Best BCAA Supplements

Ask any knowledgeable trainer or Google “top supplements for maintaining lean muscle,” and respected sources will include BCAAs. Yes, creatine or whey protein will most likely top the list, followed by beta-alanine and then BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids). There seems to be some debate as to the fifth-best supplement, some say nitric oxide boosters, others suggest caffeine, or perhaps another amino acid, L-glutamine. But BCAAs are always in the top four, and they are the subject of this “Best of” article. 

BCAA supplements have been a staple of serious athletes for years.

In this article, we will explain the role of amino acids, and define EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) with a primary focus on the BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

We’ll discuss when to take your BCAAs, the various forms of BCAAs, and drill down on the benefits of BCAA supplementation.

First, let’s start by taking a look at our top-rated BCAA products.

Best BCAA Supplements

When picking the best intra-workout supplements, we adhered to the following criteria:

• We sought products with the correct ingredients 
• We insisted upon products with a minimum of five grams per serving of amino acids, in the appropriate 2:1:1 ratio
• We ensured the products are manufactured in a certified cGMP facility (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• We looked for companies and brands that have independent third-party testing such as NSF, Informed Choice, or Safe for Sport certifications

The Role Of Amino Acids 

Amino acids are organic compounds that function as the building blocks of protein. Your body needs twenty different amino acids to develop and function properly. Although all twenty are critical for your health, only nine are classified as essential – that’s because EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) cannot be made in your body, so you must get them through your diet or supplementation. These essential and non-essential amino acids combine to form our body’s various proteins, including muscle proteins.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids

BCAAs are three of the nine essential amino acids; they are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids are named for their molecular structure and are the most critical amino acids for muscle development. They are the building blocks required for the synthesis of other amino acids and proteins, but unlike other amino acids, BCAAs are primarily metabolized and utilized in skeletal muscle rather than the liver.  The BCAAs, particularly leucine, stimulate protein synthesis and support your body by reducing the rate of protein breakdown, which could have a positive impact on DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

As mentioned, part of what makes BCAAs so unique is how the body handles them. Typically, when you consume amino acids, they travel to the liver first. There they are broken down to be used as fuel or for building and repairing muscle and other tissues. Branched-chain amino acids, however, are sent directly to the muscles where they are used as fuel or to build and repair tissue. In this way, BCAAs help build, maintain, and repair muscle. They enhance exercise performance, endurance, and recovery, and may also help with weight loss, and reducing fatigue after exercise. 

Key Ingredients For BCAA Supplements

BCAAs make up a large chunk of the body’s total amino acid pool. Together, they represent around 35–40% of all essential amino acids present in your body.

The established, correct ratio of BCAAs is 2:1:1 – 2 parts Leucine, 1 part Isoleucine, and 1 part valine. Some brands formulate to an 8:1:1 or even a 10:1:1 ration; however, we recommend you save the additional cost and stick to the industry standard 2:1:1. 

• Leucine, the king of muscle protein synthesis 
• Valine, for tissue repair, to maintain nitrogen balance in the body, to stay more alert
• Isoleucine, for glucose uptake, muscle development, and repair 

BCAA Supplement Benefits

BCAAs May Increase Muscle Mass

Studies show that BCAAs, if taken in the correct 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine and valine, stimulate protein synthesis, increasing muscle mass.

BCAAs Decrease Muscle Soreness

BCAAs are thought to improve recovery and provide protection against muscle damage. They reduce the rate of protein breakdown and lower the blood levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, which are involved in muscle damage.

BCAAs Improve Exercise Performance and Endurance

Athletes who use BCAAs report less physical and mental fatigue, allowing them to train longer and harder, particularly for those who are dieting, carb-restricted, or working out in a fasted state. Ironically, it appears BCAAs perform better on lesser trained athletes in some instances. 

Additional Benefits Of BCAA Supplements

• Prevent Weight Gain
• Enhance Fat Loss
• Work Out Longer
• Lower Blood Sugar Levels

When To Take BCAA Supplements

BCAAs were initially introduced as an intra-workout product, i.e., designed to be consumed during the workout. Today, many experts recommend taking your BCAAs pre-workout, post-workout, and first thing in the morning to ward off the catabolic effects of fasting overnight. 

If this sounds like a lot of BCAAs, particularly when you get them in your diet and whey protein shake as well, it’s what is recommended to maximize the benefits. The recommended dosage is 15 – 20 grams per day, in a minimum of five-gram increments.

Different Forms Of BCAAs

Over time, the original BCAA-only products have morphed. Today you can find BCAAs available with added citrulline-malate for better muscle pumps, cutting formulas to enhance weight loss, and even products with Beta-Hydroxybutyrate salts for those who follow a keto diet. There are also new delivery systems. In addition to a powder that you add to water, similar to a pre-workout or post-workout drinks, BCAAs are now available as ready-to-drinks, gummies, and capsules.

Do I Need BCAA Supplements?

We believe everyone can benefit from using BCAAs. For those seeking optimal results, you need a comprehensive regimen of adequate protein intake, a consistent training program, and time for rest and recovery.

Individuals who will notice dramatic improvements from BCAA supplementation include:

• Endurance athletes
• Those who do very intense or high-volume workouts 
• People who are exercising while in a fasted state
• Those not consuming adequate protein 
• People who train multiple times per day

Potential Side Effects Of BCAA Supplements

Supplementing with BCAAs is generally regarded as safe. Possible adverse side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. 

BCAAs may interact with other medications, so if you are taking prescription medications, please check with your medical professional before starting any amino acid supplement.

BCAA Supplement Alternatives

The three most obvious alternatives to a BCAA supplement are a protein-rich diet, protein supplementation, or a full-spectrum EAAs (essential amino acids) product. The EAAs products include the three BCAAs, plus the other six essential amino acids:

• Lysine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Methionine
• Tryptophan
• Histidine  

Some manufacturers of EAA products will omit histidine, believing that their levels will rise when the other EAAs are consumed. 

In large part, whey protein gained prominence in the strength community due to its high level of branched-chain amino acids for protein synthesis.

Excellent dietary amino acid-rich sources:

Amino Acid	Primary Food Sources
Leucine	Chicken, Beef, Pork, Fish (Tuna), Eggs, Soy Protein, Milk, Cheese
Valine	Soy Protein, Raw Brown Rice, Cottage Cheese, Fish, Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Almonds
Isoleucine	Beef, Chicken, Pork, Fish, Tofu, Lentils, Nuts, Seeds, Vegetables (Peas)

Stacking BCAAs With Other Supplements

BCAAs may be stacked with a variety of other sports nutrition supplements. The most popular way to stack BCAAs is with a pre and/or post-workout regimen. Although the combinations are almost endless, some of the most popular sports nutrition stacks would include:

• Protein
• Creatine 
• Arginine
• Citrulline Malate
• Beta-alanine
• L-glutamine
• L-carnitine
• Caffeine
• Multi-Vitamin/Mineral

BCAAs may also help body composition by preventing weight gain and enhancing fat loss. People dieting, fasting, using weight loss aids, or a thermogenic, should include BCAAs in their supplement regimen. 

Final Thoughts: Best BCAA Supplements

Amino acids and BCAA’s have been clinically studied and are regarded as some of the most beneficial and effective supplements in the sports nutrition industry. If you want to increase energy and endurance while working out, add muscle, and speed up your recovery, we strongly suggest incorporating a BCAA supplement into your routine.