Amino acids are the basic units of proteins and play a crucial role in muscle building, repair and recovery. Amino acid supplements are commonly used by fitness buffs, athletes, and bodybuilders who want to step up their performance and get the desired results.
There are various types of amino acid supplements in the market, including essential amino acids (EAAs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and non-essential amino acids (NEAAs). However, in this article, the focus will be on the best amino acid supplement in the BCAA category.
BCAAs are a group of three indispensable amino acids including leucine, isoleucine and valine. Athletes and bodybuilders are among the many people who use supplements to help them minimize muscle damage, enhance muscle recuperation, and boost endurance when exercising.
Top 3 Best Amino Acid Supplements
- Nutricost BCAA Powder
- Klaire Labs L-Lysine - 500 Milligrams Essential Amino Acid Support
- XYMOGEN L-Theanine
It is not easy to determine the best amino acid supplement since there are so many brands out there in the market. But do not fret, as we have provided a list of the best amino acid supplements that can assist you in achieving your fitness objectives. Whether you are interested in gaining mass, enhancing your stamina, or recovering faster from your training sessions, we have what you need. Well, let’s not waste any more time and get straight to the best amino acid supplements you can purchase on Amazon.
Nutricost BCAA Powder
Editor's Choice
Introducing the ultimate BCAA Powder: Nutricost BCAA Powder. The magical Strawberry Kiwi taste means no aftertaste problems. This product contains 30 servings for long-term use, and it can easily dissolve in water. Whether you are a fitness professional or just a regular enthusiast, it’s your personal wellness hero.
Experience passion and productivity at their finest with the Nutricost BCAA Powder (Strawberry Kiwi Flavored, 30 Servings) that is specially formulated for women. Designed to enhance your training experience, this tasty combination helps to power your exercising and build muscle tissues.
Pros
- Unleash the power within with Nutricost BCAA Powder. Its potent formula provides the essential amino acids your body needs to push through intense workouts, helping you achieve new heights in your fitness routine.
- Say goodbye to bland supplements! Indulge in the delightful taste of Strawberry Kiwi, making each sip a refreshing experience.
- Tailored for women, this BCAA powder promotes lean muscle growth and aids in muscle recovery.
Cons
- While the Strawberry Kiwi flavor is a hit for most, flavor preferences vary.
- As with any supplement, individual responses may vary.
We tried the Nutricost BCAA Powder and found it to be one of the best products in terms of performance. The Strawberry Kiwi flavor is not only appealing to the tastebuds but also saves the discomfort of taking unwanted flavors in the mouth.
The 30-serving jar will guarantee a long time supply, and the powdered version can be dissolved with water or any preferred beverage. Whether you are a gym freak or a weekend warrior, you will find Nutricost BCAA Powder changing the game in terms of the achievement of your wellness targets.
Integrate this supplement into your regimen to see improved stamina, a quicker rate of recovery, and lean muscle gains. Start your fitness revolution with Nutricost – where flavor meets functionality!
We have been using Klaire Labs L-Lysine for quite a long time now and one cannot deny its necessity in our regular everyday lives.
Pros
- Provides essential amino acid support for various bodily functions.
- Convenient 500 milligram dosage per capsule.
- May help support immune function and skin health.
Cons
- Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort when first starting the supplement.
- Requires consistent daily intake for optimal effectiveness.
- Capsules may be large and difficult to swallow for some individuals
As people who take our health seriously, we are always looking for supplements that will help to boost our health in any way, and L-Lysine has not disappointed us. For every 500 milligrams consumed, you experience a slight increase in your energy levels and capacity to focus.
Something we value most about this product is the quality. Klaire Labs is a company that offers supplements that are pure as well as potent, and this L-Lysine supplement is not an exception. We believe that each capsule are packed with the exact components mentioned or labeled on the product and nothing more. Also, the form of the capsules ensures that it is easy to fit into our busy schedules. Whether you are at home or travelling, with Klaire Labs L-Lysine, you are assured that you are getting your essential amino acids.
L-Theanine from XYMOGEN is particularly beneficial to individuals who would like to relax and get rid of stress. L-Theanine, naturally occurring in green tea, is a well-known relaxant with nootropic effects.
Pros:
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety levels.
- Supports mental clarity and focus without causing drowsiness.
- May improve sleep quality and duration, aiding in insomnia management.
Cons:
- Individual responses may vary, with some experiencing mild side effects like headaches or gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Long-term effects and safety in certain populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, are not fully understood.
- Interaction with medications or supplements, particularly those affecting serotonin levels, should be monitored.
Nevertheless, the formulation of XYMOGEN seems to get the most out of these opportunities rather successfully. We observed that when it's taken as prescribed, there's a reduction in anxiety and tension and we were able to approach our day’s activities with less tension and confusion. Thus, XYMOGEN L-Theanine has become an inseparable part of our everyday life whether it is a busy working day or other intense activities.
However, what makes XYMOGEN L-Theanine unique is its quality and purity. This we appreciate since it shows the company’s willingness to use good quality raw materials and uncompromising manufacturing process. This attention to detail is reassuring and gives confidence in the safety of the product. Also, the accessibility of the product is another strength since it can be easily taken as part of your healthy regimes.
Whether you are at home or on the move you can always count on XYMOGEN L-Theanine to help you to look after your cognitive health. In conclusion, we do appreciate the experience with the XYMOGEN L-Theanine and can recommend it to any person who is looking for a natural way of stress relief and relaxation.
We suggest the Double Wood Supplements Essential Amino Acids for those people who are concerned with the quality of their amino acid supplement.
Pros
- Contains all 9 essential amino acids and all branched-chain amino acids
- Required for countless bodily functions
- Supports muscle recovery and growth
Cons
- May require taking multiple capsules at once
- May not be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions
- May not be effective for everyone
The Double Wood Supplements Essential Amino Acids contain all 9 EAAs and all BCAAs, which makes it a rather complete product of the category designed to support muscle recovery and growth. These amino acids are needed for a myriad of purposes in the body including the formation of proteins and the manufacture of neurotransmitters.
Although one may need to down several capsules in one go, having all the crucial and branched-chain amino acids in a single nutritional supplement makes the deal worth it. Nonetheless, those with specific dietary concerns may need to consider the list of ingredients before making a purchase. Besides, it may be efficient for most users but may not meet the desired goal for all individuals.
In conclusion, the Double Wood Supplements Essential Amino Acids are a good choice for anyone who wants to supplement their diet with amino acids to help them in achieving their fitness objectives.
If you are interested in a product that contains both protein and free-form amino acids, NOW Sports Amino Complete™ is a good choice.
Pros
- Comprehensive testing ensures purity and effectiveness
- Convenient blend of protein and amino acids
- GMP Quality Assured for peace of mind
Cons
- Recommended dosage may cause stomach discomfort
- Large capsule size may be difficult to swallow for some
- Some users report no noticeable effects
We have been using the NOW Sports Amino Complete™ for the past few weeks and it has been a good way to add on the protein intake. The proportion of protein and amino acid is just right and the stringent testing procedure makes me assured of the quality of the protein.
A less favorable facet is that four capsules a day can sometimes lead to mild digestive discomfort; therefore, we only consume two of the capsules in the morning and two in the evening. Further, the size of capsules is large, and it may be unsuitable for individuals who find it hard to swallow large capsules.
In sum, we would suggest NOW Sports Amino Complete™ to anyone who is in need of a convenient and easy way to augment their protein intake with a wide ranging spectrum of amino acids. Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that some of the consumers may not experience any drastic changes in their bodies when they take this gainer supplement.
If you are interested in taking an amino acid supplement for your active profile, we suggest you try Horbaach Amino Acid Complex.
Pros
- The optimal blend of Hydrolyzed Gelatin and 18 Essential Amino Acids (EAA's) provides elite support for your physical performance.
- The professional formula is expertly crafted and backed by Horbaach's commitment to purity and potency.
- The product is free of gluten, wheat, artificial flavor, artificial sweetener, preservatives, and non-GMO.
Cons
- The caplets are quite large, which may be difficult for some people to swallow.
- The product does not contain tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid.
- The product does not contain asparagine and cysteine, but these can be synthesized.
Horbaach Amino Acid Complex is a supplement that we have tried ourselves and have experienced positive changes in the physical endurance. The combination of Hydrolyzed Gelatin and 18 Essential Amino Acids (EAA’s) help in generating energy for the workouts and accelerating the metabolism to recover. The caplets are easy to use but the size of this dosage form is inconvenient for swallowing for some patient. It should be noted that the product does not contain tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid, or asparagine and cysteine, but they can be produced by the human body.
In conclusion, we are confident in endorsing Horbaach Amino Acid Complex for individuals who wish to boost their amino acid supplementation for their energetic activities.
If you wish to purchase an effective and efficient amino acid supplement you should consider Optimum Nutrition’s Instantized BCAA Branched Chain Essential Amino Acids Capsules.
Pros
- The formula is designed to support muscle growth and recovery, making it a great choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- The capsules are made with the highest quality ingredients available, ensuring that you're getting a safe and effective product.
- The capsules are easy to take and can be incorporated into your daily routine with ease.
Cons
- During the summer months, the product may arrive warm due to exposure to heat or sunlight during shipping.
- The unflavored version of the capsules can be unpleasant to take on its own.
- The product may melt or become damaged if exposed to heat or sunlight, so it's important to be available during delivery.
We have been using Optimum Nutrition’s Instantized BCAA Branched Chain Essential Amino Acids Capsules for the last couple of weeks, and it has produced quite an impact. It is meant for muscle build up and repair and I have recorded impressive results in terms of performance in the gym. We like that the capsules are easy to take, and that the ingredients used are of the highest quality.
Something that needs be noted is that the product may arrive warm especially in periods when the weather is hot or when the product has been exposed to direct sunlight during transportation. Further, the unflavored version of the capsules may have an unpleasant taste when taken independently. But we have learned that they are very convenient to fit in ones lifestyle since one can blend them in protein shake or a smoothie.
In general, we advise you to purchase Optimum Nutrition’s Instantized BCAA Branched Chain Essential Amino Acids Capsules if you want to get a top-quality amino acid supplement. : with its pro’s formula and easy to take capsules, it is ideal for athletes and other people into body building.
If you are in the market for a pre-workout supplement to take you to the next level Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy may be perfect for you.
Pros
- The amino blend in this supplement can help you recover after your workouts.
- The energy blend can give you a boost of energy to help you power through your workouts.
- The unique formula in this supplement can help you stay mentally focused during your workouts.
Cons
- This supplement contains caffeine, so it might not be a good choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine.
- Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting or damage of the product, so you'll need to be careful when storing it.
- This supplement might not be suitable for people who are looking for a supplement that's free of artificial sweeteners and colors.
We have been using Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy for some time now, and we have discover that it is the right push for our workouts. The amino blend in this supplement can be useful in helping the body repair itself after training while the energy blend can be useful in helping the body achieve the energy levels required during exercises. On the same we would also like to note that having the special formula in this supplement will assist us in maintaining our mental concentration during exercises.
One thing to note though, is that this supplement includes caffeine and therefore it may not be suitable for people with caffeine intolerance. Moreover, contact with heat or sunlight may cause the product to melt or become damaged in any way, so its storage is going to be an issue as well. Last but not the least, this supplement is not appropriate for those people who would like to consume a supplement that has no artificial sweeteners and colors.
In conclusion, we believe that Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy is worth it and ideal for people who need a good pre-workout supplement. In case you are in need of a supplement that will enable you to gain back your strength after exercising, provide you with the energy as well as enable you to concentrate you may find this supplement useful.
Another supplement that I recommend for those who want to get high-quality amino acid is the Peak Performance All 9 Essential Amino Acids Supplement. It is ideal for anyone who wants to promote the synthesis of protein, repair of tissues, as well as nutrient digestion. It can also effectively aid muscle development and repair.
Pros
- With up to 3x more leucine per capsule, it's perfect for optimal muscle recovery and growth.
- Contains all 9 essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
- Keto-friendly, flavorless, and great for both men and women.
Cons
- Some users may experience bloating or drowsiness.
- The taste and smell may not be very pleasant.
- It may not be suitable for people with certain allergies.
After trying the Peak Performance All 9 Essential Amino Acids Supplement for several weeks, we were pleased with what we witnessed. The capsules are small and can easily be swallowed with water and we like that it was made without use of soy, milk, eggs, shellfish, corn, wheat and peanuts. Also, it does not contain any kind of gluten or preservatives.
Another advantage of this supplement is that it provides nine of the essential amino acids, which are needed for various bodily processes. Since we started taking it, we have observed enhanced muscle development and the rate of muscle mass regeneration. Moreover, it has proven useful in handling with muscle stiffness especially after the exercises.
One of the other points that can be outlined in relation to this supplement is the relatively high content of leucine in the capsules. Leucine is one of the most important components for building muscles, and it is usually absent in other amino acid products. At three times the concentration of leucine per capsule, Maximus Clinica makes us feel certain that we are taking the right amount to feed our muscles in the right manner.
All in all, we suggest the Peak Performance All 9 Essential Amino Acids Supplement as an effective supplement to create and maintain muscle mass. It is just ideal for anyone interested in enhancing their health and body exercising habits in the process. Moreover, it has the satisfaction of 500 000 and more customers and 1 for 1 donations with Vitamin Angels.
Another pick for the best amino acid supplement is the 21st Century Daily Amino Acid Tablets.
Pros
- Provides important amino acids for building and repairing muscle tissue
- Allergen information: milk
- Easy to swallow tablets
Cons
- Large pills may be difficult for some people to swallow
- Unpleasant smell
- Not a complete protein source
We have been using this supplement for a few weeks now and have found that our muscle recovery time has reduced considerably. High concentration of essential amino acids in this formulation assists in the development and strengthening of the muscle tissue; beneficial to anyone involved in rigorous activities.
Something to bear in mind though is that these tablets do include milk so if you have a dairy intolerance, then this supplement may not be ideal for you. Also, the pills are large in size and possess an unpleasant smell that makes them less acceptable by many consumers.
It’s worth to mention that this supplement is a good addition to the diet, however it is not an complete protein source. You will still have to take other sources of protein in order that the body is supplied with all the necessary amino acids. In conclusion, the 21st Century Daily Amino Acid Tablets are a very reputable supplement especially for those who wish to reduce their muscle soreness while exercising or training.
Buying Guide
To determine the most effective amino acid supplement, there are several factors that should be taken into account. Below is the lowdown on what to expect when you are trying to identify the appropriate product to buy.
Type of Amino Acids
The first factor that one needs to contemplate is the kind of amino acids present in the supplement in question. Protein is made of 20 different amino acids and all of them have some job to perform in the body. Certain supplement brands may include only specific amino acids, while others may include several kinds. Decide which specific types of amino acids are most relevant to your fitness objectives and find a supplement with those amino acids.
Quality and Purity
When selecting a supplement to take, it is advisable to take high quality and pure supplement. Choose products that have gone through tests by third parties to make sure that they only comprise of the listed ingredients and no other component. Further, it is worth selecting a product containing highly bioavailable forms of amino acids that will allow for better absorption and performance.
Dosage and Serving Size
Another thing that should be considered is the amount of the supplement that is taken a day and the serving size. Choose a product promising to deliver necessary amounts of amino acids while consuming recommended portions to avoid adverse effects. Also look at the portion size and whether it will suit your lifestyle and activities you are involved in during the day.
Additional Ingredients
Several amino acid supplements may contain some other substances such as vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. You need to decide whether these additional ingredients are important for your needs and objectives. Also, do not forget to look out for other ingredients that you may not eat due to allergies or other intolerance.
Price and Value
Last but not least, look at the cost of this supplement and its worth. Picking the best product is crucial, but it is also necessary to select a supplement that is affordable. Look at the cost per serving and compare it to other similar brands to know you are getting your money’s worth.
If you take into consideration these aspects, then you are sure to be able to make the correct selection of the particular amino acid that is best for you and your needs and/or goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best essential amino acid supplements for muscle recovery?
The best essential amino acid supplements to use in muscle recovery are the one that are composed of nine amino acids. Among the supplements, the best ones include Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy, Scivation Xtend BCAA Powder and MusclePharm Essentials BCAA Powder.
What is the difference between BCAA amino acids and essential amino acids?
BCAA amino acids refer to special essential amino acids of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Although these three amino acids are vital for muscular development and recuperation, the essential amino acids comprise of all the nine amino acids that the body cannot synthesize. Thus, it is clear that essential amino acids are definitely more helpful for all the health concerns and muscle recovery.
What is the best form of amino acids to take for muscle growth?
The best form of amino acids for muscle growth is a complete essential amino acid supplement that has all the nine essential amino acids as stated above. This ensures that your body has all the necessary compounds required for muscle tissue breakdown and construction. Some of the top rated supplements are Thorne Amino Complex, Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy, Scivation Xtend BCAA Powder and many others.
What are the benefits of taking Thorne Amino Complex?
Thorne Amino Complex is a complete essential amino acids supplement that has myriad uses for muscle recovery and ultimate health. It supplies all the nine amino acids, which are vital for building muscles and repairing tissues. Also, Thorne Amino Complex is buffered with other essential micro-nutrients like Vitamin B6 and Magnesium to support energy metabolism and decrease muscle cramps.
Are amino acid supplements worth taking?
Amino acid supplements can be particularly useful for people who are interested in enhancing their muscles’ rebuilding and recovery abilities. Still, one should also not overlook the fact that supplements should not substitute a proper diet or an exercise regimen. Also, it also important to seek the advise of a doctor before taking any new supplement that you intend to take.
Is it better to take amino acids or protein powder for muscle growth?
Essentially, both amino acids and protein powder can be valuable for building muscles though they have different roles. Since amino acids are the precursors of proteins, ingesting a complete essential amino acid product will ensure that your muscles are well nourished in order to support muscle building and repair. Conversely, protein powder is a more holistic source of protein that also includes other nutrients such as carbohydrates and fats. All in all; it all comes down to what a person wants or needs from their diets in the end.
Affiliate Disclosure:
The links provided may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. This support allows our research and editorial team to continue providing high-quality recommendations. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising initiative, we are able to earn advertising fees through providing links to products on Amazon.com. Please rest assured that we only recommend high-quality products.