In the big family of amino acids, two supplements come up often: BCAAs and EAAs. They look alike, but they do not meet exactly the same needs.
BCAAs: three targeted amino acids
BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) are leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are mostly used to reduce the effects of muscle catabolism and support recovery during long or intense efforts.
EAAs: the whole family
EAAs include all the essential amino acids — the ones the body cannot make and must get from food. To build muscle, the body needs all of them at the same time. EAAs are therefore a source of amino acids involved in muscle protein synthesis.
How to choose?
- Your priority is muscle gain: EAA are the way to go.
- You do long sessions or endurance sports: IBCAA G06, sipped during exercise, are a classic.
- You already eat enough protein: a complete protein after training covers most of your amino acid needs.
In every case, these supplements complement a balanced diet — they do not replace it.
