Amino Acids
Amino acids include super-popular BCAAs, which naturally occur in protein, and form the building blocks of new muscle — that’s important whatever your fitness goals. They can be hard to get from your diet alone, as well as expensive. That's where our range of BCAAs and glutamine come in to help.
Our Essential BCAA 2:1:1 is your daily amino acid supplement, containing an optimal 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine — perfect for adding to your favourite shakes.
If you’re still not sure what you need to pick up, why not take a look at our full breakdown of the best amino acids?
Check out our amino acid powders and drinks. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which helps to grow and maintain muscle mass — ideal for bulking up.
Shop Amino Acids at Myprotein
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein — and protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass1. Whether you're training for size, endurance, or general fitness, amino acid supplements give you targeted access to specific compounds that are naturally found in the foods you eat, in concentrated and convenient form.
The range covers everything from individual amino acids like glutamine and beta alanine to comprehensive blends like EAAs and BCAAs — in both powder and tablet formats. Whatever your training style or daily routine, there's an amino acid supplement built around it.
Who Amino Acids Are For
Amino acid supplements aren't just for bodybuilders. Runners, cyclists, team sport athletes, and gym regulars all reach for amino acids as part of their daily nutrition stack. If you train with any kind of intention — and want to make sure your body has the raw materials it needs — amino acids are worth knowing about.
They're equally useful for those who follow plant-based diets and may find it harder to hit complete amino acid profiles through food alone. Amino acid powders and tablets make it straightforward to fill specific nutritional gaps without overhauling your entire diet.
When to Use Amino Acids
Timing depends on the specific amino acid and your goal. Many athletes take EAAs or BCAAs around their training sessions — either before or during a workout — because these essential amino acids can't be made by the body and need to come from diet or supplementation. Beta alanine is a popular choice pre-workout and features in many pre-workout formulas. Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue, is commonly taken post-workout or before bed by those who want it as part of their evening routine.
Amino acid powders mix easily into water and are quick to consume on the go, making them practical before, during, or after training. Tablets offer the same flexibility without any prep — just take them with water at whatever point fits your schedule best.
Amino Acids Benefits
A Complete Amino Acid Profile
Essential amino acids (EAAs) include all nine amino acids the body can't produce on its own — meaning they must come from food or supplements. EAA blends give you the full spectrum in one hit, making them a practical option for anyone who wants comprehensive coverage without piecing together multiple products.
Targeted Single-Amino Formats
Individual amino acid supplements like L-glutamine, citrulline malate, beta alanine, and AAKG let you dial in specific compounds based on your training focus. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in muscle tissue. Citrulline malate and AAKG are popular choices among those focused on resistance and high-intensity training.
Flexible Formats for Every Routine
Amino acids are available in both powder and tablet form. Powders are fast to mix and often come flavoured, making them easy to drink around a session. Tablets are unflavoured and portable — ideal for those who prefer a no-fuss approach or need something they can take anywhere.
Protein That Works for You
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass1. Getting enough of the right amino acids through your diet and supplementation is a foundational part of any serious nutrition plan.
Popular Picks
L-Glutamine Tablets — Built for anyone serious about their training, L-Glutamine Tablets deliver protein that contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass across every sport and workout goal.
L Glutamine Powder — The most popular amino acid in powder form, L-Glutamine Powder is a versatile, vegan-friendly option that fits seamlessly into any sport or workout routine.
Beta Alanine — A go-to ingredient in pre-workout formulas, Beta Alanine is a vegan-friendly amino acid that suits every fitness goal.
FAQs
What are amino acids?
Amino acids are organic compounds that form the structural building blocks of protein. There are 20 amino acids in total — nine of which are classified as essential, meaning the body can't produce them and they must come from food or supplements. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass1, and amino acids are the compounds that make up all dietary protein.
What is the difference between EAAs and BCAAs?
EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) include all nine amino acids the body can't produce on its own. BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) — leucine, isoleucine, and valine — are three of those nine essential amino acids, and are distinguished by their branched molecular structure. BCAAs are a subset of EAAs, so an EAA supplement provides a broader amino acid profile, while a BCAA supplement focuses specifically on those three compounds.
What amino acid supplements are available at Myprotein?
The range includes both individual amino acid supplements and comprehensive blends — covering powders and tablets across a variety of formats. You'll find L-Glutamine in both powder and tablet form, standalone options like Beta Alanine, Citrulline Malate, and AAKG Powder, plus complete blends including Impact EAA, THE EAA Essential Amino Acid and Electrolyte Powder, and Impact BCAA 2:1:1 — making it straightforward to find the right fit for your training goals.
What are amino acid supplements?
Amino acid supplements are concentrated sources of specific amino acids or combinations of them, delivered in powder or tablet form. They're designed to give you targeted access to particular amino acids that may be harder to get in meaningful amounts from food alone — especially around training when demand is higher. They're not a replacement for a balanced diet, but a convenient addition to one.
What's the difference between amino acid powder and amino acid tablets?
Amino acid powder mixes into water and is typically faster to consume, often comes flavoured, and suits those who prefer a drink around their training session. Amino acid tablets are unflavoured, portable, and require no mixing — making them a practical pick for people who train early, travel frequently, or just want a quicker option. The core amino acid content is the same; it's purely a format preference.
Which amino acid supplement should I choose?
L-Glutamine Powder is one of the most popular amino acid supplements on the range — glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue, and it's a versatile option that suits all sports and workout goals. If you're after something for pre-workout specifically, Beta Alanine is a widely used amino acid that features heavily in pre-workout formulas and is suited to all fitness goals. For a complete essential amino acid profile in one product, Impact EAA covers all nine essential amino acids.
Can amino acids be taken every day?
Most amino acid supplements are formulated for regular daily use as part of a consistent nutrition routine. Whether you're training that day or not, many people include amino acids as a staple part of their supplement stack. Always follow the usage guidance on the specific product label, as recommended intake can vary between different amino acid types and formats.
Who developed Myprotein's amino acid supplements?
Myprotein's amino acid supplements are developed by an in-house team of expert nutritionists. Every product is formulated to deliver specific, well-researched amino acids in effective formats — from straightforward single-ingredient powders to comprehensive EAA blends with added electrolytes.
Are amino acid supplements suitable for vegans?
Many of the amino acid supplements on the range are suitable for vegans, though this varies by product. Always check the individual product page for suitability information, allergen details, and full ingredient lists before purchasing.
How do amino acids relate to protein intake?
All dietary protein is made up of amino acids — when you eat protein, your body breaks it down into its constituent amino acids and uses them for various physiological processes. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass1. Amino acid supplements give you direct access to specific compounds without the additional macronutrients that come with whole food protein sources, making them a flexible addition to an existing high-protein diet.
1. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.