Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA Train + Sustain, Amino Acids Pre Workout Powder, Sports Drink with Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium and Electrolytes, Strawberry Kiwi Flavour, 28 Servings, 266 g

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The eight B vitamins may help increase one’s energy without jitters or unwanted sleep loss. They may also help with brain function and cell health. ( 2) Final Word Muscle wasting is a sign of malnutrition and occurs with chronic infections, cancer, periods of fasting, and as a natural part of the aging process ( 19, 20).

Pérez-Guisado J, Jakeman PM. Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 May;24(5):1215-22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb28e0. PMID: 20386132. In humans, BCAAs account for 35% of the essential amino acids found in muscle proteins. They account for 40% to 45% of the total amino acids required by your body ( 21, 22). This is a major consideration because the ingredient lists on BCAA supps can be unique and versatile. You’ll want to think about what you’re looking for in a BCAA supplement and what you hope the outcome of taking one will be. If you’re looking strictly for BCAAs, you may want to opt for a simpler formulation and ingredient list. If you’re looking for BCAAs to be a part of your supplement, but not the entirety of it, you may want to choose a supp that has a solid dose of BCAAs while also including other ingredients, like glutamine or some pre-workout favorites, like citrulline. Dosages Protein powders, especially high-quality whey isolates, have naturally occurring BCAAs in them. Swolverine’s whey protein isolate has around 5.5g of BCAAs per serving, which comes from 26g of whey protein. While this may be lower than some standalone BCAA supplements, it’s still a solid amount, and if you consider the additional amino acids you get from 26g of protein, that’s a substantial potential stimulus for muscle recovery.Used in the biosynthesis of proteins, this branched-chain amino acid may help prevent muscle breakdown, and promote fat burning. ( 9) Valine

If you’re trying to sneak more BCAAs into your diet, it’s important that the vehicle you’re using to sneak them in actually tastes good. This product is one of the best-tasting BCAA blends we’ve tried.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA - Train + Sustain

Those who just want BCAAs without any additional ingredients may be able to find a better option out there. Blomstrand E, et al. Administration of branched-chain amino acids during sustained exercise–effects on performance and on plasma concentration of some amino acids. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1991;63(2):83-8. Anyone who’s going hard at the gym and is looking for an increase in energy and endurance, as well as a decrease in fatigue.

This may not seem like an important factor, but when you’re dieted down, a great-tasting BCAA can be a godsend. Optimum offers four refreshing flavors—Fruit Punch, Strawberry Kiwi, Cranberry Lemonade and Watermelon. 6. Low CalorieFolks who prefer a pill supplement over a powder one can find high quality BCAAs in pill form out there, as well.