Essential Amino Acids

Essential amino acid complex (EEAS)- Everything you need to know

If you’re new to supplements, you’ll probably find a range of jargon and technical terms on the product packaging, making you uncertain which one to choose and which is best for you.

One term you may have seen time and again is EEAS, essential amino acid groups.

The term may seem alien, but trust us, it’s not unknown to your body. 

EEAS support lean body mass and muscle strength, preserves fatigue, and supports different physiological functions and processes. They are synthesised by the body, and you can only get them through your diet.

Today dive in with us to learn more about EEAS, how they help your body and how they can support your fitness journey. 

Essential amino acid complex explained 

To recap, essential amino acids are organic compounds your body needs to perform various functions. If you aren't, amino acids act as the building blocks of proteins, which are needed for many major roles. 

They're mainly made of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen. 

You might be wondering why essential amino acids are essential. 

To know this, it's important we look at the different types of amino acids and break them down.

They are the following:

Amino Acid

Function

Recommended Amount

Phenylalanine

Transforms into neurotransmitters such as tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Plays a role in protein and enzyme structure and function.

10 mg/kg

Valine

A branched chain amino acid (BCAA).

26 mg/kg

Threonine

Major part of structural proteins like elastin and collagen. Important for skin and connective tissue. Helps with fat metabolism and immune function.

15 mg/kg

Tryptophan

Supports melatonin production. Precursor for serotonin, helps regulate appetite, mood, pain, and sleep.

4 mg/kg

Methionine

Supports metabolism and detoxification. Aids absorption of minerals like zinc and selenium.

10.4 + 4.1 mg/kg

Leucine

Essential BCAA for protein synthesis and muscle repair. Regulates blood sugar, supports wound healing, and growth hormones.

30 mg/kg

Isoleucine

BCAA that aids muscle metabolism, immune function, hemoglobin production, and energy regulation.

20 mg/kg

Lysine

Helps protein synthesis, calcium absorption, enzyme and hormone production. Supports immune function, energy, collagen, and elastin production.

10 mg/kg

Histidine

Used to create histamine, a neurotransmitter supporting immune response, digestion, sexual function, and sleep-wake cycles. Maintains myelin sheath around nerve cells.

(Recommended amount not provided)

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234922/

For your body to function and perform at its best, it needs 20 amino acids. However, only the 9 above are considered essential, which you can only get from your diet. You’ll typically find them in animal proteins like meat, eggs and poultry. They’re also found in plant foods such as tofu, edamame and soy. 

What are the essential amino acid benefits?

While briefly knowing the function, amino acids have the following benefits, they help with: 

  • Muscle tissue growth and healing

  • Hormone production

  • Immune system support

  • Metabolism

  • Energy regulation

  • Improved exercise performance

Try Go Nutrition Recovery 

While you can get EEAS from high-protein sources in your diet, it’s not always possible. To ensure you stay topped up and your body is optimised to the fullest, why not try Go Nutrition Recovery?

Formulated in accordance with scientific research, Go Nutrition Recovery has two thirst-quenching flavours: raspberry and watermelon. It is packed with both EAAs and BCAAS. Go Nutrition Recovery is the ultimate drink for essential amino acid support and can seriously help reduce the intensity of DOMS. 

Summarising essential amino acids 

Overall, there are nine essential amino acids for the human body that can support a range of functions. They are Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Methionine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Lysine, and Histidine. These amino acids are typically found in proteins and help regulate energy, hormones, and mood and support muscle growth and repair.

Want to know about EEAS? Check out our post-EAAs vs BCAA Which is best for you

FAQS

Essential amino acids how much per day? 

The recommended daily intake of essential amino acids will vary depending on factors such as age, weight, and health status. 

What are the non-essential fatty acids?

Non-essential fatty acids include oleic acid, lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids, which are in excess. 

What is the role of EAAs?

EEAs are the building blocks of proteins essential for a range of functions, such as muscle growth, repair, immune system support, and energy regulation. 

Is EAA better than protein?

EAA supplements are incredibly effective in stimulating muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle breakdown and supporting growth and repair. 

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