

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins that are found in the body of living organisms. Our body can produce some amino acids on its own but others cannot be produced by the human body. For example, the human body cannot produce EAA or Essential Amino Acids. These are then required to be eaten as food. They are required by the body to build up tissues, repair them, and help manufacture enzymes. They also come in handy while transporting molecules and digesting foods. An EAA supplement is more conveniently absorbed by the body. But when EAAs are taken as part of a regular diet, then they might not be present in sufficient quantities.
Who Should Take the EAA Supplement?
The best EAA supplements, which is easily available in the market, has a concentrated form of essential amino acids in the right quantity and these are useful for people that are:
- Thin and need to gain muscle bulk
- Starting to go to the gym
- Endurance athletes and strength athletes
Who Should Not Take the EAA Supplement?
Although EAA supplements are safe to use, there are certain classes of people who should stay away from them:
- EAA causes a spike in blood sugar levels, so diabetics or people taking antidiabetic medications should avoid them.
- If you are recuperating from surgery, then also you should avoid taking EAA supplements. The reason is the same as above.
- Avoid taking EAA supplements with a single amino acid – Histidine, Cysteine, and Methionine.
- People who are suffering from acute kidney diseases.
But people should not panic. There are no major side-effects of the best EAA supplement. These supplements are cleared only after repeated trials and testing.
When Should You Take the EAA Supplement?
If you are using a good quality and best EAA supplement, then you should take a 10-15 grams dosage every day.
- You can add it to your pre-workout drink.
- You can add it to your post-workout drink. After a workout, there is soreness in the muscles.
- Mothers who are about to deliver a baby are also given EAA supplements. But that should be strictly under the supervision of a doctor.
- EAAs can be used as an intra-workout drink.
EAA Dosage Recommended by Experts
As mentioned above, the EAA supplement dosage should be 10-15 grams daily. The recommended dosage varies according to body type, sex, and age. The recommended dosage for each essential amino acid has been mentioned below:
Essential Amino Acids | Mg/Kg Weight | Mg for a Person weighing 70kg |
Histidine | 10 | 700 |
Isoleucine | 20 | 1400 |
Leucine | 39 | 2730 |
Lysine | 30 | 2100 |
Methionine + cysteine | 10,4 + 4,1 (together 15) | 1050 (together) |
Phenylalanine + tyrosine | 25 (together) | 1750 (together) |
Threonine | 15 | 1050 |
Tryptophan | 4 | 280 |
Valine | 26 | 1820 |
Potential Side-Effects of EAA Supplement
As mentioned above, there are no serious EAA side effects. But it could indirectly and rarely lead to:
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Liver damage
- ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Bipolar disorder
Conclusion
It is clear when you should avoid taking EAA. Just avoid it when you have issues with blood sugar spikes or kidney disease. Gym goers should take EAA supplements for sure. They can consume EAA in whey protein drinks. You should also be assured there are no known direct EAA supplements side effects.