XTEND Original BCAA Blue Raspberry Ice | Branched Chain Amino Acids Supplement | 7g BCAAs + Muscle Supplements | Electrolytes for Recovery | Amino Energy Post-Workout | 30 Servings

Product Information

BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, are a group of three EAAs—leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Leucine and valine play an important role in protein synthesis, while isoleucine plays a role in immunity, glucose transportation, and more. Research has demonstrated that the ideal ratio of these BCAAs is 2:1:1—two parts leucine, one part isoleucine, and one part valine. All of the BCAA supplements on this list follow that ratio. Another review of studies in patients undergoing liver surgery reported that BCAA-enriched solutions may help improve liver function, reduce the risk of complications, and decrease the duration of hospital stay ( 41). So, if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, please get your branched-chain amino acids from the list of bcaa foods above. Why…because you can get the essential branched-chain amino acids in bcaa from food sources. Yes, you can get these amino acids in bcaa supplements through regular diet. Food sources of bcaa are just as good as your supplements, if not better. As one of the better-tasting BCAA supplement powders on the market, Huge BCAA may be a good choice if you place a premium on taste and quality ingredients.

Meanwhile, isoleucine and valine seem more effective at producing energy and regulating your blood sugar levels ( 6, 12). Summary

Product Overview

Good for: Individuals looking for BCAA with additional support for hydration and muscle contraction These fatigue-resistance properties of BCAAs are supported by recent studies showing that BCAA supplementation increases exercise capacity and endurance performance in prolonged physical activity carried to exhaustion,” says Iafelice. “However, since other studies showed negative results, the ergogenic effects of BCAAs remain open to question.” Another con of bcaa use is its effect on blood sugar. If you followed this article, you will notice I mentioned how one of the bcaa amino acids, leucine, signals insulin activity. What’s more, studies examining the effects of BCAAs on weight loss show inconsistent results ( 39). Summary However, whether the exact timing makes a big difference for this has not been studied properly. But you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not exceed the maximum listed dosage. Summary

Kate Meier, GGR’s head of content and competitive weightlifter, used XWERKS Motion before several longer lifting sessions, and gave it a 4 out of 5 for its effects.See what all the fuss is about and become a BCAA devotee with the best amino blends, recommended by discerning lifters and athletes. How We Choose the Best BCAAs We also love that the XTEND BCAAs are Informed-Sport certified, something you don’t find often on a budget product. Legault, Z., N. Bagnall, and D.S. Kimmerly, The Influence of Oral L-Glutamine Supplementation on Muscle Strength Recovery and Soreness Following Unilateral Knee Extension Eccentric Exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab, 2015. 25(5): p. 417-26. Among the essential amino acids, BCAAs have the unique ability to serve as an energy source during endurance exercise once carbohydrate stores (glycogen) become depleted. Research 11 has shown that BCAAs can also act to support decreases in brain levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that causes central nervous system fatigue during sustained, moderate-intensity exercise. In fact, one of the problems of working out on am empty stomach, especially with intermittent fasting is that, you risk burning protein before you get into the fat-burning zone. Therein lies the problem.

The blue raspberry tastes almost like blue Kool-Aid,” she states. “This is an easy 5/5 for taste from me.” In general, compared to tablets, capsules are more easily and rapidly absorbed and contain fewer additives,” explains Bob Iafelice, R.D. “While multiple capsules are still needed to supply enough BCAAs for muscle protein synthesis and recovery, Pure’s BCAAs furnish a comparatively large amount of amino acids per capsule, lessening the number of capsules required.”Swolverine BCAA 2:1:1 powder is an affordable option delivering a 2:1:1 ratio in each serving. While there is only one flavor option, users seem to enjoy the taste. The mix dissolves well in water. This is a little more expensive than other BCAAs we have on this list. However, part of that reason is because 1st Phorm products are third-party tested. Therefore, we know what’s on the label is what’s inside the product. Price per serving The only thing that I really don’t like about Optimum Nutrition is that they use propriety blends of amino acids, meaning we don’t know how much of each amino acid is in the formula. The Vitamin B6 may help you retain muscle, which is good news for those of us who take BCAAs to prevent catabolism — particularly as it appears we lose B6 when we exercise. While some studies have linked high blood levels of BCAAs with type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases, levels of BCAAs in the blood do not necessarily correlate with dietary BCAA intake,” Iafelice says.

Pure Encapsulation BCAA Capsules are a good way to add BCAAs into your routine if you prefer capsules over powder form. As far as taste goes, Kate sampled the Blue Raz flavor. “This has a fantastic taste,” she says, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this area. “I could literally sit here and drink this during the work day for a slight energy boost.”The main reason being bcaas will provide energy support during your workout. BCAAs are also good for muscle metabolism during and after your workout session.