Amino Acids

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Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, essential organic compounds that form the foundation of muscle tissue and countless bodily processes. These molecules combine to create the proteins your body needs, with nine classified as essential amino acids because your body can't produce them independently. Whether you're training for strength, endurance, or general fitness, amino acid supplements offer a convenient way to ensure you're getting these fundamental nutrients in your diet.

The range spans from complete essential amino acid (EAA) formulas containing all nine essentials, to branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) focusing on leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Available in powder and tablet formats, these supplements fit seamlessly into any routine. Myprotein's amino acid collection delivers quality formulations designed by expert nutritionists, giving you straightforward options whether you're after unflavoured simplicity or tropical fruit flavours.

Who Amino Acids Are For

Amino acid supplements suit anyone engaged in regular training who wants to ensure adequate intake of these essential nutrients. Gym-goers, runners, team sport athletes, and recreational fitness enthusiasts all incorporate amino acids into their nutrition plans. They're particularly popular among those following plant-based diets, where getting a complete profile of essential amino acids from food alone requires more careful planning.

You don't need to be an elite athlete to benefit from having amino acids in your supplement stack. Whether you're new to fitness or years into your training journey, these products provide a practical way to support your protein intake alongside whole food sources. They're especially useful for those with higher training volumes or anyone looking to optimise their nutritional approach to match their goals.

When to Use Amino Acids

Timing depends on your specific product and personal preference. Many people take BCAA amino acids during training sessions, mixing powder into their water bottle for sipping throughout the workout. Essential amino acid formulas work well at similar times, though some prefer taking them first thing in the morning or between meals. The key is consistency rather than perfect timing.

Amino acid powder dissolves easily in water, making it simple to consume whenever suits your schedule. Tablets offer grab-and-go convenience for those training away from home. Some athletes split their daily serving across multiple times, while others take it all at once. Experiment to find what works best for your routine and preferences.

Amino Acids Benefits

Complete Protein Building Blocks

Amino acids combine to form complete proteins in your body. Essential amino acids must come from your diet because your body cannot synthesise them independently. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass¹, making adequate amino acid intake fundamental for anyone training regularly.

Convenient Supplementation

Amino acid supplements provide a straightforward way to increase your intake without preparing additional meals. Powder formats mix instantly into water, whilst tablets can be taken anywhere. This convenience makes them practical for busy schedules, early morning sessions, or times when cooking isn't feasible.

Flexible Dosing Options

Whether you want 5g of BCAAs or a full 10g serving of essential amino acids, the range offers flexibility. Unflavoured versions can be added to existing shakes without altering taste, whilst flavoured options make a refreshing drink on their own. Adjust your serving based on your total daily protein targets and training demands.

Targeted Amino Acid Profiles

Different formulations serve different purposes. BCAA products focus on the three branched-chain amino acids - leucine, isoleucine, and valine. EAA formulas include all nine essential amino acids for complete coverage. Choose based on whether you want targeted support or comprehensive essential amino acid intake alongside your regular protein sources.

Popular Picks

Looking for branched-chain amino acid support? Essential BCAA 2:1:1 Powder provides all nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce independently. This complete formula suits those who prefer a broad-spectrum approach to amino acid supplementation, offering refreshing flavours that make it an easy addition to any training day.

FAQs

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins in your body. There are 20 different amino acids in total, with nine classified as essential because your body cannot synthesise them independently. These essential amino acids must come from your diet through food or supplements. The remaining eleven are non-essential, meaning your body can produce them from other compounds.

What's the difference between amino acids and protein powder?

Protein powder contains complete proteins that your body breaks down into amino acids during digestion. Amino acid supplements provide these building blocks in their already-separated form, which means they require no digestion. Both ultimately deliver amino acids to your body, but the formats differ in structure and absorption characteristics.

Many people use both as part of their nutrition plan. Protein powder serves as a convenient way to increase total daily protein intake, whilst amino acid supplements offer flexibility for specific timing around training. Neither is better - they simply serve different practical purposes in your supplement routine.

How do I choose between BCAAs and EAAs?

BCAA supplements contain three specific amino acids - leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These are part of the nine essential amino acids, but not the complete set. EAA products include all nine essential amino acids, providing broader coverage. If you already get varied protein sources throughout your day, BCAAs might suit your needs. If you want comprehensive essential amino acid support, EAAs offer the complete profile.

Consider your overall diet and training approach. Those with higher protein intakes from food often choose BCAAs for targeted use around training. People following restricted diets or wanting maximum coverage tend to prefer the complete essential amino acid formulas.

Can I take amino acid supplements with protein shakes?

Yes, amino acid supplements and protein powder can be taken together without issues. Some people add unflavoured amino acid powder directly into their protein shake, whilst others prefer taking them at separate times during the day. There's no requirement to keep them apart - it comes down to personal preference and convenience.

What's the best way to take amino acid powder?

Mix your amino acid powder with 250-350ml of cold water in a shaker bottle. Most formulas dissolve quickly with minimal shaking. Flavoured versions make a refreshing drink on their own, whilst unflavoured options can be added to squash, juice, or existing shakes. The powder format allows you to adjust serving sizes easily based on your needs.

Take them whenever suits your schedule - during training, first thing in the morning, between meals, or any time you want to increase your amino acid intake without consuming a full meal or protein shake.

Are essential amino acids suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Many amino acid supplements are produced through fermentation processes and contain no animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. Always check the specific product label to confirm, as formulations vary. Plant-based eaters often find amino acid supplements particularly useful because getting a complete essential amino acid profile from plant foods alone requires combining different protein sources carefully.

How much amino acid supplement should I take daily?

Typical servings range from 5g to 10g depending on the product and your goals. BCAA products often suggest 5g servings, whilst EAA formulas may recommend 10g to provide meaningful amounts of all nine essential amino acids. These supplements work alongside your regular protein intake from food and shakes, not as a replacement. Check your product label for specific serving recommendations.

Who developed Myprotein's amino acid range?

Myprotein's expert nutritionists formulated the amino acid range, drawing on sports nutrition science to create effective, straightforward products. The team includes qualified nutritionists and product developers who design supplements specifically for active people. Each formula undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure it meets the brand's standards before reaching customers.

What does Informed Sport certification mean?

Informed Sport is a quality assurance programme that tests supplements for banned substances. Products carrying this certification have been batch-tested by an independent laboratory to ensure they're free from substances prohibited in sport. This gives competitive athletes confidence that the supplements they're using meet anti-doping standards. Check individual product pages to see which items in the amino acid range carry Informed Sport accreditation.

Can I use amino acids if I'm lactose intolerant?

Most amino acid supplements contain no dairy ingredients, making them naturally lactose-free. Unlike whey protein, which is derived from milk, amino acids are typically produced through fermentation or plant extraction. Always check the specific product label for allergen information, but amino acid powders and tablets generally suit those avoiding lactose without any issues.

1. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.