Eaas vs Bcaas | What Are the Differences? Do You Need Them?

Both EAAs and BCAAs are specific groups of amino acids often taken as supplements by athletes and bodybuilders. This article runs through BCAAs vs EAAs, explaining their similarities and differences and how to know if you should consider them.

Jump to:

What are the differences between EAAs and BCAAs?

EAAs vs BCAAs. Amino acids are the smaller components, or building blocks, of protein. It’s vital for us to consume amino acids to build and repair the proteins and muscles in our bodies. Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) are amino acids that our body can’t make on its own - and we have to get them from our diet.

There are nine essential amino acids: phenylalanine, valine, tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, methionine, histidine, leucine, and lysine¹.

Three of these essential amino acids have a unique chemical structure with branching, and are known as branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs. They are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. 

All BCAAs are Essential Amino Acids, but not all EAAs are Branched Chain Amino Acids.

By consuming EAAs instead of just BCAAs you’ll get all of your amino acids without missing out on your BCAA needs.

Summary: The body  requires nine essential amino acids (EAAs) from our diet; three of these are BCAAs.

Do you need EAAs? 

EAAs are found in many of the foods we consume each day because all proteins are made up of amino acids. Whether you eat meat, dairy, or vegan protein sources, they all contain unique proteins, and therefore unique groupings of amino acids.

Getting plenty of amino acids in your diet is good for overall health and body function.  It’s also useful for building and maintaining muscle mass, and enhancing muscle recovery or healing from injury.² Even though our body can’t make EAAs, most people can likely get enough through a varied, balanced diet.