THE BEST AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS

Before we help you find the best amino acid supplements, let’s run through what amino acids are.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are essential for the functioning of our bodies. They play a crucial role in muscle repair and growth, ensuring healthy hair and skin and even aiding in the production of hormones and enzymes. There are 20 different types of amino acids that our bodies require to function optimally. These amino acids can be found in a variety of foods, including meat, fish, eggs, and certain vegetables. As our bodies cannot produce all of these amino acids on their own, we must ensure we get enough of them through our diet. Ensuring you are getting the proper nutrients is essential for optimal health- and amino acids are no exception (Kabuda, J. 2022).

Nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen form the four fundamental compounds of amino acids and while your body requires 20 different amino acids to actually function properly, only nine of those are classified as essential. Those nine essential amino acids are classed as EAAs, while BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) refer to three particular essential amino acids that have a branched chain (Kabuda, J. 2022).

For a more specific insight into what amino acids are and why you need them, check out our article What are Amino Acids, and Should I be Taking Them?
 

Grab your reading glasses because we’re about to hit you with some science. All amino acids follow the same basic structure, which is confusing to explain, but we’ll do our best. 

Basically, each molecule has a central carbon atom that is linked with four different groups: a basic amino group, a carboxylic acid group, a hydrogen atom group and an R-group (or side-chain group). The R-group is what makes each molecule unique. While the other three groups are common to all amino acids, the R-group determines the chemical nature of each amino acid (Ahern, A et al. 2021).

Branched-chain amino acids are an exception, as BCAAs have aliphatic side chains with a branch, while regular amino acids are organic compounds that contain the four amine groups that we mentioned above (Madhu. 2018).

While there are 20 different amino acids to consider, we want to focus on the essential amino acids. These amino acids cannot be produced by the human body and must be obtained from dietary sources or amino acid supplements. There are nine essential amino acids:

• Phenylalanine
• Valine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Methionine
• Leucine
• Isoleucine
• Lysine
• Histidine

While these nine amino acids are essential, three of these are even more unique. Valine, leucine, and isoleucine are all unique because they have a branched chemical structure, which allows them to be metabolised directly in our muscles instead of the liver. This makes BCAAs important for energy production and muscle growth. 

Since we know your top priority is to take advantage of the amino acid benefits to fuel your performance and physique goals, we’ll steer you towards the most important amino acids that can help you optimise your time in the gym.

When you’re shopping our Amino Acid page, make sure you look at our range of the best amino acid supplements to support your Performance Goals. 

• BCAA Supplements - Supports muscle protein synthesis and energy production.
• EAA Supplements -  Supports cognitive function, immune function, and muscle repair.
• Beta-Alanine - Supports increased endurance, strength, and power output.
• Glutamine - Supports muscle growth, plus reduced soreness and fatigue.

If you have never heard of amino acids or branched-chain amino acids before reading this blog, we’ll help you find the best starter supplements to help you get the best out of what you’re looking for.

Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy is the ultimate choice for beginners looking to enhance their workout routine and overall performance. This versatile supplement can be used as a morning pick-me-up, pre-workout, or even sipped throughout the day to provide a continuous supply of free-form and branch-chain amino acids. With its unique blend of natural energy compounds from green tea and caffeine, along with nitric oxide boosters like L-arginine and citrulline, this formula supports muscle recovery and focus while delivering essential amino acids. 

• Supports muscle recovery 
• Aids athletic performance
• Promotes energy and focus

• Delivers essential amino acids

  
  

Xtend BCAAs is one of the best amino acid supplements for men looking to take their performance at the gym up a notch. This powerful blend contains 7g of BCAAs, with a research-proven 2:1:1 ratio, providing support for muscle repair, recovery, and growth. In addition, it promotes muscle protein synthesis and supports blood flow, helping you get a sick pump while you smash weights. With zero carbs, calories, or sugar, this formula serves as the perfect pre, intra, and post-workout recovery tool. It helps to nourish and repair your muscles while keeping your body replenished with hydrating electrolytes. Xtend BCAAs is the top choice for men seeking the best amino acid supplement.

• Promotes muscle protein synthesis
• Supports accelerated recovery
• Contains hydrating electrolytes

• BCAAs in research-backed 2:1:1 ratio 

  
  

Amino Switch is the perfect amino acid supplement for women. It contains vegan-friendly, dairy and lactose-free EAAs and BCAAs that are highly absorbed by the body. With the ideal ratios for net nitrogen utilisation (NNU), this supplement supports lean muscle growth, muscle recovery, brain functionality, and focus. It also helps enhance workout performance and aids in faster recovery. Amino Switch is perfect for any hard-working women who want to repair their muscles after intense workouts. Unlike most BCAA products, Amino Switch incorporates all 9 EAAs, ensuring optimal nutrient recovery.

• Supports focus and brain function
• Aids muscle recovery
• Supports athletic performance

• Keto-friendly and vegan-friendly

  
  

Rule 1 Essential Amino 9 is the optimal solution for muscle growth. This transparent formula contains 7.5g of essential amino acids, including 5g of BCAAs, along with 500mg of added electrolytes. With zero banned substances, added sugar, and gluten, it promotes optimal functionality and supports muscle recovery and hydration. By providing the necessary nutrients for post-workout muscle recovery, Essential Amino 9 fuels you to bounce back stronger after intense training sessions. Its carefully designed composition of essential amino acids and electrolytes promotes muscle recovery, growth, and replenishment of nutrients lost through sweat. 

• Promotes muscle growth
• Supports muscle recovery 
• Aids hydration & nutrient replenishment 

• Zero banned substances

  
  

Optimum Nutrition’s Essential Amino Energy + Electrolytes is a suitable option if you’re trying to achieve certain body goals. With its low calorie and carbohydrate content, it supports hydration and aids in muscle recovery. Packed with 5g of essential amino acids per serving, it promotes tissue growth, energy production, and nutrient absorption. The cutting-edge formula, enriched with green tea and caffeine, provides a boost of energy and enhances focus, allowing you to train harder and longer. It also helps to enhance thermogenesis and elevate your metabolism, which is important if you’re trying to target certain body goals. Additionally, it delivers the essential amino acids needed to build and maintain muscles.

• Supports body goals
• Promotes energy & focus
• Aids hydration

• Low-calories and low-carbohydrates 

  
  

Evolve Damage Control is the standout amino acid supplement for recovery. Its game-changing formula combines BCAAs, EAAs, and PeptoPro to deliver all 20 amino acids required for muscle protein synthesis. With rapid absorption thanks to its advanced peptide formulation, PeptoPro has earned its reputation as the top natural recovery ingredient on the market. Evolve Damage Control sets a new standard for amino acid products, surpassing industry norms to reintroduce quality into the market. Its fortifying combination of BCAAs, EAAs, and PeptoPro work synergistically to promote rapid absorption and anti-catabolic properties, making it the go-to choice for athletes seeking the best amino acid supplement for recovery.

• Contains all 20 amino acids
• Promotes muscle protein synthesis
• Supports rapid recovery 

• Helps to reduce muscle soreness

  
  

Faction Labs Core 9 EAA is the ultimate amino acid formula for runners. Specifically designed to support muscle recovery and repair, it contains all 9 essential amino acids in the precise ratios needed to prevent muscle tissue breakdown. But that's not all. This amazing formula also includes ingredients that promote adrenal function, control cortisol levels, support immune function, and hydrate muscle cells. Plus, it provides essential vitamins and minerals to support immune health and overall internal functionality. With zero sugar, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free, soy-free, lactose-free, and dairy-free, Core 9 EAA is the best amino acid choice for running.

• Supports hydration & replenishes electrolytes
• Promotes energy production
• supports muscle recovery

• Zero-sugar formula

  
  

RCN Nutrition's Amino Corps is the powerhouse amino acid blend designed to fuel athletes. This vegan-friendly, advanced recovery formula combines a full-spectrum plant-based amino acid blend with electrolytes and minerals. With the added benefits of clinically-researched, trademarked ingredients, it offers optimal workout performance and recovery. Amino Corps contains the perfect combination of BCAAs and EAAs, promoting muscle protein synthesis, muscle growth, strength, and fast absorption. It also includes KSM-66 Ashwagandhato support cortisol levels, endurance, and muscle recovery. Amino Corps is unmatched in its ability to support amino acid absorption, ATP production, and insulin sensitivity, making it the top choice for athletes seeking the best amino acid supplementation.

• Full-spectrum plant-based amino blend
• Fortified with electrolytes and minerals
• Contains advanced recovery blueprint

• Supports performance and energy

  
  

If you haven’t incorporated amino acids into your health regime, it’s not too late to start now! You may think your post-workout protein shake is all you need to increase your recovery, but we know otherwise. The proof is in the pudding, or should we say amino acids. To get the best out of your performance and recovery, put your trust in amino acids. We certainly do.

Take advantage of the amino acid benefits by adding them to your training regime. If you need help finding the best amino acid supplements or are looking for more information, our friendly staff can help you out online or in-store at one of our 34 Australian stores.

Kubala, J. 2022, ‘Essential Amino Acids: Definition, Benefits, and Food Sources’, Healthline, accessed 4 October 2022, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/essential-amino-acids

Radhakrishnan, R. 2020, ‘What Do Amino Acids Do?’ MedicineNet, accessed 4 October 2022, https://www.medicinenet.com/what_do_amino_acids_do/article.htm

Ahern, K et al. 2021, ‘2.2: Structure & Function - Amino Acids’, LibreTexts, accessed 4 October 2022, https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Biochemistry/Book%3A_Biochemistry_Free_For_All_(Ahern_Rajagopal_and_Tan)/02%3A_Structure_and_Function/202%3A_Structure__Function_-_Amino_Acids

Madhu. 2018, ‘Difference Between BCAA and Amino Acids’, Difference Between, accessed 4 October 2022, https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-bcaa-and-amino-acids/#:~:text=BCAA%20is%20a%20form%20of,and%20a%20specific%20side%20chain

Sunshine Biopharma. 2022, ‘When And How To Take An Amino Acid Supplement’, Sunshine Biopharma, accessed 4 October 2022, https://sunshinebiopharma.com/when-and-how-to-take-an-amino-acid-supplement/#:~:text=The%20beauty%20of%20taking%20an,before%2C%20during%20or%20after%20training