Amino Acids

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Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, playing a fundamental role in the structure and function of muscle tissue. When you consume protein, your body breaks it down into individual amino acids, which are then used for various physiological processes throughout the body. Of the 20 amino acids that make up protein, nine are classified as essential, meaning your body can't produce them and they must come from your diet.

Our amino acid range includes individual amino acids like L-Carnitine and L-Glutamine, as well as blends of essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Available in convenient formats including tablets, capsules, and powders, these supplements offer a flexible way to add specific amino acids to your nutrition plan alongside your regular protein intake.

Who Amino Acids Are For

Amino acid supplements suit anyone looking to add specific amino acids to their diet beyond what they get from whole protein sources. They're particularly popular among gym-goers, athletes, and active individuals who train regularly and want targeted amino acid intake. Whether you're lifting weights, running, cycling, or playing sport, amino acids can form part of your nutritional routine.

Individual amino acids like L-Glutamine and L-Carnitine are often chosen by those who prefer targeted supplementation, while EAA and BCAA blends appeal to people seeking a broader spectrum of essential amino acids. The various formats – from quick-mixing powders to convenient tablets – mean there's an option that fits different lifestyles and preferences.

When to Use Amino Acids

The timing of amino acid supplementation depends on your individual routine and the specific amino acid you're taking. Many people consume amino acids around their training sessions – some prefer taking them before exercise, others during, and some afterwards as part of their post-workout nutrition. There's no single "correct" time, as it largely comes down to personal preference and what fits your schedule.

Amino acid powders can be mixed with water and consumed whenever suits you, while tablets and capsules offer grab-and-go convenience for busy days. Some people split their daily serving across multiple times throughout the day, whilst others prefer taking them all at once. The key is finding a routine that works consistently for you and fits alongside your meals and protein intake.

Amino Acids Benefits

Essential Building Blocks

Amino acids make up the proteins found throughout your body, from muscle tissue to enzymes and neurotransmitters. The nine essential amino acids cannot be produced by your body and must come from food or supplements, making them a key consideration in any nutrition plan.

Protein Contribution to Muscle

When consumed as part of adequate protein intake, amino acids contribute to protein's role in the body. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass¹, making amino acid supplements a useful addition alongside protein-rich foods and protein powders for those training regularly.

Convenient Supplementation

Amino acid supplements offer targeted delivery of specific amino acids in measured amounts. Unlike whole protein sources that need to be digested and broken down, individual amino acids and amino acid blends provide a straightforward way to add these compounds to your diet in precise quantities.

Flexible Formats

From powders that mix into shakes to tablets you can take on the go, amino acid supplements come in various formats to suit different lifestyles. Powders allow you to adjust serving sizes and mix with other supplements, whilst tablets and capsules provide pre-measured convenience for busy schedules.

Popular Picks

Looking for targeted amino acid support? L-Carnitine Tablets - This essential amino acid formula delivers all nine essential amino acids including BCAAs in a refreshing Golden Kiwi flavour. Perfect for mixing with water before, during, or after training.

FAQs

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. They're often called the building blocks of protein because when you eat protein-rich foods, your body breaks them down into individual amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids that make up the proteins in your body, and nine of these are classified as essential, meaning your body cannot produce them and they must come from your diet.

What's the difference between EAAs and BCAAs?

EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) include all nine essential amino acids that your body cannot produce: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) are a subset of EAAs consisting of just three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Whilst BCAAs focus on these three specific amino acids, EAA supplements provide the complete spectrum of all nine essential amino acids. Both are popular among active individuals, with the choice often coming down to personal preference and individual goals.

Should I choose amino acid powder, tablets, or capsules?

The format you choose depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Amino acid powders mix easily with water or other beverages and allow you to adjust serving sizes, making them versatile for different situations. They're ideal if you're already making shakes or want to combine multiple supplements in one drink.

Tablets and capsules offer pre-measured convenience – perfect for busy schedules or travel when you need something you can take quickly without mixing. Liquid capsules, like our Liquid L-Carnitine Capsules, provide the benefits of liquid formulations in an easy-to-swallow format. There's no "best" format overall, just what works best for your routine.

When should I take amino acid supplements?

There's no single correct time to take amino acids – it depends on your personal routine and the specific amino acid you're using. Many people consume them around training sessions, either before, during, or after exercise, whilst others incorporate them at different times throughout the day.

The most important factor is consistency and fitting them into a routine that works for you. Whether you prefer taking them with breakfast, around your workout, or in the evening, the key is establishing a pattern you can maintain alongside your regular meals and protein intake.

Can I take amino acids with protein powder?

Yes, amino acid supplements can be taken alongside protein powder as part of your overall nutrition plan. Protein powders provide complete proteins that your body breaks down into amino acids, whilst individual amino acid supplements or amino acid blends deliver specific amino acids in measured amounts.

Some people mix amino acid powders directly into their protein shakes, whilst others take them at separate times. There's no issue with combining them – it's simply a matter of your total daily protein and amino acid intake fitting within your nutritional requirements.

What is L-Glutamine?

L-Glutamine is an amino acid and the most abundant one found in muscle tissue. Whilst your body can produce glutamine (making it a non-essential amino acid), it's still one of the most popular individual amino acid supplements. It's found naturally in protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as in smaller amounts in plant sources.

Available in both powder and tablet form, L-Glutamine supplements provide a concentrated source of this amino acid that many athletes and gym-goers include in their supplement stack alongside their regular protein intake.

What is L-Carnitine?

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative synthesised in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It's found in nearly all cells of the body, with particularly high concentrations in muscle tissue. Dietary sources include red meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products, with smaller amounts in some plant foods.

L-Carnitine supplements are available in tablets and liquid capsule formats, providing a convenient way to add this compound to your nutrition plan. Many active individuals include L-Carnitine as part of their broader supplement routine.

How much protein do amino acids provide?

Individual amino acid supplements typically don't contribute significant amounts to your daily protein intake in the way that protein powder or protein-rich foods do. For example, a serving of L-Glutamine or L-Carnitine provides grams of that specific amino acid, but they're often taken in smaller quantities than a full protein serving.

EAA and BCAA powders do contribute to protein intake since they contain multiple amino acids, though usually in smaller amounts per serving than a typical protein shake. These supplements are generally used alongside, rather than as a replacement for, regular protein sources like protein powder, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

Who developed Myprotein's amino acid supplements?

Myprotein's amino acid range has been developed by our expert nutritionists who formulate products based on the latest research and understanding of sports nutrition. Our team creates supplements designed to meet the needs of active individuals, from gym-goers to athletes, ensuring quality ingredients in convenient formats.

Each product undergoes rigorous quality testing, and our range includes various amino acid options to suit different preferences – from individual amino acids like L-Glutamine and L-Carnitine to complete essential amino acid blends. The team continuously works to expand and improve our amino acid offerings based on customer feedback and nutritional science.

Are amino acid supplements suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Many of our amino acid supplements are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, though this varies by product. Individual amino acids like L-Glutamine and L-Carnitine are typically synthesised or derived from plant-based sources, making them appropriate for plant-based diets. However, capsule shells may contain gelatine in some products.

Always check the specific product information on each supplement's page for detailed suitability information. Our range includes various options, and product pages clearly indicate which are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, helping you make informed choices that align with your dietary preferences.

1. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.