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One of the biggest gripes about aging that people over 50 can attest to is having a slower metabolism. This can make losing weight more difficult and holding onto weight a bit easier, which will probably have you saying the phrase "I can't eat like I used to" more often.

"One of the biggest reasons why our metabolism slows down as we age is loss of muscle mass," explains Brittany Michels, MS, RDN, LDN, with The Vitamin Shoppe. "While inactivity certainly influences muscle mass loss, other factors that negatively influence metabolism and healthy aging are inadequate nutrition, unhealthy eating habits, poor digestion, absorption and usage of nutrients, and hormonal changes."

So if you are over 50 and looking to take a supplement that will help keep your metabolism healthy and fast, you should be taking essential amino acids (EAAs).

"Essential amino acids (EAAs) are the building blocks of protein required by the diet," says Michels. "This group of 9 amino acids is mostly responsible for muscle protein, connective tissue, and skin synthesis."

Why is this important? To help prevent the loss of muscle mass. Michels explains that EAAs may support muscle mass maintenance, as well as support other vital functions of the body, including neurotransmitter and hormone production.

"Women can naturally get EAAs from complete protein sources in the diet; however, many of my female clients have a low-protein breakfast or skip a meal with their hectic schedules, making it very difficult to meet their daily protein goal with lunch and dinner meals alone," she says. "Moreover, intermittent fasting trends make meeting protein goals in a shortened eating window even more difficult. EAA supplementation can be a game changer if you're not meeting needs with food alone."

Many studies have found that EAAs help stimulate muscle protein synthesis, especially when combined with exercise like strength training.

If you're looking to try an EAAs supplement, Michels suggests BodyTech Elite's Ultimate EAA powder.

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And aside from a supplement, you can also make sure you're getting EAAs through your diet.

"Complete proteins include all EAAs," says Michels. "The most popular complete protein sources include meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, quinoa, buckwheat, hemp hearts and soybeans."

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