Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids, meaning they cannot be synthesized in the body and need to be obtained through diet or supplements. BCAAs include leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
BCAA supplements have become popular in the fitness industry due to their ability to help in muscle building, exercise recovery, and improved athletic performance.
Here are the 10 best BCAA supplements of 2022.
What factors to consider when choosing a BCAA supplement
When looking for the best BCAA supplements, extensive consideration should be given to the following criteria:
- Brand reputation
- Consumer reviews and dieticians’ recommendations across several platforms
- Third-party testing (such as National Sanitation Foundation, Current Good Manufacturing Practice, and Therapeutic Goods Administration)
- Cost
- Ease of consumption
- Presence of harmful additives or flavor enhancers
10 best BCAA supplements of 2022
1. Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
- Serving size: 1 scoop (19.18 grams)
- Calories per serving: 10 kcal
- Carbs per serving: 2 grams
- L-leucine: 4000 mg
- L-isoleucine: 2000 mg
- L-valine: 2000 mg
- Pros
- Free of artificial sweeteners, colors or additives
- Suitable for vegans
- Contains vitamin C and glutamine
- Good brand reputation
- Available in five flavors
- Third-party tested
- Cons
- Expensive
2. Thorne Amino Complex
- Serving size: 1 scoop (7.7 grams)
- Calories per serving: 25
- Carbs per serving: 1 gram
- L-leucine: 1.25 grams
- L-isoleucine: 0.625 mg
- L-valine: 0.625 mg
- Pros
- Certified vegan
- No artificial sweeteners or flavors
- Third-party tested
- Provides 11 different amino acids
- Cons
- Higher doses could be needed by bodybuilders and high-performance athletes
3. XTEND Original BCAA Powder
- Serving size: 1 scoop (12.5 grams)
- Calories per serving: 0
- Carbs per serving: 0
- L-leucine: 3.5 grams
- L-isoleucine: 1.75 grams
- L-valine: 1.75 grams
- Pros
- Affordable
- Available in several flavors
- Third-party tested
- Contains L-citrulline and B vitamins
- Cons
- Many users find it too sweet
- Higher doses could be needed in athletes
- Contains artificial color and flavor
4. Klean Athlete BCAA + Peak ATP
- Serving size: 1 scoop (8.6 grams)
- Calories per serving: 10 kcal
- Carbs per serving: 2.5 grams
- L-leucine: 2 grams
- L-isoleucine: 1 gram
- L-valine: 1 gram
- Pros
- Third-party certified
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Free of gluten, artificial colors and flavors
- Cons
- Contains xylitol that may not suit some people
5. Naked BCAAs Amino Acid Powder
- Serving size: 1 scoop (5 grams)
- Calories per serving: 20 kcal
- Carbs per serving: 0
- L-leucine: 1.5 grams
- L-isoleucine: 0.75 grams
- L-valine: 0.75 grams
- Pros
- Purely contains BCAAs without any additives
- Unflavored and suitable for shakes and smoothies
- Vegan
- Third-party tested
- Affordable
- Cons
- Not available in any flavors
- The smell may be strong for some people
6. Pure Encapsulations BCAA Powder
- Serving size: 1 scoop (3.3 grams)
- Calories per serving: 0
- Carbs per serving: 0
- L-leucine: 1.5 grams
- L-isoleucine: 0.750 grams
- L-valine: 0.750 grams
- Pros
- Vegetarian
- Third-party tested
- Unflavored, so suitable for smoothies and shakes
- Available in pill forms as well
- Cons
- Not suitable for vegans
- No flavors are available
7. Life Extension Capsules
- Serving size: 4 capsules
- Calories per serving: 0
- Carbs per serving: 0
- L-leucine: 1.2 grams
- L-isoleucine: 0.6 grams
- L-valine: 0.6 grams
- Pros
- Convenient, can be consumed on the go
- Third-party tested
- Non-GMO
- Cons
- Four capsules need to be consumed a day
- Not suitable for vegans and vegetarians
8. Double Wood Supplements Essential Amino Acids Capsules
- Serving size: 3 capsules
- Calories per serving: 4 kcal
- Carbs per serving: 0
- L-leucine: 205 mg
- L-isoleucine: 115 mg
- L-valine: 141 mg
- Pros
- Convenient to consume on the go
- Contains all essential amino acids
- Third-party tested
- Cons
- Not suitable for vegans and vegetarians
9. Vital Proteins Vital Performance Recovery Powder
- Serving size: 2 scoops (38 grams)
- Calories per serving: 100 kcal
- Carbs per serving: 10 grams
- Essential amino acids: 8 grams
- Pros
- Available in different flavors
- Contains electrolytes to promote hydration
- Third-party tested
- Cons
- Individual BCAA concentration undisclosed
- Higher in calories
- Larger serving size
10. Designs for Health BCAA Powder with L-glutamine
- Serving size: 1 scoop (9 grams)
- Calories per serving: 0
- Carbs per serving: 0
- L-leucine: 2.5 grams
- L-isoleucine: 1.2 grams
- L-valine: 1.2 grams
- Pros
- Contains L-glutamine
- Natural orange flavor
- Current Good Manufacturing Practice certified
- Cons
- Not vegan friendly
- Not certified for sports
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerShould you take BCAA supplements?
If you are getting enough high-quality protein through your diet, you may not need BCAA supplements. Protein demands are higher in bodybuilders, HIIT trainers, and athletes. In addition, people with restrictive dietary patterns, such as vegans, may need protein supplementation since they do not eat meat.
Before choosing a BCAA supplement:
- Discuss with your doctor or nutritionist whether you need the supplement and in what doses.
- Make sure the supplement you choose is suitable for sports if you are an athlete.
- Look for unwanted ingredients on the label, such as added sugars, fillers, or artificial sweeteners.
- Choose supplements that suit your lifestyle, budget, and preferences (such as pills over powder).
- Opt for brands with a good reputation and third-party certifications.
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Medically Reviewed on 9/15/2022
References
Image Source: Getty images
Workout Supplements. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/workout-supplements/
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (Bcaa) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1005/branched-chain-amino-acids
Workout Supplements. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/workout-supplements/
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (Bcaa) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1005/branched-chain-amino-acids
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