Bodybuilding FAQ - Can I Use Amino Acid Tablets Instead of Protein Powders?
Wednesday November 26, 2008
Technically, a complete amino acid formula provides the same protein that you can find in a protein powder. Remember that all proteins are made up from amino acids. However, you would need to ingest a very large amount of these tablets in order to get the same amount of protein that a protein powder can offer.
Most amino acid formulas on the market carry 1000 mg of aminos per tablet, which equals 1 gram of protein per tablet. Therefore, in order to get 30 grams of protein you would need to ingest 30 amino acid tablets.
In my opinion, if you don't have the time to prepare a protein shake, then I suggest trying an RTD (Ready-to-Drink) product, as otherwise, you will not be getting the protein that you need in between meals.
Related Articles
Most amino acid formulas on the market carry 1000 mg of aminos per tablet, which equals 1 gram of protein per tablet. Therefore, in order to get 30 grams of protein you would need to ingest 30 amino acid tablets.
In my opinion, if you don't have the time to prepare a protein shake, then I suggest trying an RTD (Ready-to-Drink) product, as otherwise, you will not be getting the protein that you need in between meals.
Related Articles
Comments
Thanks for posting this info.
What are your thoughts on complete amino powders vs. essential amino powders vs. BCAAs?
Train hard,
Tony Schwartz
Muscle Building Blog
Hugo, I can’t imagine trying to take that number of tablets or that much time to make a shake. What I do is mix 60 grams unflavored whey protein powder, fruit meusli and some plain youghurt plus a little water and stir it together so it’s like porridge. Sometimes I add sliced fresh fruit. Takes about two or three minutes. A great breakfast or quick snack. Cheers, Fred
Hello Tony,
I think that for an advanced bodybuilder (and certainly for the competitive ones) BCAA supplementation before, during and after the workout in the form of powder is extremely useful. Using BCAA aminos in this form has allowed me to keep a significant amount of muscle mass as I diet down for competitions. In the off-season this amino acid loading has also proven to be very useful at helping advanced athletes get to the next level.
As far as using other amino acid powders, I personally feel that an athlete can get all of those aminos from the protein intake in the diet.
—————————-
Dear Fred,
Thanks for the recipe! Yes, I know what you mean…30 tablets would make most of us nauseous. I guess that if I did not have a choice I would do it, but with the multiple protein powders and RTD’s available, there is no need for such as Spartan effort.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
-HR