Here at Supplement Needs we understand the critical role that amino acids play within the body’s metabolism as the building blocks of proteins; which is why we’ve researched and created what are widely regarded as some of the best amino acid supplements. Amino acids also serve as the nitrogenous ‘foundations’ for compounds such as neurotransmitters and hormones.
In other words, amino acids are important for the proper functioning of your body!
Your body is able to produce many of the amino acids that it requires, however, a select group of nine amino acids must be sourced from exogenous sources (e.g. from foodstuffs). Why? Because as humans, we lack the metabolic pathways to synthesise these amino acids. As a result, they are known as the ‘essential amino acids’ (and sometimes as ‘indispensable amino acids’). They are:
- Leucine.
- Valine.
- Isoleucine.
- Lysine.
- Arginine.
- Threonine.
- Phenylalanine.
- Methionine.
- Tryptophan.
Of these amino acids, three are classed as branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). These BCAAs are amino acids that include an aliphatic side-chain with a branch (a central carbon atom bound to three or more carbon atoms). The three branched-chain amino acids are; Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine.
Why is it important to know about these BCAAs? Because, a considerable body of scientific literature indicates that BCAAs play a pivotal role in supporting muscle metabolism.
In fact, some scientists have put forward the ‘Leucine trigger hypothesis’, which suggests that the ingestion of leucine can result in a rapid rise in plasma leucine concentrations, which in turn may ‘correspond to the extent of stimulation of muscle protein synthesis rates’.
This is perhaps a long-winded way of saying that if you intend to supplement your diet with essential amino acids, it’s imperative that you choose a supplement that contains the branched-chain amino acids - such as Supplement Needs Intra EAA+.
What makes a good amino acid supplement?
Okay, so an amino acid supplement should contain all nine of the essential amino acids (including those all-important branched chain amino acids). But, is there anything else that you should be looking for?
If you’re intending to take an amino acid supplement as an intra or peri workout supplement then it’s good to look for products that have been formulated to consider other potentially useful characteristics:
Absorption
Amino acids are typically absorbed in the jejunum (the mid-section) of the small intestine. This absorption process will see the amino acids absorbed via a co-transport mechanism with sodium ions (with the sodium ion and amino acid combining with a cell surface protein receptor for absorption into the cell).
It’s for this reason that you should look for amino acid supplements that contain ingredients that enhance absorption by supporting the nutrient transporters within the gut. Here at Supplement Needs we include 50 mg Astragin® (per 27 g dose) which is designed to maximise absorption of the amino acids within Intra EAA+.
Hydration
A good-quality amino acid supplement will also have a hydration benefit, helping you to stay hydrated during the course of your workout.
Here at Supplement Needs our product formulator Dr. Dean St Mart PhD has created Intra EAA+ to include 300 mg of Sodium Chloride and 100 mg of Potassium Citrate (per 27 g dose).
As an ionic compound, Sodium Chloride is an essential salt that is used by the body for fluid balance, tissue hydration and blood pressure maintenance (also playing a role in muscle contraction function). Likewise, Potassium Citrate assists with hydrating your body’s cells. Furthermore, Potassium Citrate can have an alkalizing effect, neutralising acids in your body (e.g. Uric Acid). (Note, we use Potassium Citrate which has enhanced absorption properties compared to alternatives that you’ll find in cheap supplements like Potassium Chloride).
Pump support
For many people who engage in intense workouts, they enjoy ‘muscle pump’ whereby key muscles both feel and appear bigger a.k.a. ‘pumped’.
This form of transient hypertrophy can potentially be supported by the inclusion of ingredients such as Citrulline Malate (Supplement Needs Intra EAA+ contains 9 g of Citrulline Malate per 27 g serving).
Citrulline Malate is essentially a mix of Citrulline (an endogenously-produced amino acid) and DL-malate. Citrulline Malate is considered to be a Nitric Oxide (NO) enhancer. A number of studies have suggested that Nitric Oxide acts to dilate blood vessels (vasodilation), with one study finding that Citrulline Malate ‘increased endothelial-dependent vasodilation as measured by a change in flow mediated violation (FMD)’.
Can you stack amino acid supplements?
If you’re serious about your physique, wellbeing and overall fitness, it's likely that you want to take multiple supplements.
So, the question is, can you stack an amino acid supplement alongside other supplements?
Here at Supplement Needs we understand the needs of bodybuilders, weekend warriors and general fitness enthusiasts alike, which is why we’ve designed Intra EAA+ to be stacked alongside Intra Carb+ and Electrolyte+ so that you can maintain optimal nutrition and hydration throughout your workouts.
Shop the Supplement Needs amino acid range
If you’re looking for a high-quality amino acid supplement, then explore the Supplement Needs range today.
Aside from our exceptionally-popular Intra EAA+ supplement, you’ll also find Supplement Needs L-Lysine HCL - which allows you to supplement one of the most important branched-chain amino acids on a targeted basis.
Our range also includes Supplement Needs 100% Glutamine Powder. Whilst Glutamine is an amino acid that’s produced endogenously, it plays a core role in the synthesis of proteins.
If you’re looking for vegan-friendly essential amino acids, then the Supplement Needs Vegan Intra EAA has you covered! This supplement allows you to obtain those all important EAAs, but from nutritionally complete plant-based sources.
You’ll also find some excellent value, premium bundles within our amino acid range including our Intra EAA Carb+ Stack and Intra EAA+ & XXL Jug bundle.
Supplement Needs’ amino acid collection is also home to EAA supplements from other leading brands including Trained by JP Nutrition, Adapt Nutrition, HR Labs, Conteh Sports, MAXXMuscle, RedCon 1, Rich Piana 5%, and Strom Sports.
If it’s essential amino acids you want, it’s essential you explore Supplement Needs’ range today.