and during diet phases, amino acids are often associated with maintaining the muscles and musculature as well as protecting against muscle loss, but what remains decisive for weight loss is the overall calorie and protein balance, not a single product.