Protein Content - AminosUpdated 5 months ago

To begin, free-form amino acids should not be considered "protein" in the typical sense of the word. What we all think of as proteins are a various chain of amino acids all bonded by peptides. 

So, while we cannot consider free form amino acids as protein in the typical sense, there are other factors that can help inform one who desires to include them in daily protein intake.  

Free form amino acids have been shown to increase muscle protein synthesis at rates substantially higher (even up to 8x) than intact proteins. There are multiple factors for this, but a primary being the lack of need for digestion compared to intact proteins. 

Given this, there is not a right or wrong way to go about tracking. Some might err on the side of considering each gram of amino acids as 3g of protein (due to the increased efficiency), while other might yet consider a 1:1 ratio, while others still will not account for them in daily tracking. 

All of this being said, it is important to remember that while EAA's can stimulate much greater protein synthesis, dietary proteins are still vital for provision of other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.