Author: Geir Gunnar Markusson, Nutritionist MSc., Unbroken

Recovery nutrition is often discussed in terms of protein amounts and ingredients, but there is another factor that strongly shapes how you feel/recover after training: the speed at which your body can absorb the nine essential amino acids (9EAA) that drive repair in large parts. When EAAs reach the bloodstream quickly, the recovery process can begin earlier, smoother, and more efficiently.

Recent findings from the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences provide new insight into how fast different protein sources are absorbed and how that timing influences the rebuilding process. Their work shows meaningful differences in how quickly amino acids from Unbroken reach circulation compared to whey and soy protein—differences that directly impact how early the body can begin restoring muscle tissue.

The recovery window — and the anytime advantage of free-form 9EAA

The post-exercise recovery window—often called the golden hour—is crucial because it’s when your body is primed to repair muscle fibers. This process works best when EAAs are already available in your bloodstream, making absorption speed a key factor in how quickly recovery can begin.

Whey protein is a well-established and effective source of amino acids that supports muscle repair and recovery. Like all intact proteins, however, it must first be digested and pass through gastric emptying before its amino acids are released into the bloodstream, which can influence the timing of their availability during the early recovery phase.
Unbroken is designed differently. It contains free-form essential amino acids (including all 9 EAAs) and short di- and tri-peptides with an ultra-low average molecular weight of 374 Dalton. Because these nutrients require minimal digestive processing, amino acids can become available more rapidly. This supports a faster rise in circulating amino acid levels, helping the body take advantage of the critical early window for recovery.

Fast uptake also enables anytime recovery. You can use Unbroken before or during exercise to supply muscles with essential amino acids ahead of demand and reducing early muscle breakdown.

This combination of rapid absorption and minimal digestive demand makes free-form 9EAAs uniquely suited for recovery support across the entire training timeline.

Why absorption beats quantity in muscle recovery nutrition

Many assume that more protein equals better recovery, but research shows that absorption speed - not quantity - truly matters. Recovery is most effective when essential amino acids reach the bloodstream quickly, not just when large amounts of protein are consumed.

Studies demonstrate that Unbroken’s free-form 9EAA are absorbed significantly faster than intact protein sources. Each serving provides highly bioavailable essential amino acids with very high absorption efficiency, delivering direct muscle nutrition with minimal digestive work.

Instead of waiting for the body to break down 20 grams of protein or more, Unbroken supplies ready-to-use EAAs immediately—just add 1 or 2 tablets to your water bottle for on-the-go, compact, fast-absorbing nutrition. Meeting daily protein needs and establishing consistent nutrition habits contribute to overall wellness; paired with Unbroken’s highly bioavailable formula, this creates optimal conditions for recovery.

No cost to digestion: a natural approach to faster uptake

Unbroken is produced through a natural enzymatic hydrolysis process that mimics the body’s own digestion, breaking salmon protein into free amino acids and short peptides before you consume it. Because the protein is already in its simplest, most absorbable form, the free-form AA and small peptides bypass slow gastric emptying steps the body moves it rapidly into the bloodstream with minimal digestive work, supporting earlier, more consistent nutrient delivery and faster recovery.

Naturally flavoured for everyday use

Unbroken is available in four natural flavours—Apple, Lemon Lime, Mango, and Orange. Each blend is made with stevia and natural fruit flavours, with no artificial sweeteners, colours, or preservatives. The result is a clean, refreshing taste that fits easily into any training routine.

In conclusion

Absorption speed is one of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in effective muscle recovery. The sooner free-form 9EAA reach the bloodstream, the sooner the body can begin repairing muscle fibers and activating the metabolic pathways responsible for rebuilding.

Research behind Unbroken shows that it is rapidly absorbed, highly bioavailable essential amino acids align perfectly with the body’s recovery window, supporting earlier, more efficient repair compared to intact protein sources.

Protein quantity still matters in overall health, but timing and bioavailability matter even more when it comes to recovery. With free-form 9EAA that require virtually no digestion, Unbroken delivers amino acids exactly when the body can use them best—helping reduce next-day soreness and supporting consistent training.

Faster absorption, better recovery - your body will thank you tomorrow.

References:

Absorption Study by Norwegian School of Sports Sciences in Oslo, Norway by professor Truls Raastad (Unbroken original branded ingredient : Amizate)

International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). "Effects of Essential Amino Acids on Exercise and Performance".


📷 Photo credit: @gettysport