12 best BCAA
One of the key roles in sports nutrition is given to amino acids. And among them the most popular among representatives of power sports and fitness is traditionally used complexes BCAA. The main confirmation of the effectiveness of the latter is the numerous positive feedback from athletes and the results they have achieved. The best (according to athletes and experts) BCAA - in our ranking.
What is BCAA and what are they for?
BCAA is a unique complex of three essential amino acids with a branched side chain structure, specifically leucine, isoleucine and valine. It is they who act as a building material for muscle tissue and of which human muscle consists of more than 30%. The term “indispensable” itself means that the body itself is not able to synthesize these substances and can receive them only with food.
What are the useful properties of BCAA:
- Prevent muscle destruction (catabolism) during intense physical exertion;
- Stimulate and provide muscle growth;
- Facilitate recovery;
- Provide the body with energy, increase endurance;
- Contribute to the improvement of power performance;
- Helps fight body fat;
- Enhance the effect of the use of other sports supplements.
Types of BCAA and options for release forms
The abbreviation BCAA on the package can hide either the amino acids themselves with a branched side chain structure or a complex based on them with the addition of other auxiliary components.
Another common difference between BCAA supplements is the different ratios of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The classic version is 2: 1: 1, but there are 4: 1: 1, 6: 1: 1, 8: 1: 1 and even more. Which BCAA is better to choose? There is no single answer. Here everything is purely individual. Many experienced athletes believe that the "classic" is better, and increasing the concentration of very effective, but not very expensive leucine, allows manufacturers to raise the price for it at a low cost of the additive.
Forms of release are already familiar to sports nutrition:
- Powder;
- Pills;
- Capsules;
- Liquid.
In terms of the rate of assimilation of any difference. More important are the price and ease of use. The most popular option is powder. It is cheaper and it usually has a higher concentration of BCAA per serving. Capsules and pills are more expensive, but more convenient in reception. The liquid form is not very popular due to the high price without any advantages in efficiency.
Category | A place | Name | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Pure BCAA Amino Acids (Powder) | 1 | BCAA Powder 12000 (Ultimate Nutrition) | 9.9 / 10 | 1 200 |
2 | BCAA (Allmax) | 9.8 / 10 | 1 800 | |
3 | BCAA 5000 powder (Optimum Nutrition) | 9.8 / 10 | 1 800 | |
4 | Essential BCAA 2: 1: 1 (MyProtein) | 9.7 / 10 | 1 700 | |
The best and most effective BCAA powder complexes | 1 | Amino X (BSN) | 9.9 / 10 | 1 400 |
2 | Xtend (SciVation) | 9.8 / 10 | 2 200 | |
3 | BCAA Xplode (Olimp) | 9.7 / 10 | 1 700 | |
4 | BCAA Pro Reloaded (San) | 9.7 / 10 | 1 850 | |
5 | Modern BCAA (USPlabs) | 9.7 / 10 | 1 990 | |
6 | Intra Fuel (San) | 9.5 / 10 | 2 400 | |
Top BCAAs in pills or capsules | 1 | BCAA Caps (Mutant) | 9.9 / 10 | 1 800 |
2 | BCAA1000 caps (Optimum Nutrition) | 9.8 / 10 | 1 800 | |
3 | BCAA 6400 (Scitec Nutrition) | 9.7 / 10 | 1 550 | |
4 | BCAA + B6 (BioTech USA) | 9.7 / 10 | 1 900 |
Best Pure BCAA Amino Acids (Powder)
BCAA Powder 12000 (Ultimate Nutrition)
1 200 (400 g)
BCAA in powder form from Ultimate Nutrition in its purest form. The same material for growing muscles in an optimal proportion of leucine, isoleucine and valine is 2: 1: 1. Unlike most sports products labeled BCAA, there are no other active substances other than the ones listed above. BCAA Powder 12000 with a neutral flavor - 6 g serving:
The presence of sweeteners increases the serving to 7.6 g and reduces the total amino acid content in standard packaging. BCAA Powder 12000 helps accelerate the recovery process, has excellent anti-catabolic and anabolic effects. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The best clean, and, most importantly, working BCAA. Excellent restore and energy in training is added. The powder is stirred hard, better in a shaker. And who is looking for easily soluble BCAA, he often finds low-quality product. |
BCAA (Allmax)
1 800 (can, 400 g)
Canadian Allmax offers an amino acid complex of pharmaceutical production from high quality Japanese raw materials. The ratio of 2: 1: 1 in the maximum concentration in the tasteless version. Amount of BCAA in 5 g serving 5g Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Rarely take them, only for the period of drying, but work out the money spent from and to. Bitter that is just an indicator of the quality and purity of the product. |
BCAA 5000 powder (Optimum Nutrition)
1 800 (jar, 345 g)
Amino acid complex in the classical composition and proportions - leucine, isoleucine and valine in the ratio 2: 1: 1. For one portion of 5.7 g of tasteless powder there are 5 g of BCAA itself. In flavor version, the concentration of BCAA is less - the same 5 g, but for almost 10-gram serving. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Most often I drink BCAA during a workout, they are absorbed quickly and without problems. Muscles do not feel pain in a day after a workout, they restore well. |
Essential BCAA 2: 1: 1 (MyProtein)
1 700 (soft pack, 500 g)
The British MyProtein do not cease to please high-quality products. Essential BCAA powder in standard ratio is a confirmation. There is a tasteless option and flavoring. In the first case, the concentration of amino acids is maximum - for a 5-gram portion of BCAA themselves 5 g, in taste - about 4 g. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I prefer to take tasteless. Typically, these BCAA gorchat, but MyProtein, they only give slightly bitter. There are no complaints about the work - they restore it well. |
The best and most effective BCAA powder complexes
Amino X (BSN)
1 400 (can, 435 g)
The most popular amino acid complex among athletes continues our rating. In addition to BCAA, there are amino acids such as alanine, citrulline and taurine. The latter acts as an ergogenic, citrulline helps to assimilate BCAA and increase endurance, like alanine. But since the manufacturer did not decipher the quantitative composition of the amino acid matrix, it is not known how many BCAAs are contained in Amino X. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
For me, these are the best aminks. Sometimes I drink them for cheerfulness, even though there is no caffeine, they still invigorate with a bang. |
Xtend (SciVation)
2 200 (369-431 g)
SciVation's Xtend is a powerful BCAA complex with a pronounced anabolic and anti-catabolic effect. According to many athletes and specialists, it is this BCAA that is one of the best post-workout drugs and reducing agents. The amino acid composition and amount of each of the components of Xtend are selected so as to achieve the maximum effect from their joint use. The basis of the complex is BCAA 2: 1: 1. And to enhance the effect added:
Xtend does not contain sugar, fat and carbohydrates and has zero calorie content. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I started using Xtend after I tried several different BCAA systems. I like it the most and that's why I stopped at it. Excellent restorer, visible progress in gaining muscle mass. |
BCAA Xplode (Olimp)
1 700 (can, 500 g)
The well-known Polish brand Olimp and its equally well-known BCAA Xplode is a good choice for those who prefer products of the middle price segment of the sportpit market. In addition to the three essential amino acids, glutamine, which is also involved in the restoration and growth of muscles, and vitamin B6, are part of the product. The amount of BCAA per 10 g serving is 6 g. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
What do you need, dissolve two measuring caps in a liter of water and drink during training. The effectiveness of the training increases, I feel a surge of strength. |
BCAA Pro Reloaded (San)
1 850 (can, 456 g)
Amino acid complex from the US manufacturer SAN. Composition - BCAA and glutamine. Essential amino acids in a non-standard ratio of 12: 1: 1, that is, leucine in the bundle - 12 parts. In almost 12-gram portions contains more than 7 g BCAA, and glutamine - 2.5 g. It is worth recalling that it is out of leucine, isoleucine, valine and glutamine that new muscle fibers are built. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The solubility is perfect, there is no foam when mixed. He also recovers perfectly well and most importantly quickly - even after a day of legs, he did not feel discomfort and pain. |
Modern BCAA (USPlabs)
1 990 (535 g)
Modern BCAA is a sports supplement whose formula is characterized by a high content of leucine. The BCAA ratio in this case is 8: 1: 1. According to the manufacturer, it is this proportion that makes it possible to saturate the body with amino acids as much as possible and enhances the anabolic effect that is necessary for muscle growth. And there is no need to increase the doses of BCAA, since the additive already contains the optimal formula and components in an amount sufficient to ensure protein synthesis. Consumer Modern BCAA receives not only amino acids BCAA. The composition is further expanded with taurine, alanine and glutamine dipeptide. That is, those types of excipients, the action of which is aimed at strengthening the protection of muscles from catabolism and accelerating their growth. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Recovery is. If taken without taste, it is rather difficult to drink. Fortunately, choosing a jar with various fruit or berry sweeteners is not a problem. In the composition there is an electrolytic complex. You can drink in training before cardio. |
Intra Fuel (San)
2 400 (608 g)
Intra Fuel is a special complex from San, which is recommended to be used immediately before and during training. BCAA, being the basis of the matrix of essential amino acids, helps to improve anabolism, helps to suppress catabolic processes, contributes to the preservation and growth of muscles, reduces fatigue. To increase endurance and improve the efficiency of the complex as a whole, the structure includes:
Since Intra Fuel is an effective means of preserving muscle tissue, its use during the "drying" period or with a strict diet aimed at weight loss will also be relevant. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The additive is really effective. In a shaker, the powder dissolves well, the spoon is worse. I drink Intra Fuel before and during exercise. Good for strength training and cardio. Satisfied with the results. |
Top BCAAs in pills or capsules
BCAA Caps (Mutant)
1 800 (can, 400 capsules)
Canadian Mutant loves to "fill" their amino acid complexes with electrolytes. BCAA CAPS are no exception - except for the three essential amino acids in their composition are salts of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, which will help restore the water-salt balance during and after intensive training. One serving of 4 capsules contains 2 g of BCAA in a ratio of 2: 1: 1 and 130 mg of electrolytes. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I choose these batshki, because after power sometimes I do cardio. Drink them just before the treadmill. Electrolytes help keep water balance. |
BCAA1000 caps (Optimum Nutrition)
1 800 (can, 400 capsules)
Another product from Optimum Nutrition. By and large, encapsulated BCAA have only one advantage - ease of use. It does not require a shaker to mix the drink in it, but only a small amount of water to wash down the capsules. Well, they take up less space in the gym bag.
In 2 capsules contains 1 g of BCAA, the standard ratio is 2: 1: 1. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
It’s convenient, of course, and the firm is well-known, but you have to pour 10 capsules to get 5 g batshek. Although they work fine, there are no complaints. |
BCAA 6400 (Scitec Nutrition)
1 550 (can, 375 tablets)
Laconic complex of three essential amino acids in the standard 2: 1: 1 ratio. One serving of 5 tablets contains 4.5 g of BCAA.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Drink easily, the taste of the tablets do not. Restore excellent, I drink them before training and the next morning on an empty stomach for one portion. |
BCAA + B6 (BioTech USA)
1 900 (can, 340 tablets)
The composition of the BCAA complex is more than traditional - three essential amino acids in a 2: 1: 1 ratio, enriched with vitamin B6. With the concentration, everything is fine too - 4 g of amino acids per 1 portion of 4 tablets. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
It is convenient to take with me, the tablets are really too big, but I most often tear them up. Excellent restore, muscle pain passes quickly. |
In conclusion, it is important to note that in the review, of course, not all worthy varieties of BCAAs are presented. They are much more. And also not included are some well-known and widely advertised complexes, which are rather commercial projects and, despite their considerable price, have an unjustifiably low concentration of active substances. As for the optimal choice, it makes sense to test several options. And dwell on the one that will be most effective for your body.