Rating of the best BCAA (BCAA): TOP 10 supplements with essential amino acids

Updated: 02/26/2021 14:48:09

Expert: Anton Leonidovich Glinsky

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Essential acids are an important component of any sports nutrition. Therefore, every gym goer should know how to choose the right BCCA and which brand is the best.

BCAA - what is it and why take it?

Experienced athletes always take BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) - a complex of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine, which are actively involved and stimulate muscle formation. Actually, this is a “building material”, from which 30% muscle fibers are composed. The supplement is used as a direct source of energy immediately before training to increase the amount of amino acids in the muscles. There are also several other attractive effects of using BCAA supplements in the diet:

• Reducing the catabolic effect during intense exercise;
• Acceleration of metabolism in tissues;
• Fast recovery after training;
• Increased strength, endurance and energy;
• Accelerate lipid metabolism, effectively burn fat.

Weight Loss Supplements

You must understand that BCAA affect weight loss very indirectly. If you are looking for a more specialized fat burning product, then look no further than Fat Burner. These supplements help speed up your metabolism, control your appetite, and give you energy while on a low-carb diet.

The best fat burners

RED Labs Oxy Red

Price: 2368.00 rub.

Card Product

Skyline Nutrition Miami Lean (60 capsules)

Price: 3456.00 rub.

Card Product

Condemned Laboratoriez Arsyn

Price: 3072.00 rub. 2670.00 rub.

Card Product

Go to the Fat Burners and Diuretics category »

But the use of fat burners is particularly stressful for the body and requires not only knowledge in this area, but also taking sports supplements that will support your immunity, muscles and the body as a whole. These include:

• Protein;
• Amino acids;
• Vitamin complexes;
• Healthy fats.

To increase the effectiveness of taking supplements, we advise you to learn how to take sports nutrition correctly.

The best proteins

Blackstone Labs Isolation

Price: 3968.00 rub.

Card Product

Condemned Labz Commissary Whey Protein

Price: 3584.00 rub.

Card Product

Go to the Protein category »

The best amino acids

Nutra Bio 100% Pure L-Glutamic Acid

Price: 2176.00 rub. 1930.00 rub.

Card Product

Finaflex EAA Hardcore

Price: 2816.00 rub.

Card Product

Controlled Labs Purple Wraath

Price: 4736.00 rub. 4290.00 rub.

Card Product

Go to the Amino Acids category »

The best vitamins

Blackstone Labs Multi

Price: 2304.00 rub.

Card Product

Blackstone Labs Juiced Up

Price: 2816.00 rub.

Card Product

Revange Nutrition ZMA+ Rx

Price: 2048.00 rub.

Card Product

Go to the category Vitamin and mineral complexes »

Forms of release of the complex BCAA supplement

BCAA are available in several forms - powder, capsules and tablets, and liquid form. They all have the same effectiveness, but there are still some differences:

• Powder. The most common BCAA is in powder form. The drug in this form is easily absorbed, easily dosed by weight and is more affordable, with the exception of flavored dietary supplements. But bcaa diluted in juice or water with sweeteners and flavorings has a more pleasant taste and lacks the slight bitterness inherent in the classic powder. The dosage of amino acids here ranges from 5 to 12 grams per serving, and this is always lower than in capsules or tablets.
• Liquid. This is a ready-made cocktail for oral administration - you don’t need to mix or add anything, but it also has a low amino acid content - no more than 1-1.5 g per teaspoon. Which greatly reduces the effect of taking sports nutrition.
• Capsules/tablets/gummies. The most comfortable form of all existing ones - it is convenient to take the supplement or take it with you, although the consumption is significant, the packaging quickly runs out. There is a high concentration of amino acids, but at the same time a longer process of assimilation of the drug. Tablets contain from 50 mg to 1 g of amino acids, capsules - from 500 mg to 1.25 g [1]

Powdered BCAA Amino Acids

The first and most important difference that catches your eye is the release form. You usually have to choose BCAA from four forms: powder, tablets, capsules and liquid. First, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages that each of these forms has, and then move on directly to the names. Let's start with perhaps the most common form of release - powder BCAA. They can be immediately divided into two categories: tasteful and tasteless. I would immediately like to draw your attention to the fact that such a division is not conditional, but in fact very often plays a decisive role when a person decides which BCAA is better to choose. Below I provide a detailed rationale for both categories.

Flavorless powdered BCAA. The advantages include a high concentration of BCAA content, which can sometimes reach 100%. Such amino acids are also called “pure”, since they do not contain flavorings, dyes or other flavor stabilizers. Another advantage is the price, which, due to the absence of flavors and dyes, ultimately turns out to be low. The disadvantages include the fact that the lack of taste is not a completely correct interpretation. Tasteless BCAAs are actually very bitter. Also, the disadvantages include poor solubility in water. Thus, tasteless BCAA should be chosen if you are limited in money or undemanding in taste.

Flavored powdered BCAA. The main and pronounced advantages include the presence of taste and its wide selection (banana, orange, strawberry, apple, and so on). They are much better than tasteless ones and dissolve well in water. Flavoring BCAA amino acids are recommended to be consumed not only before or immediately after training, but also during. Oddly enough, the advantages also include price. Even though they are more expensive than tasteless powdered BCAA, they are nevertheless cheaper than the tablet form and especially the liquid form of amino acids. Compared to tasteless powder, flavored powder, oddly enough, has many negative qualities. The disadvantages include the following four factors:

• First minus. Not every flavor is suitable for consumption during training, as too strong or too sweet a taste can cause a feeling of nausea.
• Second minus. Not every taste is suitable for consumption in the morning, immediately after waking up, since too sweet a taste negatively affects appetite.
• Third minus. In addition to pure BCAA amino acids, the powder also contains various additives: dyes and flavors, which reduce the quality of the product.
• The fourth minus. It often happens that the concentration of the main BCAA ingredient from some manufacturers is underestimated, and the price is the same as that of competitors.

How to choose BCAA

1. Pay attention to the manufacturer. A responsible manufacturer that is in the TOP on major sports websites and has the most positive reviews on forums is a guarantee of quality and a tangible effect from the first day of using the supplement.

2. Read the ingredients. The main components are branched chain amino acids. However, sometimes this name hides drugs containing completely different components - for example, glutamine, citrulline, arginine. These amino acids are also necessary for the body, but perform different functions.[2]

3. Decide on the release form. The advantages and disadvantages of liquid, powder and tablet BCAA have already been listed above. All that remains is to make a choice. When choosing a powder, also take into account the organoleptic properties - the smaller the grind, the easier it will be to dissolve the substance in the liquid.

4. Choose a drug with an optimal ratio of amino acids. The 2:1:1 ratio with a predominance of leucine can be called the most acceptable and closest to natural, as it allows you to achieve the maximum effect from each amino acid.

Where to buy BCAAs

It often happens that a person really gives his all in the gym. One 42-year-old woman came to see me and spent 2 hours in the gym 6 times a week. This went on for two years. And all this time I gave her significant loads. But the muscles did not even appear from under the layer of fat. Moreover, she began to eat according to my recommendations. I ate mostly proteins, vegetables, some lean meat, fish, eggs. The body was strong to the touch, but the muscles were somewhere in the depths. I advised her to drink BCAA powder for weight loss. In my opinion and experience, the best BCAA on the market is California Gold Nutrition , AjiPure Branched Chain Amino Acids, (454 g) 90 servings per jar. The price is about 1400 rubles. As soon as she started drinking this supplement, the fat began to dry out. And soon we noticed that muscles appeared underneath. The biceps were better defined, the triceps were toned, and the belly fat was gone. Even the cubes were visible. One of the properties of BCAAs from this company is precisely the growth of lean muscle mass and muscle recovery after training. The product also promotes protein synthesis in the body.

TOP 7 best BCAA manufacturersbest manufacturers

(add links to brand pages)

Choosing the best BCAA supplements is difficult because there are many options on the market for these supplements. Manufacturers also have their own ratings.

1. Maxler

   (USA and Germany). A worthy and popular brand among professional athletes that produces high-quality products in the mid-price segment. The wide product line includes Maxler BCAA Powder (powder with a neutral taste or flavor), capsules and tablet forms with different amino acid contents.

2. Optimum Nutrition

   (USA). A popular sports nutrition company that has been producing high-quality premium products in a wide range for many years. Products such as serious mass and whey gold standard have long become world legends. BCAA Optimum is an excellent choice in terms of price and quality.

3. BioTech
   Read also:  Joe Weider: Body Building System

   (USA). Responsible manufacturer of various types of additives since 1999. The BioTech brand produces high-quality drugs that allow you to lose weight or build muscles and increase their performance.

4. Ultimate Nutrition

   (USA). One of the oldest American manufacturers of sports nutrition, on the market in 1979. The well-known brand is distinguished by a wide product line, stable quality and innovative developments.

5. R.P.S.

   (Russian Performance Standard) Nutrition. A young international Russian-American brand, operating on the market since 2014, offering highly digestible products with high-quality ingredients, a balanced composition, pleasant taste and a wide range.

6. King Protein

   (Russia). A well-established brand that produces various dietary supplements, including tablets and powdered amino acids. Innovative BCAA packaging from King Protein preserves the beneficial components of the drugs for a long time.

7. CyberMass

   (Russia). The company was founded in 2015, has its own laboratories, where it develops unique, safe and effective sports nutrition supplements. Cybermass purchases ingredients for BCAA in Europe, using only natural raw materials, which undergo further processing on modern equipment in compliance with international norms and standards.

How to take BCAA powder for weight loss

Recommendations are usually included on the packaging. Personally, I recommend mixing a heaping scoop with 200-240 ml of water or juice. It's best to use serum if you like it. Or low-fat milk. I mix everything in a blender. This is how fluffy foam appears. And you can drink BCAAs through a straw.

You can drink BCAAs before training on an empty stomach. If you train in the morning, it is better to drink after training, instead of regular food. This will increase endurance and prevent the body from getting calories from food. This will be an impetus for the processing of fat deposits.

If you mix BCAAs with gainers, electrolyte drinks , meal replacements or protein shakes, you will immediately get the full range of beneficial properties.

BCAA rating: TOP 10 high-quality and effective supplements for strength and endurance

(add links and images of products from the catalog)

1. BCAA Powder 2:1:1 Sugar Free 420g DE from Maxler. Dietary supplement in powder form, dosage is 7g (1 scoop), dissolved in a glass of water or your favorite drink. The classic formula of the drug includes amino acids in the usual ratio of 2:1:1, which actively promote muscle growth. It is well absorbed and comes in various flavor variations, which allows you to get not only benefits, but also pleasure from drinking the drink.

2. BCAA 5000 (380g) from Optimum Nutrition. Soluble powder is a bestseller and a benchmark for quality products. Due to the flavorings (orange, fruit punch) it allows you to mix a very tasty drink. Used by professional athletes to increase endurance, support protein synthesis and restore strength after intense exercise.

3. BCAA B6 from BioTech, 100 tablets (50 servings). A high-quality and inexpensive source of amino acids containing vitamin B6. Effective in gaining muscle mass, maintaining nitrogen balance in the body, accelerating protein metabolism. The drug is instantly absorbed, supports the functioning of the body as a whole and gives impressive results.

4. BCAA ZERO 360g from BioTech, a powder without sugar and carbohydrates, with a unique formula supplemented with glutamine and vitamin B6 to reduce fatigue and improve protein and glycogen metabolism. Flavored and contains stevia, a natural sweetener. The absence of fats and carbohydrates allows you to use this supplement during drying and weight loss.

5. BCAA 12000 Powder from Ultimate Nutrition. A unique drug in powder form for muscle growth, increased definition, rapid recovery and weight loss. The advantage of the additive is the presence of flavorings that give the drink a pleasant taste (orange, cherry, grapes, blackberries, etc.).

6. BCAA++ from RPS Nutrition. Supplement in powder form with glutamine, necessary for muscle growth and strengthening the immune system. The drug dissolves well in liquid and has a pleasant smell. Ideal for compensating for energy costs during training and compensating for overtraining.

7. XFIRE PRO BCAA from King Protein. Powder with a powerful acid ratio (8:1:1) and tropical fruit flavor. When mixed with water, the result is an effervescent cocktail with bubbles that ensure rapid absorption of amino acids. In addition to classic ingredients, it contains B-alanine to increase endurance.

8. BCAA Mutant, a flavored powder supplement. It is based on a unique formula that includes not only essential acids in the classic ratio, but also:

- 2.5 grams of taurine, glycine, L-glutamine, L-arginine and L-tyrosine;

— 8 electrolytes that stimulate easy absorption of amino acids: magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium (120 mg);

- bioperine (black pepper extract), which promotes the absorption and effective action of all nutrients.

This unique supplement is an excellent tool for strengthening the immune system and cardiovascular system, increasing muscle mass, strength and endurance.

9. AMINO X from BSN. A powder mixture of amino acids, minerals and vitamins with aromatic additives and sweeteners. The action of the complex dietary supplement is aimed at restoring the body after significant stress, increasing energy and quickly gaining muscle mass. An excellent and quickly soluble product in water that does not have a characteristic bitter taste, which has won the trust of many professional athletes and lovers of an active lifestyle.

10. BCAA 2:1:1 CLASSIC powder from Be first. A domestically produced product that combines a classic recipe, high-quality raw materials and innovative processing technologies. In addition to amino acids, the drug contains components that improve the taste and overcome the natural bitterness of the product - sweetener, flavorings (pineapple, apple, raspberry, citrus, etc.). The powder form is convenient for use with other supplements - creatine, carnitine, protein. Such combinations increase the effectiveness of the supplement and the effectiveness of exercise.

You can buy BCAA in the sports online store Bear, which allows you to get additional energy for training and reduce the time it takes to form a beautiful athletic figure. With the right diet, intense training and sufficient rest, amino acid complexes will be excellent allies in achieving sports goals.

The best BCAA's in liquid form

Liquid BCAA cocktails are absorbed by the body in a matter of minutes, which is especially important when preparing for competitions and practicing for many hours every day.

By taking the drink before, during and after training, you completely neutralize catabolism, which leads to serious loss of muscle mass.

The price of BCAAs in liquid form is not the most affordable, so it is not advisable for amateurs to purchase them.

Nutrend BCAA Liquid Shot

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

A trio of branched chain amino acids in liquid form will increase the body's anabolic levels. The sports supplement from the Czech brand contains 1840 mg of valine, 560 mg of leucine and 800 mg of isoleucine.

The product increases energy reserves, stimulates the growth of new muscle fibers, prevents catabolism and ensures rapid recovery after grueling exercise.

A single serving of the cocktail is 40 ml; for optimal concentration of BCAA, 120 ml of the drink is needed, divided into three doses: before, during and after the training process.

The drink has a neutral taste, does not contain chemical impurities and is ideal for athletes who monitor the safety of the supplements they consume.

Advantages:

• Neutral taste;
• No chemical additives;
• Gives a boost of energy;
• Stimulates muscle growth;
• Prevents the release of lactic acid;
• Available in various volumes (60 and 500 and 1000 ml).

Flaws:

• High price (about 2000 rubles per 1 liter).

Liquid BCAA from Nutrend is recommended for people involved in martial arts and weightlifting who want to lose weight, but not lose muscle size.

Fit-RX BCAA 1000

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The concentrate in 25 ml ampoules stimulates protein synthesis, increases the tone and endurance of the body.

The supplement contains 500 mg of leucine, 250 mg of valine and 250 mg of isoleucine. The cocktail is taken 1-2 ampoules twice a day, replenishing the deficiency of essential amino acids in the body.

A sufficient amount of them during training prevents rapid fatigue and the development of catabolic processes, improves intestinal function, increases immunity and physical endurance.

The product is presented in two versions: “berry punch” and “cranberry”, which will please even the pickiest people.

Advantages:

• Pleasant taste;
• Optimal ratio of amino acids;
• Increases lean muscle mass;
• Increases tone and endurance.

Flaws:

• Flavorings and preservatives included.

The Fit-RX BCAA liquid cocktail is recommended for professionals who want to adjust the ratio of fat and muscle mass.

QNT Actif by Juice BCAA's

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

A juice drink with a high concentration of BCAA has a pleasant taste and a visible effect in increasing lean muscle mass.

The product contains 2000 mg of leucine, 1000 mg of valine and 1000 mg of isoleucine. A 700 ml bottle contains only 32 kcal and the necessary elements for muscle growth and fat burning.

The drink has a tonic effect and increases endurance. As a result, you will not experience severe fatigue and muscle pain even after hours of strength training. A significant disadvantage of QNT Actif is the impressive list of dyes, flavorings and preservatives in the composition.

Advantages:

• Pleasant taste;
• Quickly absorbed by the body;
• Blocks cortisol synthesis;
• Energy replenishment;
• Affordable price (about 130 rubles for 700 ml).

Flaws:

• Contains dyes and preservatives.

A juice drink with BCAA is recommended for athletes who adhere to a strict diet and want to avoid muscle wasting during intense training.

READ ALSO

13 Best Pre-Workout Supplements

Recommendations and contraindications

How and how much to take depends directly on your training schedule and diet. It is usually recommended to take the complex before and after class, although a third time is acceptable - during, but not earlier than 30 minutes after the start. On rest days, 10 g of supplements are indicated.

There are no differences in the recommendations for men and women; in any case, it is necessary to read the instructions and take into account the diet and exercise system. For example, people who do not consume meat should increase their supplementation to make up for the lack of protein that others receive through a balanced diet. It is imperative to take into account individual characteristics and possible diets.

Contraindications to the use of BCAA are pregnancy and lactation.

In other cases, it is important to avoid taking amino acids in free form, giving preference to complexes, and to maintain the correct dosage of the drug, taking into account that the body receives some of the amino acids along with foods. Maintaining a balance when using supplements will prevent the development of side effects.

BCAA what is it for?

By taking BCAAs, the body receives a signal that everything is in order and the necessary substances have been received. The effect is as if you had eaten a nourishing, high-calorie meal. With the help of BCAAs, leptin production increases, which in turn allows you to:

• control appetite;
• increase the consumption of adipose tissue;
• speed up metabolic processes;
• reduce muscle destruction during exercise;
• increase endurance.

All this is just suitable for intensive fat burning.

How BCAA works

The principle of action of BCAAs will be slightly different than that of athletes. The fact is that amino acids stimulate the production of the hormone leptin. Now I’ll explain what this means: the fatter you are, the more leptin is produced. Leptin is responsible for:

• appearance of appetite;
• body weight;
• controls fat consumption and gain;

When you go on any diet, leptin production also decreases. The body reacts to this by increasing appetite and slowing metabolism. After all, everything in our body strives for balance and balance. That is why many note that with increasing physical activity and reducing diet, a plateau phase begins. The weight does not decrease, despite the efforts made. To avoid this, we begin to cut back our diet even more, move more, but all in vain.

What foods contain amino acids

You still won’t be able to eat only supplements. In addition, it is recommended to supplement your diet with amino acids, and not replace them with normal food. See which products also contain BCAAs:

• chicken egg - 1 gram of BCAA;
• chicken fillet, salmon, tuna, beef - 6 grams per 150 grams of product;
• turkey - 5 grams per 150 grams;
• beans - 4 grams

It is clear that proper nutrition will contribute to the constant replenishment of essential amino acids. But if you don’t have time or don’t have time to eat the right foods, then supplement your diet with supplements.

Watch the video in which world champion Anna Kurkurina shares her opinion on amino acids:

Benefits of taking BCAAs

Here we will present several facts that have been proven by scientists and also confirmed by the experience of many professional athletes and bodybuilders.

1. Taking amino acids allows you to recover faster after training.
2. Improves endurance during training and any physical activity.
3. The production of other, equally important amino acids in the body is synthesized.
4. Accelerates fat burning and increases muscle growth.
5. The protective function of those cells that lack oxygen during exercise.
6. The results of your training become noticeable much faster.

Thus, we can confidently prove that taking amino acids is necessary for both groups of athletes:

• those who want to achieve sports results;
• for those who want to lose weight or improve their body.

One of the most important amino acids is Leucine

During intense physical activity, it is Leucine that oxidizes the fastest. Thus, the body starts the process of metabolism, in which energy reserves in adipose tissue are converted into glucose. But the required concentration of amino acids must be replenished, and energy is simultaneously taken from the muscles. This is the easiest and fastest way to achieve balance. Amino acids are used first, as their levels quickly decrease. Therefore, if you take additional amino acids before training, your body will only break down fats. This is what every athlete strives for.

If you dig a little deeper and look at the processes from a scientific point of view, you can note the following:

1. ATP molecules (adenosine triphosphoric acid), which are the source of energy for all body processes and are even responsible for the ability to move, are produced during the oxidation of leucine even faster than during the breakdown of glucose.
2. During exercise, leucine and glucose produce ATP molecules in different ways.
3. By receiving both sources of ATP, athletes increase endurance, are able to perform more exercises, and recover strength faster.

Scientists' opinions on the use of amino acids

To build your own body, reduce body fat and high-quality replacement of adipose tissue with muscles, you need to consume amino acids. Scientists from different countries agree on this. They are conducting research in this area that clearly confirms this need.

1. Here is the opinion of the scientist A. Mero, who believes that:

“By adding BCAA, which contains 76% leucine, to the daily diet, the study group of athletes increased their strength achievements. The level of adipose tissue and the percentage of body fat have noticeably decreased. In addition, you may notice a significant reduction in injuries, post-workout soreness, sprains or muscle pain. All this suggests that BCAAs have a positive effect on the body’s condition and are recommended for use.”

2. Here’s what another scientist, Yoshiaru Shimomura, says:

“Experiments show that during physical activity, muscle tissue quickly loses amino acids. Therefore, there is an increased need to replenish them as quickly as possible. By taking BCAAs before and after workouts, you reduce the rate of breakdown of muscle fibers and help accelerate muscle protein synthesis."

3. Here is another very interesting observation from Jim Stoppani, who has been researching this issue for many years:

A group of volunteer athletes who consumed BCAAs along with strength training for 8 weeks noted that during this time they all lost from 1.5 to 4 kg of fat tissue. At the same time, their muscle volume increased by 1.3-4.2 cm. Endurance also increased, now each athlete can train on average 30-40 minutes longer. At the same time, according to their coach, strength indicators in the bench press, squat, and general weight lifting became much better.