Amino acids & recovery

BCAAs are three essential amino acids with a branched structure, leucine, isoleucine and valine, and they are commonly taken as a flavoured drink during or after training.

• At Olympia ME they sit under Amino Acids, in the BCAA sub-category
• They come in several flavours and are mixed with water
• The body cannot make them, so they come from food or a supplement

Note: Follow the serving size stated on the label.

EAAs are the nine essential amino acids the body cannot produce on its own, and that group already includes the three BCAAs. They are sold as a flavoured powder mixed with water.

• Found under Amino Acids in the EAA sub-category
• They cover a wider spread of amino acids than BCAA alone
• Commonly used during training or between meals

Note: Amount and usage are set out on each product label.

The core difference is coverage: BCAA gives you three amino acids, while EAA gives you all nine essential ones, which is why many people treat EAA as the more complete single choice.

• BCAA is the familiar option with a wide flavour range
• EAA covers a broader spread of essential amino acids
• Compare the ingredient panel and serving size on both labels

Note: If your daily protein intake is already sufficient you may not need either.

Usually not, because whey already contains the essential amino acids including the BCAAs, so if your daily protein intake is adequate a separate amino product is optional.

• Some people still use them purely as an intra-workout drink
• Total daily protein from food and shakes matters most
• Weigh the cost against the benefit before adding a product

Note: No supplement makes up for a diet that is short on protein.

Glutamine is an amino acid found widely in the body and in food, and some people take it as a powder as part of a post-training routine. It has its own sub-category under Amino Acids.

• Usually sold unflavoured and mixed into water or a shake
• The daily serving is stated on the product label
• Recovery still rests mainly on sleep, food and training load

Note: Glutamine is a food supplement with no therapeutic claim attached.

There is no single required timing. Most people drink aminos during or straight after training, some spread them between meals, and the label remains the reference.

• During training: a flavoured drink that helps you sip more water
• After training: as part of a post-session routine
• Rest days: follow what the manufacturer states

Note: Consistent training and daily protein matter more than exact timing.

Intra-workout use is popular because a flavoured drink makes it easier to keep sipping water through the whole session, which many people find useful on longer training days.

• Mix one serving in a shaker with cold water before you start
• Sip it across the session rather than drinking it all at once
• Stay within the serving size printed on the label

Note: No specific performance outcome is promised by the product.

On a cut many people choose aminos because the calories per serving are typically low, but they are not calorie-free and do not count as a strict fast, so check the nutrition panel.

• Read the calories per serving before adding it to your daily total
• During religious fasting nothing is consumed in fasting hours
• A calorie deficit drives weight loss, not the supplement

Note: Speak to a health professional if you follow a medically prescribed diet.

Many people use flavoured aminos through the day or at the gym instead of sugary drinks because the calories per serving are usually far lower, while staying within the label serving.

• Check calories and sugar in the nutrition panel
• It is not a replacement for plain water
• Available flavours show up under the Flavor filter in the shop

Note: Moderation is sensible with any flavoured drink.

It depends on the source: some amino acids are produced by plant fermentation and others are not, and the label on the pack is the only reliable answer.

• Read the ingredient list and any Vegan or Plant-based marking
• Capsules may use gelatine, so check the capsule shell
• For a specific product, message us on WhatsApp +968 7161 1711

Note: We do not claim a vegetarian certification for any product.