Essential Amino Acids

Daniel Maroun
Jun 26, 2022
1 min read

Essential Amino Acids (EAA) are amino acids that our bodies are unable to produce on their own, making it crucial to obtain them from our diet or with the help of EAA or protein supplements.

Studies have shown that taking EAAs before or during your workout can support greater muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and anabolism.

When looking to acquire an EAA supplement, avoid brands that have proprietary blends and look for a high leucine content (three grams and up).

Listed below are the nine essential amino acids and their functions within the body.

Histidine: Immune function, nerve protection, enzyme production, and regulating and metabolizing trace elements.
Isoleucine: Immunity, protein metabolism, hemoglobin synthesis, and glucose transportation.
Leucine: Cell signaling, MPS, blood sugar regulation, and the production of human growth hormone (HGH).
Lysine: Calcium ingestion, collagen production, hormone and enzyme assembly, and elastin formation.
Methionine: The metabolic process, zinc and selenium absorption, and the commencement of protein synthesis.
Phenylalanine: Protein synthesis, catecholamines, melanin formation, L-tyrosine biosynthesis, and involvement in the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine creation
Threonine: Fat metabolism, immune function, vital to the nervous system, and an important component of systemic proteins like collagen and tooth enamel.
Tryptophan: Melatonin, serotonin, and niacin (vitamin B3).
Valine: Muscle growth and restoration, energy production, protein synthesis, and a precursor in the penicillin biosynthetic pathway.