Amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of proteins, and the proteins and enzymes that are comprised of these amino acids help build muscle and a healthy body. The body requires twenty different amino acids, several of which are produced by the body itself. However, eight of these can only be gained through diet or supplement, and many of the others often need a boost due to a variety of factors, including diet, age, exercise, illness, and stress levels. Amino acid can come as pills or in a powder to mix a drink.

For those taking supplements to aid in strength training, BCAA tablets or powder are a good option. BCAA refers to the branched chain amino acids, which include leucine, isoleucine and valine - three of the amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine make up around 33% of the skeletal muscle in the body and are necessary for muscle formation, as well as being useful in slowing muscle degradation.