Amino acids are the components proteins are built from. Twenty of them appear in human protein, nine of which the body cannot make and must obtain from food. Beyond those, a number of individual amino acids and derivatives are sold on their own because they do specific jobs.
This guide covers what we supply in Australia, grouped by what people actually buy them for.
Essential, Non-Essential and Conditional
Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body. There are nine, including the three branched-chain aminos.
Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body from other compounds. Glycine and taurine fall here.
Conditionally essential means the body normally makes enough, but under stress, illness or heavy training demand may outstrip supply. Glutamine is the standard example.
A note worth making early: if you are eating adequate protein from whole foods or protein powder, you are already consuming all of these. Single amino acids are bought for specific reasons, not to cover a gap in a normal diet.
Full Spectrum: EAA and BCAA
Essential Amino Acids (EAA)
All nine essentials in one product. Since protein synthesis requires the full set, EAA is the more complete option of the two and has largely displaced BCAA in informed use.
BCAA
Three of the nine essentials: leucine, isoleucine and valine. Sold in ratios describing the proportion of leucine to the other two.
2:1:1 is the traditional ratio and the one most studied. 4:1:1 weights more heavily toward leucine, which is the amino acid most associated with signalling protein synthesis.
Pre-Workout and Performance
Beta alanine is a non-essential amino acid that combines with histidine to form carnosine in muscle. It is the ingredient responsible for the tingling sensation in many pre-workouts. 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 common in pre-workout formulas.
Shop L-citrulline or citrulline malate
AAKG is L-arginine bound to alpha-ketoglutarate in a 2:1 ratio, another long-standing pre-workout ingredient in the same pathway.
Taurine is found in energy drinks and pre-workouts, and is also involved in bile salt formation and fluid balance.
Recovery and Structure
L-Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body and conditionally essential under physical stress. Widely used in recovery formulas.
Glycine is the simplest amino acid and the most abundant in collagen. It is mildly sweet, which makes it easy to take, and appears in both collagen support and evening formulas.
MSM is an organosulfur compound rather than an amino acid, but it is a common companion in joint and connective tissue formulas.
Cognitive and Focus
L-Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Common in pre-workout and focus formulas.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, used in relaxation and evening formulas.
NAC is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine and a precursor to glutathione.
Metabolic and Fat Transport
L-Carnitine Tartrate and Acetyl L-Carnitine are amino acid derivatives involved in transporting fatty acids into mitochondria. The acetylated form crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily, which is why it appears in cognitive formulas as well.
Shop L-carnitine tartrate or acetyl L-carnitine
CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid rather than an amino acid, included here because it sits in the same part of most catalogues.
Buying Single Aminos vs a Blend
Blends like EAA or a formulated pre-workout are simpler and cheaper per serve if the ratios suit you.
Single ingredients make sense if you want to control doses precisely, if you are avoiding a particular ingredient, or if you are formulating a product. Buying unflavoured singles at volume is substantially cheaper per gram than buying finished formulas, which is why most of our wholesale customers work this way.
A Note on Health Claims
This article describes what these compounds are and where they are conventionally used in formulation. It is general information, not medical advice, and makes no claim that any of these products treat, prevent or cure a condition. If you are taking medication or managing a health condition, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before supplementing.
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Browse the full amino acids range, packed in Australia and independently lab tested.