BCAA or EAA?

**Check1** · 13-04-2009 07:17 PM

I know generally they are anabolic and are metabolised in the muscles, preventing breakdown.

I have just got through 500g of BCAA over 6 weeks or so, kinda dreaded the taste before every workout but I think they have been effective.

Now looking to buy another kilo of aminos, but have no idea which to go for.

What are the pros and cons of each? (apart from EAA being slightly more expensive).

Will also be looking into buying some L-glutamine.

**Bison** · 13-04-2009 07:22 PM

What are you taking them for? Are you cutting atm?

**Check1** · 13-04-2009 07:31 PM

No, I was cutting but am taking a few days off atm.

Gonna bulk again after, thinking I might try and do it as leanly as possible. Might just stick to Glutamine whilst I do this, and keep aminos because they will always come in useful and might help me hit free postage. Dont have to buy them though I suppose. Maybe i'll just add a few grams to my post workout shake.

**Bison** · 13-04-2009 08:48 PM

Only worth taking when cutting imho.

**Luffers** · 13-04-2009 09:35 PM

I have been using EAA pre and post work out to bulk for a long time now and I honestly think they offer no benefits over a decent whey shake pre or post.

Yes they will be digested easier and quicker but in the real world that doesn't stand for nothing in the big scheme of things.

**Bison** · 14-04-2009 05:58 PM

Waste of time really when bulking, you'll already be getting an abundance of amino's from your diet. Taken around a workout when cutting I've found them to be very effective in helping keep energy levels and strength up and keeping catabolism at bay.

I'd also choose EAA's over BCAA's given the choice.

**Amritos** · 15-04-2009 05:13 AM

I used to use a mixture made up of BCAAs and Leucine. From what I remember, I did this to get the ratio of leucine up out of the 3 amino acids in the BCAAs, as this proved more effective and also, more cost effective.

**James** · 15-04-2009 11:51 AM

I only have BCAA when cutting also. I take 2 mixtures of 20g whey + 10g BCAA prior to training and then during my training. I then finish off with a post-wo shake of 40g whey and 10g Leucine.

To be honest I don't really remember it making a difference, but everyone hammered on about it a little while ago! Think I'm going to drop them (leucine and bcaa) soon, as even when cutting my protein intake is at around 1.2 to 1.5g per pound of total BW, which I feel easily makes up for it!

**Dino_V** · 15-04-2009 01:00 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by James

I only have BCAA when cutting also. I take 2 mixtures of 20g whey + 10g BCAA prior to training and then during my training. I then finish off with a post-wo shake of 40g whey and 10g Leucine.

To be honest I don't really remember it making a difference, but everyone hammered on about it a little while ago! Think I'm going to drop them (leucine and bcaa) soon, as even when cutting my protein intake is at around 1.2 to 1.5g per pound of total BW, which I feel easily makes up for it!

I guess its the old argument. A lot of people will tell you that because you have your protein sources so well planned, especially around workouts, youre already getting enough BCAAs, so theres no real need to supplement... I can imagine them being useful on something like the V-Diet though, or some other VLCD.

I cant say I noticed much of a difference when taking extra BCAAs. In saying that, I dont normally cut for longer than 6 weeks. I dont really need to. Maybe if it was a longer cut, say 12 weeks-ish you would notice the benefit...

**James** · 15-04-2009 01:17 PM

I'm on week 9 at the moment, doing a full 12. I'm still losing 1-2lbs a week, currently about 11% BF. Going to then maint for a month, with a P/P/L program, then resuming 8 week cut once again.

I guess in my circumstances they will be helping (cal deficiency for so long a period).