The Truth About BCAAs and EAAs – Are They Worth It?

The Truth About BCAAs and EAAs – Are They Worth It?

In this QUAH Sal, Adam, & Justin answer the question “EAAs vs BCAAs, are they both useless for the average gym-goer? ”

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Video – https://youtu.be/l_28zNET898
“the Truth About BCAAs and EAAs“

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50 Comments

  1. @jdog8019 on March 23, 2025 at 7:18 pm

    It’s not rocket science

  2. @JohnathanCasserly-t3d on March 23, 2025 at 7:18 pm

    Wiley Heights

  3. @db8847 on March 23, 2025 at 7:19 pm

    Why does this dude think everyone has high protein intake?

  4. @GuerillaRadiio on March 23, 2025 at 7:21 pm

    I think supplements are relative to your training AND diet. If youre lifting heavy you will need it. If youre an average gym goer or weekend warrior like Im assuming these guys are, then you dont need it.

  5. @marketmonster6055 on March 23, 2025 at 7:23 pm

    yeah but its not about what you eat its about what you break down and are able to assimilate right?

  6. @aquanitemare on March 23, 2025 at 7:24 pm

    The BCAA flavors are a nice change up to the creamy whey ones.

  7. @journeyman6752 on March 23, 2025 at 7:25 pm

    When I got into lifting weights when I was younger, there was no such thing as BCAA’s. It’s all just marketing. Now we know it’s useless. Put your little masks back on sheeple.

  8. @dolbied on March 23, 2025 at 7:29 pm

    40+ male here. Even with high protein intake, BCAA speed up my recovery.

  9. @MarkAvery-l3j on March 23, 2025 at 7:30 pm

    Lopez George Walker Lisa Martin Elizabeth

  10. @surfsavage2860 on March 23, 2025 at 7:31 pm

    I went from 154.4 at 5.4%bf to 205.4 at 10.8 %bf in only 4.5 months using protein powders and N.O. precursors…it was all documented….eat what you need dependant on your fitness activities….I’m a genetic monster….I’m currently at 167 now at 12% bf cuz I haven’t been at it

  11. @CraneBert-h1k on March 23, 2025 at 7:32 pm

    White Larry Hall Laura Moore Barbara

  12. @quetimporta213 on March 23, 2025 at 7:34 pm

    Sooooo no to BCAA if youre consuming normal doses of protein

  13. @vasu_sings03 on March 23, 2025 at 7:34 pm

    After 4 yrs ❤

  14. @jamesdalton7508 on March 23, 2025 at 7:35 pm

    Vegans probably eat more protein than the average meatbeater

  15. @ericbond5276 on March 23, 2025 at 7:35 pm

    at 5:08, p*ss it out, he is absolutely right. I take Dymatize iso100 isolate powder with water and almond or oat milk.

  16. @MacadamMarcus-y1x on March 23, 2025 at 7:36 pm

    Lopez Melissa Miller Frank Martinez Charles

  17. @jdog8019 on March 23, 2025 at 7:37 pm

    It’s plain and simple when you work out like a beast your body beats up protein and amino acids to help build your body do you need a lot of extra protein and amino acids to help repair all the damage that you’ve done so you can grow like a beast pretty much playing in simple but if you’re just a couch potato no amino acids is probably won’t help you specially if you’re just have a seafood diet LOL

  18. @Hyperborean_2 on March 23, 2025 at 7:39 pm

    Try to make homemade whey.
    It beats the shite out of any supplements.
    Plus it regulates digestion

  19. @alfredmangang9904 on March 23, 2025 at 7:39 pm

    Its 15 thousands milligram of amino acids in 15g of protein

  20. @breakmanradio2530 on March 23, 2025 at 7:40 pm

    My protein intake is too low because, for medical reasons, I can only eat once per day. So I’m happy to have them since they don’t break my intermittent fasting, OMAD to be specific. George St. Pierre also did OMAD (One Meal a Day) to fix some health issues he had. As far as I can tell from a bit of research, he still does intermittent fasting albeit it is not specific as to whether he still practices OMAD or adopted the normal 8 hour eating window.

  21. @JennicaMFulton on March 23, 2025 at 7:42 pm

    BCAAs are valuable for those who want to be in a calorie deficit. You get the benefits of the amino acids that help with muscle gain and retention without the additional calories.

  22. @GattoriSancho on March 23, 2025 at 7:43 pm

    Well I wasted 20 bucks
    ThatI could have used for something else
    Meh ill still take em

  23. @rollings2035 on March 23, 2025 at 7:45 pm

    "You are what you digest" not "you are what you eat" so if your digestion for protein isn’t optimized it makes sense to supplement with EAAs but i guess for others who can just eat and digest everything properly they don’t need EAAs.
    I always felt heavy whenever i eat meat or eggs or any type of protein so EAAs are such huge help to me! otherwise i wouldn’t get enough amino acids for my daily function

  24. @HelenRodriguez-w3e on March 23, 2025 at 7:45 pm

    Raheem Brooks

  25. @evanwoodard2323 on March 23, 2025 at 7:47 pm

    So then why is creatine effective when you’re getting adequate protein? It’s just three amino acids, so how is it different than BCAAs?

  26. @jrr1631 on March 23, 2025 at 7:48 pm

    My EAA’s are 10 grams lol way more

  27. @JoeSmith-np6nz on March 23, 2025 at 7:50 pm

    Soooo should I take it ?

  28. @pterois5914 on March 23, 2025 at 7:50 pm

    well… fuck

  29. @TobiasTernence-i3c on March 23, 2025 at 7:53 pm

    Martinez John Lee William Harris Gary

  30. @thegenius653 on March 23, 2025 at 7:53 pm

    I weight 190 pounds and consume about 100 of protein a day, is that enough protein or should I consume more or also consume BCAA?

  31. @LindaTaylor-e7u on March 23, 2025 at 7:53 pm

    Martin Angela Davis Deborah Martin Elizabeth

  32. @ldw1281993 on March 23, 2025 at 7:57 pm

    Thank you for posting this. Just saved me a bunch of money

  33. @Cottonpickin-mc2 on March 23, 2025 at 7:59 pm

    Thank you. I am one of those who has them handy because I don’t get enough protein on certain days. I can’t always afford to buy a lot of meat. Or sometimes I simply don’t have the time to cook because I work two jobs. Whatever the case, it happens frequently and I’m thankful to have them. I don’t always have protein powder either.

  34. @Naveen_B64 on March 23, 2025 at 7:59 pm

    BCAA prevents muscle soreness and helps in quick recovery. I used to get aches and pains after heavy workout but after BCAA I am good now. It is not a placebo effect..BCAA are proven to prevent DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

  35. @dallaswheeler2094 on March 23, 2025 at 8:00 pm

    So is it good or not. Idc about the science simple yes or no.

  36. @thewatcher4552 on March 23, 2025 at 8:00 pm

    I know personally the difference in workouts and lasting longer in the gym

  37. @mikahundin on March 23, 2025 at 8:02 pm

    1. **Understanding EAAs and BCAAs**:
    – Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) are amino acids the body can’t produce, so they need to be obtained from diet.
    – BCAAs are three specific EAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) that are promoted for muscle recovery and growth.

    2. **Essential Macronutrients**:
    – The body requires fats and proteins (which are made of amino acids) to function, as it cannot produce essential fatty acids or essential amino acids on its own.

    3. **Function of BCAAs**:
    – BCAAs are essential amino acids with unique properties. They are frequently marketed as muscle builders due to their role in protein synthesis and recovery.

    4. **When Supplementation is Beneficial**:
    – BCAAs and EAAs can be helpful for those with low protein intake. Supplementation in this case can aid in recovery and muscle building.
    – Examples include individuals with dietary restrictions, such as vegans, who might not meet their protein needs through diet alone.

    5. **Protein Intake Requirements**:
    – Consuming 0.6 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight generally provides enough amino acids for muscle growth and recovery.
    – If this protein intake is met, BCAA or EAA supplements offer no additional benefits.

    6. **Why BCAAs and EAAs Might Be Redundant**:
    – For people who consume enough protein through their diet, supplementing with BCAAs or EAAs is like pouring water on your head while standing in a pool—it doesn’t provide anything extra.
    – Studies show that adding BCAAs to a high-protein diet doesn’t enhance muscle recovery or growth further.

    7. **Supplement Industry Practices**:
    – Amino acids were some of the first bodybuilding supplements sold. They’ve been re-marketed every few years, claiming to be revolutionary despite extensive research showing limited benefits beyond dietary protein.
    – The supplement industry profits by isolating and marketing these amino acids, often suggesting they’re essential for all, regardless of current protein intake.

    8. **Cost Comparison**:
    – Protein powder offers a more comprehensive range of amino acids and is generally cheaper per gram of amino acids compared to BCAA or EAA supplements.
    – Extracting individual amino acids from protein sources and selling them as separate products is costly, with added steps that don’t enhance the product’s value.

    9. **Why People Still Buy Them**:
    – BCAA and EAA supplements are often marketed as convenient for people who might not reach their protein goals daily. For example, some individuals keep them on hand for days when they might fall short on protein.
    – Flavor preferences (e.g., flavored BCAA drinks) can also play a role, as people enjoy the taste of these drinks and perceive them as beneficial.

    10. **Supplement Comparisons**:
    – Similar to vitamins, amino acids reach a point of diminishing returns: once your body has enough, additional supplementation doesn’t offer extra benefits.
    – This trend is comparable to past carbohydrate supplements marketed for energy, which were popular until dietary fat concerns shifted. Consuming excess carbs didn’t translate to extra energy, similar to how additional amino acids don’t necessarily lead to more muscle growth.

    11. **Takeaway on Effectiveness**:
    – BCAA and EAA supplements are largely unnecessary for those on a high-protein diet, and their effects have been overstated by marketing tactics.
    – For individuals who meet their protein needs through food or protein powder, amino acid supplements are likely to be an unnecessary expense.

    In essence, while BCAAs and EAAs may have some situational benefits for individuals with low protein intake, they do not provide additional value if dietary protein intake is already sufficient.

  38. @AliceGutierrez-x4u on March 23, 2025 at 8:05 pm

    Garcia Michael Johnson Jose Miller Eric

  39. @jdog8019 on March 23, 2025 at 8:05 pm

    It’s just basically plain and simple the more you work out the more your body needs that’s all there is to it

  40. @Naveen_B64 on March 23, 2025 at 8:06 pm

    You guys missed the point that BCAA’s get metabolized in muscles so effect is quick. Protein BCAA are in peptide chains and it takes longer for body to absorb those BCAA’s (Liver metaboizes them).

  41. @jordanfinneran842 on March 23, 2025 at 8:06 pm

    I take them during my workout with creatine. Tastes good and gets my creatine in. But am I just wasting money? I don’t like drinking just water during my workout

  42. @GreenNicole on March 23, 2025 at 8:07 pm

    Garcia Robert Lopez Nancy Hernandez Frank

  43. @JenkinsRudolf-c6k on March 23, 2025 at 8:12 pm

    Robinson Steven Clark Richard Perez Jessica

  44. @ArnoldHusser-k6n on March 23, 2025 at 8:12 pm

    Reichert Plaza

  45. @mmsdos on March 23, 2025 at 8:12 pm

    I would say a vegan that eat just about 100 gram (dry) of either soybeans or lupin beans wont have ANY amino acids deficiencies if below 180 pounds. (because both have all 9 EAA)
    Good video.

  46. @judahmartinez8552 on March 23, 2025 at 8:12 pm

    Liked and subscribed

  47. @chadlyo on March 23, 2025 at 8:15 pm

    I’m definitely somewhere near .8 x body weight with protein daily and have been but was having a fair amount of muscle soreness/stiffness day 1 and especially day 2. To the point i was managing with acetaminophen at times. When I started taking my fruity BCAA (haha) before and at the beginning of workouts, that soreness became nonexistent day1 and barely noticeable day 2. It seems to me to be playing a role. Don’t see how that can be placebo effect. Could it be because of the extraction process maybe? They become more bioavailable maybe? The only other thing, I am trying to find out more information though regarding BCAA supplement effects with type 2 diabetes. I am diagnosed as mildly diabetic and take metformin to manage it but dont want it to get worse or risk liver damage with taking both.

  48. @haveacigar5291 on March 23, 2025 at 8:15 pm

    so leucine isnt needed if i drink a cup of whey or a slab of pork ribs?

  49. @kawagonzo6951 on March 23, 2025 at 8:15 pm

    I take vegan essential amino acids that comes from FERMENTED vegan sources!…impossible to get from whey or even pea protein !

  50. @cookinsdabest on March 23, 2025 at 8:17 pm

    Not everybody uses bcaa for sports, some people need extra when they’re healing a damaged muscle

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