There are plenty of different types of protein supplements out there to buy, but what is the difference between them. I will take a look at BCAA, EAA and Natural Protein (Whey and Pea).
BCAA
BCAA contains just of 3 essential amino acids. They are Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine. They are a sub set of what you will get with EAA.
EAA
EAA are all 8 essential amino acids. The EAA are the amino acids your body can’t produce by its own and you have to consume it. They are just a sub set you will get with Whey.
Natural Protein
Depending on the natural protein you will have a different variety of amino acids. Whey protein comes from the milk and Pea protein is plant based. Whey and Pea protein are both complete proteins which means both containing all 8 essential amino acids. The downside on the Pea protein is it has very little methionine. Next to the essential amino acids both also containing non-essential amino acids.
You can get the natural proteins in 3 types of quality: Concentrate, Isolate and Hydrolysate.
- Concentrate: Contains some fat and carbs (especially lactose), most inexpensive
- Isolate: Filtered Concentrate contains less than 1% fat and carbs, moderately expensive
- Hydrolysate: Proteins already split into smaller amino acid chains, most expensive