Top 5 Sports Supplements with BCAAs

It is the market leading sports supplement with three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine, i.e. BCAA. Buyers trust the American brand Optimum Nutrition, as it not only has its own production facilities, but also uses its own raw materials (the parent company Glanbia produces cheeses and other food products).

Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 is offered in capsule form. When they are taken, the characteristic bitter taste of pure BCAAs is not felt, and the absorption of amino acids by the body is accelerated.

The additive comes in a small jar, it is convenient to store and transport it. In addition to the 200 capsules, 60 and 400 capsules are also available.

Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 200 cap is the trinity of the most demanded amino acids in the body in its pure form without any chemical impurities or additional components. One serving (2 tablets) contains 500 mg of leucine, 250 mg of isoleucine and 250 mg of valine, which forms the classic ratio of 2:1:1 amino acids, which has the greatest evidence base for effectiveness.

It is recommended to take at least 2-8 capsules per day between meals, but not on an empty stomach to avoid heartburn.

The supplement prevents the production of the hormone cortisol, which destroys muscle cells, accelerates muscle recovery after training, and protects them from oxidation during the training process. It also favors muscle growth, since BCAAs are its main "building material".

One jar of Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 200 cap contains 100 grams of amino acids, which, in terms of 1 g of the product, makes it quite expensive compared to competitors' products, for example, Myprotein BCAA 250 g Price from 633 ₴. But the high quality and impeccable reputation of the manufacturer offset the existing difference.

The 457-gram jar of BCAA powders is packaged with natural flavors to enhance your comfort. This product differs from Ultimate Nutrition BCAA 12000 Powder 400 g Price from 995 up to 1 189 ₴ where pure amino acids are found.

The choice of flavors has 8 options and will allow you to choose the right supplement for everyone: lemonade, orange, cherry, watermelon, grape, raspberry, lime or fruit punch.

One serving of Ultimate Nutrition BCAA 12000 Powder 457 g contains 6 grams of three essential amino acids in a classic 2:1:1 ratio. The manufacturer recommends using BCAA twice a day, that is, 12 grams: which partly explains the name of the product - 12000 Powder. This amount will be enough for any amateur athlete to quickly restore and protect muscles.

Additionally, the composition contains sweeteners (natural flavors, sucralose, citric acid) due to them, the weight of one serving increases to 7.6 grams, and their total number in the bank is 60.

The total concentration of amino acids is just under 80%, which is a high figure. In addition, the energy value of a serving does not exceed 5 kcal. This means that such BCAAs can be safely used even in the drying phase.

All fruit variations are distinguished by a pleasant and neutral taste, the absence of chemical smells typical of low-cost counterparts. As expected from powdered BCAAs, they are completely insoluble in water. For mixing it is better to use a sports shaker. Measuring the desired weight of the additive allows stingy (measuring spoon).

The high concentration of amino acids, the effect confirmed by reviews, pleasant and diverse tastes make Ultimate Nutrition BCAA 12000 Powder one of the best sports supplements in terms of price and quality.

The Polish brand Olimp offers high-quality sports supplements for a reasonable price. This category also includes Olimp BCAA Xplode, which is offered in three packaging options: in cans of 280 and 500 grams and a kilogram package Olimp BCAA Xplode 1000 g Price from 2 121 up to 3 540 ₴.

In addition to the main trinity (leucine, isoleucine and valine), the supplement contains glutamine. It is a non-essential amino acid (the body can synthesize it on its own), which is involved in protein production and favorably affects the immune system. Each serving also contains 2 mg of vitamin B6 (more than the required daily dose). It has an impact on protein absorption and muscle growth, which determines its important role in bodybuilding and other strength sports.

One serving of Olimp BCAA Xplode 500 g equals 10 grams, of which 6 g are BCAAs, 1 g is glutamine, and the rest is flavors and other additives. Compliance with dosages (recommended intake of 20 grams per day) will ensure the intake of a large amount of amino acids into the body, which will allow you to quickly recover from training, build muscle mass, etc. But the overall BCAA concentration of 60% per serving is far from the benchmark.

Olimp BCAA Xplode are offered with 8 types of sweeteners. Among them there are various citrus varieties, cola, peach tea, mojito and multifruit. The taste of the additive, one might say, is “for an amateur”. Some note a pronounced chemical aftertaste, similar to that of Yupi instant drinks. Others, on the contrary, like everything: the taste does not bother even after several months of taking it. The additive mixes well, does not cause allergies and negative reactions from the gastrointestinal tract.

All in all, Olimp BCAA Xplode are excellent mid-range amino acids with additional ingredients designed to improve their absorption and protein synthesis.

Xtend amino acids are considered the hallmark of the American manufacturer Scivation and one of the reference sports supplements in the world. This status is supported by quality certificates received in the USA and Europe, as well as by numerous reviews of bodybuilders and athletes of various disciplines and levels of training.

Scivation Xtend 384 g is available in 30 and 90 serving jars. Smaller packing guarantees the maximum choice of tastes from 15 options. The total weight of the jar (ranging from 384 to 431 grams) and the size of one serving also depend on the choice of sweetener.

In addition to numerous fruit flavors, you can also choose exclusive options, such as ice cream or Margarita cocktail. Even despite the presence of additional flavors and flavors, the powder does not contain sugar, carbohydrates and fats. And most buyers find the taste of the additive pleasant and not annoying.

The composition of Scivation Xtend 384 g enriches the presence of other sought-after components. Each serving contains 2.5 grams of glutamine and 1 g of citrulline. The first amino acid is involved in protein synthesis, and the second improves blood circulation in the muscles, promotes pumping, increased endurance, and accelerates the excretion of lactic acid. It is important that these properties of citrulline are confirmed by repeated studies.

There is also vitamin B6 and a mixture of electrolytes (with sodium and potassium salts). The latter improves stamina, quickly replenishing the loss of fluid in the body during long workouts.

The main interest in Scivation Xtend is due to the solid dosage of the trio of essential amino acids. Each serving has 3.5 grams of leucine and 1.75 grams of isoleucine and valine. Such a dose, even with a single daily intake, will ensure rapid muscle recovery and the release of anabolic hormones for their growth. True, it should be borne in mind that the concentration of BCAA in a portion is in the region of 50%.

Also, the disadvantages include the high cost of a sports supplement in terms of one gram of essential amino acids. But the excellent taste and good effectiveness of the composition cover this minus, making the amino acid complex popular among many athletes.

Optimum Nutrition's comprehensive supplement contains easily digestible free micronized amino acids. It is available in a variety of flavors, including watermelon, blackberry, grape, fruit punch, apple, and more.

Each serving includes a set of 14 essential amino acids. For muscle protection, recovery and growth, in addition to BCAAs, the composition contains less significant, but also necessary glutamine, tuarine, methionine and threonine. Citrulline and arginine should improve blood circulation in muscle tissues and provide a pumping effect. To increase endurance and reduce muscle pain, there is beta-alanine.

Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy 585 g provides an energy blend (160 mg per serving) with caffeine, green tea and coffee extracts. Natural energy transforms the supplement into a pre-workout complex. It gives a feeling of cheerfulness before training, increases endurance and activates fat burning during physical exertion.

Given the presence of caffeine, the supplement is not recommended to be taken before bedtime.

In addition to the 585 gram option, the amino acid complex is offered in 270 gram packaging. The size of one serving is 9 g (energy value less than 10 kcal), and their total number in the bank reaches 65.

The disadvantages of the product include the lack of accurate data on the concentration of BCAA. The manufacturer reports that the amino acid set per serving is 5 grams, but does not provide a detailed breakdown of all components. Even if we assume that the most valuable BCAAs in this mixture are the maximum, then in terms of 1 gram, the sports supplement will be very expensive, which is also its disadvantage.

The original combination of important amino acids with energy drinks adds Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy advantages over analogues. Plus, the overall quality of the products of the reputable American brand is, as always, on top.