What is the difference between BCAA's and EAA's?

Hi Liz.

Well for starters the BCAA's only consist of 3 of the 8 essential amino acids and those three are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine which are used primarily for growth, repair of muscle and thus recover optimally from exercise. BCAA's however are not a complete protein like an EAA is.

The EAA's are required for complete protein synthesis and actually also contain BCAA's as well but may have a smaller quantity as opposed to a BCAA product.

Studies have shown that EAA's are much better utilized by the body pre-training and a high requirement for BCAA's is needed post-workout to help speed up the recovery process.

Hi Richard,
Would you say that taking EAA's before training and BCAA's after would be the most effective way to take Amino Acids? I struggle with recovery, for example leg day was Saturday and it's Tuesday today and my quads are still really sore. I have been keeping up with my balanced diet and supplement intake of BCAA's, Whey Protein and Multivitamins.
Many thanks,
Patrick.

Hi Patrick,

You are best taking EAAs before and whey protein after. A benefit of BCAAs or EAAs added to the whey protein after training has not been proven. However, adding leucine (a BCAA that is also an EAA) may have benefits, as it is the amino acid that has the most direct effect on stimulating the muscle-building process.