EAA vs. Whey Protein: Which Supplement is Best for You?

EAA Supplement vs. Whey Protein | Which is the right choice?

In this modern age, where health and fitness have become a top priority, protein supplements have seen a rise in consumption. Before using any supplement, it's important to remember that whole foods should always be prioritized to meet your nutritional needs. Only consider supplements if you're not getting enough of a nutrient from your diet. Of all the varieties available, whey protein has been one of the favorites for a long time.

The popularity of EAA (Essential Amino Acids) supplements, BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids), and plant-based proteins has left people in a confusing position about which is best for them. In this blog, we will explore thedifferences between two popular options, EAA Supplements, and whey protein supplementsto help you make an informed decision about what your body truly needs.

Whey Protein

What Is It and How Is It Made?

Whey protein is a milk-derivedhigh-quality protein. It is a byproduct of the process of making cheese, where liquid whey is separated from curds. The liquid whey is filtered to remove fat and carbohydrates, leaving behind a concentrated protein solution. This solution is then dried to produce a powder. Finally, the powder is further processed and purified to enhance its protein content and taste before being packaged for consumption.

Whey protein is the world’s fastest digesting protein supplement which is derived from a purely food source. Hence it was created in the first place, due to its fast absorption properties and even faster than other complete protein sources like eggs, meat, milk, fish, soy, peas, etc. 

There are three major types of Whey protein:

Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC):It contains about70-80%protein, with the remainder consisting of fats and carbohydrates.

Whey Protein Isolate (WPI): It contains90%or more protein with minimal fat and lactose.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH):This is a pre-digested whey protein, making it easier and faster for the body to absorb.

Function of Whey Protein

Whey protein contributes to muscle recovery, strength, and growth and is therefore commonly used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It also has general benefits related to protein intake and supports immune health because of the high levels of immunoglobulins. Whey protein is rich in BCAAs, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis.

EAA supplement

What Are EAAs and How Are They Made?

EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) are nine amino acids that our body cannot make. Hence, it is essential to derive these amino acids from food or supplements. 

The Nine EAAs are:

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

EAA supplements are usually sold in powder form and can easily be added to water or other beverages. Unlike whey protein, which contains all 20 amino acids (including non-essential ones), EAA supplements  provide only the nine essential ones. EAA supplements are made by various methods such as fermentation (most common), and chemical or enzymatic synthesis. 

Function of EAAs

EAAs are crucial in muscle protein synthesis, tissue repair, and recovery. EAAs provide the whole spectrum of essential amino acids for overall function and growth. They are extremely effective in preventing muscle breakdown. They are also known for their high bioavailability due to rapid absorption. This makes it a popular choice among athletes.

Whey Protein vs. EAA Supplements: A Side-by-Side Comparison