Find out if this supplement is truly worth taking or not.

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Key Takeaways:

From energy boosters to sleeping aids, we can all agree the supplement aisle is stacked.

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Photo:Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design.

What Are Essential Amino Acids?

Proteins are made up of 20 amino acids, often referred to as the building blocks ofprotein.

These amino acids fall into three categories: essential, nonessential and conditional (or semi-essential).

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Below we identify a few research-backed health benefits.

Additionally, individuals on calorie-restricted diets may also benefit from supplementing with essential amino acids.

She adds that essential amino acid supplements can be especially helpful to take post-surgery or when healing wounds.

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(For more information, check out7 Things You Should Look For When Buying a Supplement).

Thirdly, theres also a risk of consuming too much.

Who Should Avoid Essential Amino Acid Supplements?

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Children and pregnant or nursing women should avoid taking essential amino acid supplements, says Farrell.

They may also benefit athletes or active individuals looking to build more muscle mass.

Check with your health care provider before starting any new supplement.

More research is needed to determine if its safe or not to supplement in these groups.

Lopez MJ, Mohiuddin SS.Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids.

StatPearls Publishing; 2025.

The Whole Grain Council.Protein Packed Whole Grains.

sativa)Protein Isolate.Plants (Basel).

2021;18(3):316-333. doi:10.1080/19390211.2020.1746725

Holecek M.Side effects of amino acid supplements.Physiol Res.

2020;12(5):1441.. doi:10.3390/nu12051441