The best BCAA supplements can help take your recovery to the next level by stimulating protein synthesis post-workout.

In fact, BCAAs make up 3 of the 9 essential amino acids that we must consume as part of our diet, which is why it is becoming an increasingly popular supplement to accompany your top protein powder if you’re an avid gym-goer.

With that being said, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks based on ingredients, price, and reviews, to help you find the perfect BCAA’s for you.

Whether you’re looking for something plant-based, like the MYO Plant Nutrition powder, or you’re searching for something packed with amino acids, like this Xtend The Original blend, then we’ve got you covered right here.

We also discuss some of the latest news surrounding BCAAs to keep you updated with the most recent information regarding the supplement.

Best BCAA Supplements

Best Powdered BCAA Supplement – Xtend The Original BCAA Powder

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Brand: Xtend | BCAAs: 7g* Per Serving

We kick off our list with Xtend BCAA Powder which contains an impressive 7g of BCAAs per serving which, Xtend state, is in the clinically studied 2:1:1 ratio for optimal protein synthesis.

The 2:1:1 ratio refers to the amount of Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine (i.e. the 3 essential BCAAs) in comparison to one another and, in the case of this powder, you get 3.5g of Leucine per 1.75g Isoleucine and Valine.

Furthermore, Xtend BCAA Powder also contains 2.5g of Glutamine which is primarily an energy source for your intestinal and immunity cells.

On the whole, with a variety of flavours available, Xtend BCAA Powder should be up there as one of the best, powdered BCAA supplements on the market.

Best BCAA Supplement On A Budget – Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA

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Brand: Optimum Nutrition | BCAAs: 5g* Per Serving

We’ve featured Optimum Nutrition before in our list of the best creatine supplements, so it may come as no surprise they feature again making one of the best BCAAs on the market.

One 9.5g serving of the Gold Standard BCAA contains 15 calories – 4g of carbohydrates, 5g of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio, and 0.5g of additional ingredients like Rhodiola which is a herb strongly linked to reducing fatigue and increasing focus.

It also contains an ingredient known as Wellmune that is designed to deliver beta-glucans which, many studies have shown, is linked to improving mood and immunity.

All in all, this is a packed BCAA blend filled with many ingredients designed to enhance your gym experience.

Best All-In-One BCAA Supplement – JYM Supplement Science Post Active Matrix

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Brand: JYM Supplement Science | BCAAs: 6g* Per Serving

The Post Active Matrix has been designed to maximise your recovery post-training by utilising 8 core ingredients.

These ingredients, which include 6g BCAAs, 3g Glutamine, and 2g Creatine HCL, should aid muscle repair and promote gains in strength, size, and endurance.

JYM Supplement Science suggests taking this supplement after a killer workout, perhaps one using a top squat rack, in order to feel the most benefits because, as previously stated, this blend is built for recovery.

Ultimately, if you’re looking to get more than just BCAAs out of your supplements, then the Post Active Matrix might be for you.

Best Plant-Based BCAA Supplement – MYO Plant Nutrition Essential Amino Acids Powder

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Brand: MYO Plant Nutrition | BCAAs: Unspecified* Per Serving

This MYO mix could be the perfect supplement to accompany your best vegan protein powder as part of a plant-based diet as it contains the full 9 essential amino acids to supplement all areas of your diet as opposed to just the 3 BCAAs.

MYO Plant Nutrition also boasts its Essential Amino Acids Powder is high in electrolytes like potassium, calcium, etc. to help maintain your body’s proper balance of fluids after/during exercise.

Away from the blend itself, it comes in a plastic-free and biodegradable container as MYO Plant Nutrition believes in elevating sustainability with its products.

As BCAA supplements go, the MYO Plant Nutrition Essential Amino Acids Powder has got to be considered up there with the best and therefore earns a spot on our list.

Best BCAA Supplement Tablets – OPALFITNESS BCAA Tablets

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Brand: OPALFITNESS | BCAAs: 2.4g* Per Serving

If you prefer to take BCAAs quickly in tablet form, then these OPALFITNESS BCAA Tablets could be for you.

First and foremost, OPALFITNESS recommends taking 2-4 tablets a day, with 4 tablets providing a 2.4g serving of BCAAs in the optimum 2:1:1 ratio.

Moreover, each tablet contains Vitamin B6 which is required by the body for amino acid metabolism in the muscles, thus contributing to the absorption of BCAAs which is ideal when quickly consuming these tablets pre/post-workout.

On the whole, if you prefer taking supplements as tablets then make sure you check out these OPALFITNESS BCAAs.

Latest BCAA Supplements News

MYO Plant Nutrition Launches In Boots Stores Across the UK

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One of the UK’s leading health and beauty retailers, Boots, looks set to launch MYO Plant Nutrition in its stores.

The listing includes MYO’s Plant Proteins in 838 stores, BCAA and EAAs in up to 574 stores, and functional sprays in 522 stores.

As seen in this list, MYO products are 100% plant-based and are readily available at Amazon right now.

Frequently Asked Questions About BCAA Supplements

People tend to have a lot of questions regarding BCAAs, especially considering there are a few common misconceptions, but we’re here to clear up some of the more typical queries you may have.

How Do BCAA Supplements Work?

Of the 9 essential amino acids, 3 of them are branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, which refer to their chemical structure and are used to improve muscle growth and decrease soreness and fatigue.

They work by essentially stimulating protein synthesis which is vital as your muscles are in a constant state of breaking down and repairing, so the synthesis part is continuously occurring to replace protein lost.

When Should You Take BCAAs?

BCAAs are effective inter and post-workout supplements so they should ideally be consumed either during your gym session or immediately after.

The reason for this is that BCAAs mostly help muscle recovery and alleviate soreness, so you’ll likely feel the benefits best if you take them during or after your workouts.

Can You Take BCAAs Every Day?

According to Healthline, supplemental BCAA intake is safe for everyday consumption if you get the right dose per your body weight.

Healthline goes on to state you may need to consume a daily dose of at least 91mg per lbs (200mg per kg) of body weight for BCAAs to be effective.

What Do BCAA Supplements Consist Of?

Although some of the additional ingredients may vary, all BCAA supplements will include Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine as these are the 3 essential branched-chain amino acids.

Leucine is typically the main component, being the 2 in the 2:1:1 optimum ratio, as it stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and other tissues.

Other ingredients you may find include Glutamine as an energy source and electrolytes to help regulate your fluid levels.

How Do BCAA Supplements Differ From Creatine?

While both are supplements used to benefit your training, the way they work differs drastically.

As previously mentioned, BCAA’s stimulate protein synthesis, however, creatine plays a critical role in cellular energy production or ATP.

In simple terms, creatine supplies the energy needed for intense exercise sessions or heavy lifting, whereas BCAA’s help you recover quicker.

Read More: Best Pre-Workouts Available Right Now

Source: https://www.realsport101.com/real-kit/best-bcaa-supplement-recovery-vegan-powder-tablets/