Amino acid supplements provide any number of essential, nonessential, or conditionally essential amino acids, though most stick to the nine essential amino acids. BCAA supplements focus primarily on the three BCAAs, though they sometimes also include other amino acids. BCAAs are better suited to complement a diet rich in essential amino acids for those who want to kickstart or maintain a higher rate of muscle protein synthesis than breakdown in the vicinity of a workout. Whereas general amino acid supplements may offer more variegated health benefits and can bolster diets that are generally amino-deficient or support athletes who want to burn fat through cardio without risking as much muscle mass in the process.