In the age of health-consciousness, amino acid supplements have stood out due to their targeted nutrition benefits that support specific health goals. Amino acids are present in protein-rich food such as soybeans and meat. On the other hand, amino acid supplements have been used to naturally boost athleticism and help build a strong immune system.
What are Amino Acids?
All living things use amino acids to produce proteins, as per Cleveland Clinic. These organic compounds are critical in the synthesis of proteins. There are 20 amino acids in proteins, but experts have designated only nine as "essential," namely leucine, methionine, threonine, histidine, phenylalanine, valine, lysine, isoleucine and tryptophan.
Amino Acid Benefits
These protein makers are known to have significant health benefits, and for sports enthusiasts or health-conscious individuals, their supplement form can help with specific bodily or nutrition goals.
Amino acids help break down food, boosts the immune system, provide the body with an energy source, maintain healthy skin, hair and nails, improve digestive system activity, and grow and repair damaged body tissue.
What Research Says
According to Healthline, concentrated doses in amino acid supplement form have been associated to several health benefits, including mood improvements, enhanced exercise performance, and muscle recovery after workout routines.
In particular, BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) – leucine, isoleucine, and valine, were found to have helped resistance-trained athletes see enhanced performance and muscle recovery, as per a 2017 study.
Are Amino Acid Supplements Safe?
Experts at MedicineNet note that taking amino acids in supplement form may be beneficial to people if the body lacks one or more of the nine essential amino acids. They also advised people taking other medications, including those diagnosed with diabetes and thyroid conditions, to check with their doctors before taking amino acid supplements.
Generally, BCAA supplements have not often been linked to harmful side effects when taken up to six months, according to WebMD. Breastfeeding moms and pregnant women have been advised to avoid using BCAA supplements.
Who May Need These Supplements?
Endurance athletes such as weight lifters may consider amino acid supplements due to the benefits they offer for muscle-building and repair. Long exercises can strain the muscles, and such supplements can prolong a lifter's endurance.
Some older adults, especially those who do not have adequate protein intakes, may consider supplements with essential amino acids. They can help fight muscle wasting that can help older people with their metabolic needs.
Best Supplements According to Reviews
1. Optimum Nutrition Essential AMIN.O. ENERGY Powder
Optimum Nutrition's powdered Essential Amino Energy Powder is packed with a blend of essential amino acids, including BCAAs that are essential for muscle-building and recovery efforts. Its fruity taste transforms the hydration experience to further boost athletes and any individual who is committed to an active lifestyle. The product has been banned substance tested and the company employed the highest quality control measures during production to ensure safe consumption. For best results, 2 scoops should be mixed into 10-12 fluid oz. of cold water first thing in the morning, before kicking off an exercise regimen, or as an afternoon drink.
2. XTEND Original BCAA Powder
Designed to support muscle repair and recovery, the XTEND Original BCAA Powder (for men and women) has added electrolytes to help active individuals stay hydrated so they can stay in the game longer. The zero-sugar supplement blends BCAAs and electrolytes targeted at ensuring individuals who train hard get the necessary support they need for efficient recuperation, especially for people who engage in high-intensity routines. XTEND makes use of clinically-studied ingredients to ensure that athletes can come back stronger and sooner after each routine.
3. Optimum Nutrition AMIN.O. ENERGY + Hydration
This supplement promises "anytime energy," meaning exercising individuals can take the supplement whenever they need to get their energy boosted or if they need to rehydrate. It is ideal for runners who often lose electrolytes when sweating. With naturally-sourced caffeine, it also helps boost an athlete's focus – critical during intense training. Users have praised the product's fantastic taste and energy-boosting capacity.
4. Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA 1000
These keto-friendly instantized capsules can help augment the body's daily intake of amino acids, with each 2-capsule serving containing a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs. The capsules are easy to swallow and are best taken with a protein shake or one's favorite beverage. They are to be consumed first thing in the morning, or 30 minutes before training for better absorption before a long day of physical activity. The capsules can also be taken immediately after a training session.
5. Evlution BCAA ENERGY Powder
The Evlution BCAA Energy Powder is the ultimate pre- and post-workout sports drink mix powered with amino acids that works both for men and women. It has taurine coffee and green tea extracts for an energizing workout session. The powdered supplement packs "all-in-one" support for focus, energy, muscle-building, and recovery. It also helps to delay fatigue among endurance athletes and helps protect against muscle wasting.
6. BSN AMINOx
BSN'S AminoX Endurance Powder is the perfect workout support supplement for athletes who prefer a caffeine-free experience. Lifters, bodybuilders and runners can take their performance to the next mile with this BCAA-packed blend. With its zero-sugar mix, even non-athlete gym rats can enjoy its fruity, flavorful taste that works great as a nutritional backup for just about any type of workout regimen.
7. BulkSupplements.com BCAA Powder
For individuals who aren't into fruity drinks, BulkSupplements.com's BCAA 3:1:2 – ratio of BCAAs – Powder may be the best choice. It is gluten-free and unflavored, but still packs the necessary support for strength and performance-related goals. This supplement works great for just about anyone who wants to stay active and individuals who want to take their fitness journey more seriously. It integrates easily with water, juice or shake blends.
8. SASCHA FITNESS BCAA Powder
Unlike other supplements that work best on specific times, this powdered amino acid supplement can be used before, during, and after workout. Not only does it have glutamine that supports the immune and digestive systems, but it also has added L-Carnitine to support fat loss. For endurance athletes, it helps neutralize waste products built up during high-intensity exercises.
9. NOW Sports Amino Complete Powder
NOW Sports' Amino Complete Protein Blend capsules are best for athletes who've adopted a vegetarian diet. It is a pre- and post-workout supplement that has all 20 amino acids, helping boost energy, enhance workout recovery, and support lean muscle mass. It is a non-GMO, kosher-friendly, and halal-friendly product.
10. NOW L-Arginine Amino Acid Powder
NOW's L-Arginine Amino Acid Capsules help with metabolism and excretion, protein production, and DNA synthesis. It was manufactured without wheat, milk, egg, fish, soy, gluten, shellfish, or tree and nut ingredients and is packed with arginine, an amino acid known to help with wound repair, muscle-building, and chest pain reduction. It should be taken with at least 8 oz. of juice or water.
11. Evlution BCAA 5000 for Men
This supplement works best for men who engage in explosive workout routines. It can be used both before, and especially after workouts as it helps prevent soreness and muscle breakdown. The product utilizes a ratio of 2.5g leucine, 1.25g isoleucine, and 1.25g valine per serving, which Evlution said is "the most proven ratio of BCAAs to support muscle building and recovery."
12. Double Wood Amino Acids Capsules
Double Wood's Essential amino acids capsules pack all essential amino acids necessary for gym-goers and athletes. Each capsule consists of a 1g powder blend to support endurance, muscle growth, and ease muscle soreness after workout. One customer has said two pills in the morning "will make your brain work like light."
13. NeuroBion Energy Amino Acids Capsules
NeuroBion's Energy capsules not only abound with amino acids, but also contain vitamins B1-B6 and vitamin B12 to support one's overall health. For athletes and active individuals, the supplement can help provide the daily energy needed. NeuroBion says the capsules can be taken by people in the sports industry, and also the elderly, individuals in the busy working group, and even pregnant and lactating women.
14. ANIMAL Juiced Aminos Powder
This BCAAs supplement with added L-Glutamine, L-Taurine and Citrulline Malate is a great choice for both men and women looking to maximize their workout and recovery without the caffeine. It is designed to support increased muscle protein synthesis and decreased muscle protein breakdown. It also has omega-6 fatty acids that help support cardiovascular health and metabolism.
15. BodyHealth PerfectAmino Tablets
BodyHealth's amino acid tablets has eight of the essential amino acids, including BCAAs, and is suitable for individuals who prefer Paleo, keto, or gluten-free diets. Inflammation is common during long workouts, and this supplement is just what gym rats need to help with exercise-induced inflammation. Regular intake increases the burning of calories and also helps control appetite.
16. Optimum Nutrition Superior Amino 2222 Tablets
The tablets carry 18 different types of essential and conditionally essential amino acids, helping boost muscle repair and optimize an active individual's recovery. It is a terrific choice for healthy adults who want to maintain a balanced diet while supporting fitness regimens. The tablets also contain L-carnitine and L-ornithine, which helps with metabolism and wound healing respectively.
17. Alani Nu BCAA Powder
Alani Nu's BCAA powdered supplement supports muscle growth so active adults can get back to their gym routines faster. It also enhances hydration to keep athletes going when they need to stretch their endurance most. A splendid option for vegans, this gluten- and sugar-free powder promises "none of the fillers" that an active body doesn't need.
18. Nutricost BCAA Powder
Perfect for vegetarians, Nutricost's BCAA powder is a plant-based supplement that helps with recovery and hydration needs. It comes with six flavors for individuals who enjoy drinks with a fruity punch. It also has an unflavored variation for gym baddies who prefer blending powdered supplements with their favorite beverages before and after workouts.
19. Honey Badger BCAA Powder
Another keto-friendly supplement is joining the list in the form of Honey Badger's BCAA post-workout powder. The product promotes "clean recovery," with its Paleo- and vegan-friendly ingredients. The supplement is not only designed for muscle growth, but also for hydration and for reducing fatigue associated with extreme workout routines.
20. GHOST BCAA Powder
GHOST's sugar-free mix is traditionally taken during intense trainings or workouts, but can also be enjoyed whenever necessary as an alternative to sugary drinks. It can be a suitable supplemental choice for vegan athletes and other active adults who are on a gluten-free diet.
21. Cellucor Alpha Amino Powder
A splendid option for people under keto, vegan, and kosher diets, this supplement has 14 amino acids that support the recovery process and packs in a blend of electrolytes and coconut water powder for better hydration. A stimulant-free supplement, this BCAA-packed product can help support a lifter or body-builder's entire fitness or training journey.
22. THORNE Amino Complex Powder
A lightly-sweetened alternative to unflavored powdered supplements, THORNE's amino complex powder can be integrated easily with both warm and cold liquids. Its BCAA blend was designed for lean muscle mass growth and muscle strength enhancement. It also helps to maintain the body's normal inflammatory response, supporting injury recovery.
23. NAKED BCAA Powder
With the vegan athlete in mind, NAKED's essential amino acids supplement helps with protein catabolism, enhancing the body's ability to break down energy faster so athletes can perform better when undergoing strenuous workout sessions. This product could be a standout for sports people who dislike products with artificial flavors.
24. KION Aminos Powder
KION's amino supplement works well for both men and women, and could be a good pick for active individuals on vegan or vegetarian diets. It was designed for energy production and stimulation of muscle protein synthesis. It also promotes recovery by reducing damage incurred from extensive workouts.
25. Horbäach Amino Caplets
These non-GMO, gluten-free coated caplets help provide the support the body needs during physical activity. With 18 amino acids, including BCAAs, Horbaach's Amino Complex caplets aim to provide "elite" support for individuals who want to maintain an active lifestyle, whether they're athletes or not.
