Much has been written about the importance of amino acids and their role in building muscle mass. Most talk about branched chain amino acids (BCAA), which are also a popular sports supplement. However, it is important to supplement with as many of each amino acid as possible for best results, so it is not worth limiting yourself to just 3 of them. If you 're thinking of buying a similar product, reach for an EAA (essential amino acid complex) instead.
One such product has recently been launched by SmartFuel. Its EAA Complex + Electrolytes contains all 9 essential amino acids (8 essential amino acids to be exact) in addition to theessential and one semi-essential) as well as citrulline and important electrolytes for performance support. The manufacturer even states that due to its composition, EAA Complex + Electrolytes can also be used as an intra-workout. What has been our experience with this product? Is it worth investing in? And can it really compete with both classic EAA supplements and special intra-workouts? Find out all this in today's review.
Content of the review
In the course of this review, we will not go into further depth on how amino acids work in the body and why it is important to supplement essential amino acids into the body. However, you can read all the important information in our article Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) under the microscope, where you will also find recommendations for the most reliable products on the market.
High content of active ingredients and minimum additives
Looking at the product's composition, you will notice that in addition to the individual essential amino acids, magnesium, potassiumK, taurine, citrulline and coconut water powder, the only natural sweeteners found are stevia, the natural colour beta-carotene and sucralose. However, we would look in vain for other unnecessary additives and unnecessary substances that would not add to the quality of the product. As far as the amino acid content is concerned, we have to appreciate the BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio, which is a better option than the more widespread 4:1:1 ratio. The individual essential amino acids can be found here in relatively high quantities, which is undoubtedly a big plus, because many products have disappointed us in this respect in the past.
Where SmartFuel EAA Complex + Electrolytes stands out compared to the competition is in its electrolyte and L-citrulline content. Both magnesium and potassium are rapidly eliminated from the body during athletic performance, so it is advisable to replenish them during training. Although we must commend the manufacturer for choosing very effective forms of both minerals, we would also appreciate sodium, which is also excreted in large quantities in sweat. Special praise should also be given to the presence of L-citrulline, which has an excellent effect on performance. (see Citrulline under scrutiny for more info), and coconut water, which is rich in electrolytes, especially potassium. The composition as a whole must therefore be evaluated very positively.
|
Content of active ingredients |
100 g |
15 g (1 serving) |
|
L-leucine |
16 640 mg |
2500 mg |
|
L-Isoleucine |
8320 mg |
1250 mg |
|
L-Valine |
8320 mg |
1250 mg |
|
L-Citrulline DL Malate |
13 310 mg |
2000 mg |
|
L-Lysine |
6660 mg |
1000 mg |
|
L-Threonine |
3990 mg |
600 mg |
|
L-histidine |
2660 mg |
400 mg |
|
L-Phenylalanine |
1330 mg |
200 mg |
|
L-methionine |
1330 mg |
200 mg |
|
L-tryptophan |
670 mg |
100 mg |
|
Taurine |
6660 mg |
1000 mg |
|
Coconut water powder |
6660 mg |
1000 mg |
|
Magnesium malate |
9980 mg |
1500 mg |
|
Magnesium |
1330 mg |
200 mg (53 % RHP*) |
|
Potassium citrate |
3750 mg |
540 mg |
|
Potassium |
1330 mg |
200 mg (10 % RHP*) |
*RHP - reference intake value for an average adult (8400 kJ/2000 kcal)
How to take SmartFuel EAA Complex + Electrolytes?
One serving of SmartFuel EAA Complex + Electrolytes is 15 g of powder. Just mix these in 300 ml of water and the finished drink is ready. We didn't notice any problem with the solubility as such, anyway the foam stayed on the surface even after a long time. In the end, however, this was not a major problem. At this dosage, one packet of the product will last you for 20 doses, which, to be honest, is not much.
The manufacturer states that the amino acid complex can be taken during or after training. Due to the electrolyte content, I think it is preferable to drink it continuously during training to take full advantage of its effect. L-citrulline, which is abundant in the formula, also works best during exercise (especially its effect on proper blood circulation).
Can complex amino acids replace intra-workout?
Recently, a greater number of so-called intra-workouts, i.e. supplements designed to replenish energy during training, have started to appear on the market. An example of this is our review of Vilgain Intra Workout. These products, however, contain a particularly high content of carbohydrates, caffeine and other substances compared to amino acid complexes, while there are significantly fewer amino acids (often they contain only BCAAs). So if you're thinking about whether to prioritise intra-workout or reach for an EAA instead, you need to be clear about what you expect from the product. If you primarily want to protect your muscles from damage and ensure maximum recovery, an amino acid complex will be more suitable. However, if you need to kick in and replenish energy during your workout, an intra-workout will be a better choice.
The taste will neither offend nor delight you
Taste-wise, the product is not out of line with what you may know from most competing products. The mango flavour is a good choice in my opinion as it is quite sweet, but at the same time it is not overly strong, which might put some people off. Although you can smell a bit of an artificial "tail", ultimately SmartFuel EAA Complex drinks well and definitely won't offend you in any way.
Is it worth paying the higher price?
Given the relatively original composition of this supplement, it's hard to judge its price compared to the competition. In fact, most products from other brands come out slightly cheaper per dose. However, these products contain only pure EAAs and do not contain added electrolytes, which are extremely valuable during training. On the other hand, for example Czech Virus Essential Aminos (review), although it does not have anything extra in the composition, it contains all amino acids in higher amounts, although it comes out a bit cheaper.
So again, you need to think about what you expect from the product. If you're looking for pure EAAs to take post-workout, there are better alternatives in terms of price. If, on the other hand, you're looking for an amino acid complex that, in addition to protecting muscle fibers, also offers a boost in energyperformance and replenish the necessary minerals, in terms of value for money, SmartFuel EAA Complex + Electrolytes has no competition.
Evaluation in conclusion
I have to rate SmartFuel's EAA Complex + Electrolytes very positively, even though it has a few minor flaws. Thanks to the pure composition, the high content of active ingredients and especially the content of necessary electrolytes it has a lot to offer compared to the competition and is definitely worth a try if you are looking for a supplement in this category. The higher price is justified in my opinion and the product still maintains an excellent price-quality ratio, which is the most important thing.
However, if you're not interested in this product, don't overlook our comparison of the best BCAAs on the market. In it, we have detailed the pros and cons of the most reliable products available in the Czech Republic.
Other expert reviews
- Czech Virus Essential Aminos [review]: it will bring your regeneration to perfection
- Penco BCAA [review]: rightly neglected amino acids or a solid competitor of the proven ones?
- Intra Amino [review]: the right amino acids for sport?
- Nano BCAA [review]: revolutionary amino acids or wasted money?
- BCAA Synergy [review]: the best amino acids for hard workers