Understanding When to Take EAA and BCAA Supplements

November 24, 2023

Image showing the concept of when to take EAA and BCAA supplements.

At LIV Body, we know how important protein is for supporting your health, fitness goals, and general sense of well-being.

High-quality protein is very important for supporting lean muscle and recovery.

The top two protein supplements we usually recommend are essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

But when is the optimal time to take EAA and BCAA supplements?

EAA and BCAA Supplements Explained

EAAs and BCAAs are two types of amino acids that provide unique benefits for your body. Understanding how they work can help determine the best time to take them.

Essential Amino Acids (EAA)

EAAs are amino acids that the body cannot produce, so they are gained through foods or supplements. EAAs support workout recovery and overall health (including muscle health). The nine essential amino acids include:

Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)

BCAAs are a type of EAA that includes leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which fuels the body. BCAAs are a large percentage of the amino acids that directly support muscle function. They help prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue and promote muscle protein synthesis.

The Benefits of EAA and BCAA Supplements for Your Body

Image of a woman grabbing a shaker cup with EAAs and BCAAs.

Both EAA and BCAA offer unique benefits when combined. They can:

Boost muscle protein synthesis
Support lean muscle building
Enhance workout performance
Reduce exercise fatigue
Speed up post-workout recovery

Basically, EAAs and BCAAs are vital for building, repairing, and maintaining new muscle tissue.

Pre-Workout: Getting the Best Workout Session

So, when should you take these supplements?

Take 5-10 grams of EAAs and BCAAs 30 minutes before your workout. These amino acids supply energy ~~and produce protein~~, enhancing training performance.

Post-Workout: Speeding Up Recovery

Within 30 minutes after your workout, take at least 10 grams of EAAs and 5-10 grams of BCAAs. This helps to replenish amino acids, prevent muscle breakdown, and accelerate recovery.

How Do EAA and BCAA Supplements Work Together?

A person jogging on a treadmill, fueled by the power of EAAs and BCAAs.

BCAAs directly stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and an EAA supplement provides the other amino acids needed. Together, EAAs and BCAAs offer the essentials for better muscle recovery. BCAAs drive quick muscle healing, while EAAs help with protein synthesis over time.

LIV Body's BCAA + EAA Options:

LIV Body offers quality BCAA and EAA supplements.

BCAA w/Collagen

Our BCAA w/ Collagen provides BCAAs (2:1:1 ratio) plus collagen peptides to support muscle recovery and overall health.

These BCAAs help reduce muscle soreness and rebuild lean muscle tissue, while the collagen strengthens bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

With a delicious Blue Raspberry Lemonade flavor, it provides clean, high-quality amino acids to refuel your body post-workout.

Key features:

5 grams of BCAAs (2:1:1 leucine, valine and isoleucine) per serving
2 grams of collagen hydrolyzed bovine per serving
Supports muscle growth and joint health
Speeds up workout recovery
It mixes easily and tastes great

BCAA/EAA Intra Workout

Our BCAA/EAA Intra Workout delivers a powerful blend of BCAAs, EAAs, and Himalayan pink sea salt to provide your body with energy during workouts. The vegan-friendly formula offers hydrating electrolytes to boost endurance and reduce fatigue. With a refreshing flavor like Patriot Pop, it helps you gain and maintain energy for those days when you want to go further.

Key features:

5 grams Amino Blend Vegan (Amino9™)
3 grams L-Citrulline~~Citrulline-L~~ DL-Malate (2:1)
Hydrating electrolytes from Himalayan sea salt
Supports energy, endurance, and muscle growth
Helps reduce fatigue and muscle breakdown

Amino Acid FAQ

What are the side effects of taking EAA and BCAA?

EAA and BCAA supplements are generally well-tolerated when taken as recommended. Potential side effects may include upset stomach, increased blood sugar, and increased ammonia levels. It's best to start with smaller doses, stay hydrated, and consult a doctor.

Can I take EAA and BCAA on rest days?

Yes, take 5-10 grams of EAAs and BCAAs on rest days to support ongoing muscle recovery. While critical around workouts, amino acids also help maintain muscle on rest days.