Amino acids guide: Amino acids are the components proteins are built from. There are twenty amino acids that appear in human protein, nine of which the body cannot make and must obtain from food. Beyond these essential amino acids, a number of individual amino acids and their derivatives are sold on their own because they perform specific functions in the body.
This guide covers various amino acid supplements we supply in Australia, grouped by the purposes for which people typically buy them.
Essential, Non-Essential and Conditional
Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body. There are nine essential amino acids, including the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
Non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body from other compounds. Examples include glycine and taurine.
Conditionally essential amino acids are those that the body usually produces enough of, but during stress, illness, or heavy training, the demand may exceed supply. Glutamine is the standard example.
It is important to note that if you are consuming adequate protein from whole foods or protein powders, you are already getting a sufficient amount of these amino acids. Single amino acids are typically purchased for specific reasons, not to fill gaps in a standard diet.
Full Spectrum: EAA and BCAA
Essential Amino Acids (EAA)
Essential Amino Acids (EAA) include all nine essentials in one product. As protein synthesis requires the full set of essential amino acids, EAA is a more complete option compared to other supplements and has largely replaced BCAA in informed usage.
BCAA
BCAA consists of three of the nine essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They are sold in ratios that indicate the proportion of leucine to the other two amino acids.
2:1:1 is the traditional ratio and the most researched. 4:1:1 emphasizes leucine, which is especially known for signaling protein synthesis.
Pre-Workout and Performance
Beta alanine is a non-essential amino acid that combines with histidine to form carnosine in muscle. This amino acid is responsible for the tingling sensation many users experience with pre-workout supplements. It is typically used at consistent daily doses rather than acutely.
L-Citrulline and L-Citrulline Malate are precursors in the nitric oxide pathway. The malate form is citrulline bound to malic acid and is the version most prevalent in pre-workout products.
Shop L-citrulline or citrulline malate
AAKG is L-arginine combined with alpha-ketoglutarate in a 2:1 ratio and another long-standing ingredient in pre-workout supplements within the same pathway.
Taurine is commonly found in energy drinks and pre-workouts and contributes to bile salt formation and fluid balance.
Recovery and Structure
L-Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. It is conditionally essential during physical stress and widely utilized in recovery formulations.
Glycine is the simplest amino acid and the most abundant in collagen. Its mild sweetness makes it easy to consume and is commonly included in both collagen support and relaxation formulas.
MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is an organosulfur compound often included in joint and connective tissue formulas, although not technically an amino acid.
Cognitive and Focus
L-Tyrosine serves as a precursor to dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline and is commonly found in pre-workout and focus-enhancing products.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter used in relaxation and evening formulations.
NAC is a derivative of cysteine and acts as a precursor to glutathione.
Metabolic and Fat Transport
L-Carnitine Tartrate and Acetyl L-Carnitine are amino acid derivatives that play a role in transporting fatty acids into mitochondria. The acetylated form is known to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively, which is why it’s often included in cognitive formulas as well.
Shop L-carnitine tartrate or acetyl L-carnitine
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is a naturally occurring fatty acid and while not an amino acid, it is mentioned here because it is often categorized in the same section of most supplements.
Buying Single Aminos vs a Blend
Blends like EAA or a formulated pre-workout supplement are often simpler and more cost-effective per serving, provided that the ratios fit your needs.
Single ingredients make more sense if you're looking to control doses precisely, avoiding specific ingredients, or creating custom formulations. Purchasing unflavored single amino acids in bulk often proves to be more economical than buying finished blends, which is why many of our wholesale clients choose this method.
A Note on Health Claims
This article presents general information about these compounds and their conventional uses in supplementation. No medical claims are made regarding the treatment, prevention, or cure of any health conditions. It is advised to consult with a physician or pharmacist if you are taking medications or managing health conditions before starting any supplementation.
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