Amino Acids

Explore our complete range of amino acid tablets & capsules, powders and drinks from Body&Fit and other premium brands to support your training and muscle growth goals.

Check out our blog to learn about the relationship between amino acids, BCAAs and protein and discover our top 5 BCAA products. Get even more expert advice, recipe ideas and workout inspiration, like these 4 home exercises for super shoulders.  

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which the body needs to grow and maintain muscle mass. They can be broken down into three categories: Essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids, and conditional amino acids.

Essential amino acids can only be obtained through food or supplements — your body cannot produce them on its own.

Non-essential amino acids are available in food and can be produced by the body.

Conditional amino acids are those your body only needs at certain times, such as when you’re ill or during periods of intense training.  

How many amino acids are there?

There are twenty different amino acids, nine of which are essential (i.e., the body cannot make by itself). These are leucine, histidine, lysine, tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine and threonine. You can get the nine essential amino acids from foods such as meat, dairy, soy, quinoa, eggs and tofu. Or, from amino acid supplements, like our Body&Fit Amino Perfection.

What are the benefits of taking amino acid supplements?

Amino acids perform a wide range of roles in the body, so there any many benefits of supplementing them. Amino acid supplements, particularly BCAAs, are regularly taken by bodybuilders and strength training athletes as amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein helps to support the growth and maintenance of muscle.

When is the best time to take amino acids?

Amino acids, unlike protein, are already isolated, making them much easier for the body to absorb. If you’re using amino acid supplements to support your training, you can take them as tablets or powders (in a pre-workout shake, for example) before training to help boost protein synthesis and prevent muscle protein breakdown.