Essential Amino Acids are currently used primarily for supplementation among strength athletes because they promote protein synthesis in muscle. Essential Amino Acids are used to provide energy and they have been shown to decrease post-workout soreness, which translates to faster recovery times even after intense and grueling trainings. 

Essential Amino Acids serve as important fuel sources for skeletal muscle during periods of metabolic stress. Essential Amino Acids are needed for the maintenance of muscle tissue and appear to preserve muscle stores of glycogen. Essential Amino Acids also help prevent muscle protein breakdown during exercise.

Essential Amino Acids have an effect on all protein metabolism and during periods of stress are required by the body in larger amounts than any other amino acid. Essential Amino Acids may help build muscle during and following exercise by decreasing protein breakdown and increasing protein synthesis. 

Essential Amino Acids are necessary for the optimal growth of infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. Essential Amino Acids are turned into muscle tissue after entering the body and being metabolized. Isoleucine is needed for hemoglobin formation and also helps to maintain regular energy levels. Isoleucine is also important for stabilizing and regulating blood sugar and energy levels and is required through the diet as it cannot be produced by the body. Leucine is necessary in promoting the healing of bones, skin, and muscle tissue. Leucine is a direct-acting nutrient signal that regulates protein synthesis in adipose tissue. In skeletal muscle, leucine stimulates protein synthesis through multiple independent mechanisms. Valine is helpful in synthesis of glucose in the liver especially during anaerobic activities.

Since Essential Amino Acids are so crucial for the proper functioning of muscle tissue, they are very popular with endurance athletes, body builders, and others looking to simply stay healthy. Essential Amino Acids are metabolized in the muscle as opposed to the liver, and because of this many body builders and athletes use BCAA supplements while undergoing intense exercise. Even light exercise can cause BCAA levels to drop quickly which leads to muscle breakdown (catabolism) and fatigue. Those in a building phase in any exercise routine or training for long periods of time will find Essential Amino Acids a good choice.