15 best BCAA's
BCAA is a protein complex consisting of 3 essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. The human body is not capable of synthesizing them on its own, but meanwhile, they make up a third of all protein structures in muscles, taking a direct part in their restoration and contributing to a qualitative gain in mass. People with regular physical activity and novice bodybuilders are encouraged to replenish their supply from food or protein, but when training becomes increasingly difficult, adding these particular amino acids is indispensable.
There are many domestic and foreign firms involved in the production of BCAAs, but there is no objective research on which one is better. In compiling this rating, we tried to evaluate the composition for the quality and quantity of useful components, the popularity and reputation of the manufacturer, as well as the recommendations of athletes and user reviews on independent sites. Traditionally, amino acid supplements are offered in the form of powders, tablets, capsules and liquids, but in fact, the effectiveness does not depend on the form of the product - it should be chosen based on the convenience of taking, depending on the circumstances.
Best BCAAs in Powder Form
The advantage of powdered formulations is that they are absorbed quickly and have sweet flavors, which can help you to interrupt the hunt for sweets a little. The disadvantage of all powders is the inconvenience associated with stirring and the desirability of taking it immediately after preparation, as well as the possibility of lump formation and a noticeable unnatural taste.
5 Do4a Lab BCAA 8-1-1
Another famous Russian manufacturer of sports nutrition stands out from the competitive environment by the complete openness of information about its products. For example, he reports that his "BTsashki" are made from Wirud raw materials at the Evalar plant without adding any extraneous components. By offering customers to consume pure BCAAs without glutamine, taurine, malta, etc., Docha believes that by doing so it helps them save money and unleash their full potential. And I must say, many users completely agree with it.
A 10 g serving of powder contains 7.2 g of leucine and 0.9 g each of auxiliary amino acids. At the same time, a 900-gram package costs about 2 thousand rubles, which is about 2 times cheaper in comparison with foreign counterparts. Thus, it is much more profitable for weightlifters to purchase domestic products made from high-quality semi-finished products using high-tech equipment, especially since the results from such savings do not suffer in any way, but, on the contrary, improve.
4 Be First Classic Powder
Traditionally, firms from the USA and Europe are leading on the sports nutrition market, but in 2008 an enterprise appeared in Russia that uses the same raw materials and the international quality control system ISO and NACCP. Unsurprisingly, the brand's BCAA supplement is receiving positive feedback from customers. It contains no potentially harmful components like acesulfame potassium and aspartame. There are only 3 key amino acids and an anti-caking agent (unflavored powder) or flavoring ingredients such as citric acid, flavor and sucralose.
Athletes who have tested the product from personal experience note the absence of excessive sweetness, satisfactory cost and normal consumption (in 200 g - 40 servings). They assess the effectiveness as high: after taking it, the state of health immediately becomes better and the effectiveness of the lesson increases, from which it is possible to draw conclusions about the rapid assimilation of the components. The only drawback is that you often have to order it via the Internet.
3 Scivation Xtend BCAAs
The peculiarity of this complex lies in the perfect combination of ingredients with proven effectiveness in significant concentration. So, in addition to BCAA, it includes:
- glutamine (2500 mg) - directly affects muscle synthesis, respectively, and mass gain;
- citrulline (1000 mg) - improves blood circulation and performance;
- pyridoxine (620 mg) - promotes the breakdown of fats.
A big plus is the presence of electrolytes in the mixture - minerals that the body loses with sweat during intense sports.
Thus, Xtend is perfect for disciplines with increased stress - boxing, crossfit, athletics. According to athletes, it is better to take it during or after training, when it is necessary to stop muscle catabolism and start recovery processes. Just do not knead the drink in advance, since L-glutamine breaks down very quickly in water.
2 Ultimate Nutrition BCAA-12000 Flavored
Each serving of powder from an American company, one of the most famous in the world of professional sports, supplies the body with 3 g of leucine and 1.5 g of isoleucine and valine. This combination (2: 1: 1) is considered optimal for beginners who are at the stage of burning subcutaneous fat. Despite the fact that the pure amine complex has a bitter taste, the product is quite comfortable to take due to the flavoring additives. There are 11 fruit and berry flavors in total, of which, according to consumers, the most pleasant are “blackberry” and “pink lemonade”.
Many powders tend to clump during mixing. UN has created a formula due to which the amino complex dissolves completely in water when shaken in a bottle. True, with the usual stirring with a spoon, individual flakes may remain. The resulting drink has a caloric content of 120 g, therefore, in addition to the main effect, it gives a feeling of satiety for a while. The working properties, according to reviews, appear quickly - it is much easier to train after taking BCAA, and the muscles recover a day or two earlier.
1 MODERN USPlabs
Those who are serious about bodybuilding and exercise 2-3 hours a day should take amino acid formulations with an increased leucine content. It is he who is responsible for accelerating protein synthesis, respectively, and gaining muscle mass, while the rest of the amino acids play an auxiliary role. The most progressive in this regard is USPlabs, which provided a premium product with the most advantageous ratio of 8: 1: 1 to date and a total content of valuable amines of 15 g / 1 serving.
In professional circles, the complex is considered the best in all respects. The unstable glutamine in it has been replaced by the more stable sustamine, which stimulates the production of glycogen and has an anti-catabolic effect. In addition to the BCAA itself, the composition contains several valuable ingredients: the essential amino acid lysine, the growth stimulator taurine and a mixture of electrolytes. The product is produced in the form of a finely dispersed powder, the crystals of which instantly dissolve, and this drink is very pleasant to drink. By the way, sometimes mini-packages appear on sale, which are recommended to be taken for a sample.
Best BCAA in capsule and tablet form
Capsules and tablets with an amino acid set are absorbed just as effectively, but slightly slower than powders, so it is more expedient to take them within 15–20 minutes. before training. The undoubted plus of this form of the drug is convenience, however, such drugs are somewhat more expensive, and besides, they cannot be pampered with taste buds.
4 R-Line BCAA Caps
The most valuable substance, leucine, is relatively small in R-Line BCAA capsules: only 1.05 mg per 5-piece serving. However, users point out that the second wind after adding them to the sports diet opens up in the same way as from more expensive counterparts with much higher nutrient content. There are no miracles - just this amount is optimal for entry-level bodybuilders, but not enough for advanced athletes experiencing high-intensity loads.
It is recommended to take the drug 5–6 capsules at a time, however, many initially reduce the dosage to 3, while others, on the contrary, increase it to 9–10, fortunately, the cost does not save on performance. Capsules may seem large at first, but over time, the size can take some getting used to. The girls especially appreciate the product - thanks to it, they feel like tireless "fitness cuddles" during cardio workouts.
3 Evalar SportExpert BCAA +
Evalar is known as a pharmaceutical manufacturer with its own plantations in Altai, scientific laboratories and high-tech production based on BOSCH and UHLMANN equipment. Most recently, he launched a new sports nutrition product BCAA +, which is supplemented with water-soluble vitamin B6 and beta-alanine to help reduce fatigue during training and relieve muscle pain after training. Another important difference of the drug is certification according to the international GMP standard, which strictly regulates all production processes.
The new product was immediately reacted with interest (not least because of the very affordable price), and today there is a fairly wide evidence base created on the basis of user experience. Both women and men notice a qualitative improvement in their workouts, a decrease or even a complete absence of pain, a gradual gain in mass and a decrease in the percentage of fat.
2 Scitec Nutrition BCAA-1000
The ability to purchase a product with BCAA at any time is very important - no one wants to stock up on huge stocks or stop taking a product at the most crucial moment. Amino acid sports supplement from Skytech Nutrition is sold in almost all major specialized stores, which testifies to its popularity. Due to the peculiarities of the composition, which includes a complex of B vitamins, they resort to its help in order to gain mass, as well as maintain the work of the heart and blood vessels.
"BCA-shka" is usually taken 3 times a day, 2 capsules, which in total corresponds to 2.58 g of L-leucine, 1.26 g of L-isoleucine and 1.26 g of L-valine. This amount covers the needs of an adult, if necessary, the dosage can be increased, but not more than 15 g at a time, otherwise the absorption of other amino acids worsens. High user ratings are justified by ease of use (capsules are small, easy to swallow) and efficiency: after 15 minutes, it becomes easier to perform reps and work out the entire workout plan.
1 Maxler 4200
The complex-reducing agent from Maxler is created according to the classic 2: 1: 1 recipe and, in addition to essential amino acids, contains only the ingredients necessary for a cachet. The absence of unnecessary substances has a positive effect on the cost of the drug: 400 tablets in one bottle correspond to 133 servings (1 serving = 3 tablets). If taken, as recommended in the instructions, 2 or 3 times a day, the supply will last more than a month. And Considering that it is recommended to drink BCAA not as a course, but on an ongoing basis, when recalculated, it turns out that this is almost the cheapest sports supplement.
Athletes and trainers speak commendably about it, but they prefer the tablet preparation - not everyone liked the powder. But the pills, according to them, although large, but swallow easily, and begin to act in the training process. By the way, you should not chew the pills - they are too bitter, which indicates the originality of the product. The effect of the application is manifested in the improvement of the quality of the performance of the sets, including the complex ones, as well as in the accelerated recovery after training.
Best BCAAs in Liquid Form
To save users from the need to dissolve the powder in field conditions or to swallow huge capsules, some companies have developed ready-made solutions in mini-packs. They are immediately ready for use, have a neutral or rich taste, but at the same time they are demanding on storage conditions and are considered the most expensive form of amino complexes.
3 Olimp BCAA-4000 Extreme Shot
The transport of free L-amino acids into the cells is carried out together with sodium ions. Knowing this, the specialists of OLIMP Sport Nutrition have included in the BCAA-4000 Extreme Shot formula a special Nitroloader System complex with sodium (50 mg), pyridoxine (1.05 mg) and cyanocobalamin (1.875 mg). Thanks to this solution, the efficiency of assimilation of amino acids contained in the composition in free crystalline form becomes even better.
The liquid is poured into 60 ml disposable drinking bottles. According to the instructions, they are required to take 2 units per day, so one box is enough for only 10 days. Buyers admit that it is expensive, but worth it: even the most extreme workouts are easier, after them the body returns to normal faster, in addition, the rate of mass gain is noticeably increased.
2 BioTech USA Liquid-BCAA
Sweet and sour (light bitterness is also present) solution with BCAA is easy to drink and quickly absorbed. 1 serving (30 ml) contains 1 g of amino acids from the inseparable three, of which 0.6 g is leucine. Another 0.915 g is accounted for by other amino carboxylic acids necessary for the human body: ornithine, lysine and arginine. Acting in synergy, they provide a powerful anti-catabolic effect, increased secretion of growth hormone and accelerated repair.
Users do not report side effects, on the contrary, the liquid is well tolerated by their gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, it is combined with all types of sports nutrition, which further simplifies their intake. The container contains 1 liter of solution, and it lasts for a long time. The storage conditions are also quite simple: the product should be placed tightly closed in a cool dry place, for example, in a refrigerator. To summarize, this is one of the most successful proposals from BioTech along with its L-carnitine and Whey Zero.
1 Sports Technology BCAA-5000
The low-carbonated soft drink has a high amino acid content (5000 mg, in a 2: 1: 1 ratio). A single intake of the complex half an hour before or during training leads to a decrease in the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn provides a natural slowdown in catabolism. The body responds to this process with the absence of fatigue, increased efficiency, better sleep quality and readiness for new sports achievements.
The product tastes very good, the Orange-Mango is especially good. The taste of Lime-Lemongrass-Ginger-Mint is more for an amateur, but he also found his fans. Supplied in 25 ml disposable ampoules, packed in 20 pcs. It is convenient to take them with you individually for training and take them at the right time, without being distracted by the process of dosing and mixing. The energy value is minimal - 16 kcal per 1 portion, so the food intake does not replace the remedy, the feeling of hunger does not dull.
Best BCAA's with Diet Features
Many athletes exclude sugar, sweeteners, gluten, and animal products from their diet on the basis of a doctor's prescription or for principle / religious reasons. Especially for them, manufacturers develop formulas in which unwanted ingredients are completely excluded.
3 Geneticlab Nutrition BCAA 2: 1: 1
There are no aspartame, gluten and maltodextrin in this supplement, but sucralose is abundant and may seem oversweetened to some users. As for the target amino acids, there are just as many of them as you need: in a portion (5 g) 2.3 g of leucine and 1.15 g of isoleucine with valine. In addition to them, glutamine (5 g) is present in the composition, which is recommended to be taken additionally for people who work a lot in the gym in order to gain weight.
Even professional trainers and athletes speak flatteringly about the quality of the Russian product, claiming that there is nothing better on the market in terms of the ratio of useful compounds and the cost of one serving. The tastes are pleasant, intense, especially praised by "Exotic" and "Pineapple". The effectiveness of the tool is noticeable not only for bodybuilders, but also for long distance runners: after it, muscles do not ache so much, it becomes much easier to train.
2 Optimum Nutrition BCAA-1000
The company that created the Gold Standard 100% protein and won the trust of millions of consumers around the world is clearly not going to give up its positions. Optimum Nutrition Amino Acid Blend has consistently received hundreds of praise for its effectiveness, but most importantly, it can be taken by absolutely everyone, including those with celiac disease, i.e., gluten intolerance. And although marketers are very fond of speculating on the gluten-free topic, approximately 0.5% of the population is still recommended to limit the intake of this plant protein along with supplements and food. It is for them that the ON BCAA supplement is very relevant.
In addition to vegetable fiber, the product also lacks the sweetener aspartame (until recently it was suspected of carcinogenicity), maltodextrin (has a high glycemic index) and sucralose (may have an allergic effect). Of the active ingredients, the contents of the pill contain only the most necessary for the buyer: L-isomers of three essential amino acids, as well as gelatin and anti-caking agent magnesium stearate. If such a composition suits the buyer, it is better for him to take the capsules, since in the powder it is changed to impart certain taste characteristics.
1 VP Laboratory BCAA / 2: 1: 1
It is quite difficult for vegan athletes to find a sports nutrition that meets their principles. However, a vegan complex with BCAA still exists and is produced by its well-known company VP Lab. She claims that 100% vegetable composition is used for its manufacture, while eggs, milk and gluten can only be present in residual, i.e., very small amounts. According to the materials of specialized publications (for example, the German magazine vegpool.de), the manufacturer is obliged to inform about their possible availability by law, however, the product is completely suitable for a vegetarian menu.
Important advantages of the powder with amino acids are the microscopic particle size and, as a result, excellent solubility and fast absorption, as well as the absence of bitterness. The taste palette of the product is wide, mainly fruity accents, but there is also a neutral taste. The L-leucine content is high - 3600 mg per serving. The total amount of protein reaches 90 g out of 100, so the drug is an excellent source of protein not only for athletes, but also for all vegetarians.
