Have you tried enough gym to grow biceps? Yet, the result is not satisfactory. You may have followed a quality diet and all restrictions from your trainer. Something is missing to boost your bodybuilding venture. Yes, the best amino acids for muscle growth are what you need to promote more protein synthesis. Also, this is the secret to muscle endurance and improved performance for athletes.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein molecule that builds our muscle and runs body function. From enzymes to hormones, protein has big domination in our body. So, improving protein synthesis has a lot to do with increasing body activity. Not only that but also it has proven suitable for balancing the body after muscle wasting. You can try the heavier workout for next-level challengers. Let’s focus on some best amino acid formulas in the market.
Top 10 Best Amino Acids
- Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder
- XTEND Original BCAA Amino Acids Powder (Black Cherry)
- MuscleTech Platinum Creatine Monohydrate Powder
- NOW Supplements Amino Acid Powder
- Havasu Nutrition L Arginine Essential Amino Acids
- BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
- Jarrow Formulas Amino Acid Nutritional Supplements
- Six-Star Explosion Pre-Workout Pills
- Quantum Health Super Lysine+
- Evlution Nutrition BCAA Energy
1. Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder
If you need to support size, strength, and power, try this amino acid supplement. It features 5 grams of 100% pure creatine monohydrate per serving. Also, the powder is tested for all banned substances.
The best of all is these powders help support ATP recycling for explosive strength. It not only improves your performance but also recovers muscle. The powder is unflavored and easily mixed with beverages. But it is always better to take it in the post-workout session. This is a protein supplement with five different packages and an affordable range.
Ingredients: Creatine Monohydrate
Pros:
- Helps in ATP recycling.
- 100% pure creatine monohydrate.
- Tested for a banned substance.
Cons:
- Doesn’t mix well with cold water.
2. XTEND Original BCAA Amino Acids Powder (Black Cherry)
Scivation Xtend is one of the best-branched chain amino acids in the market. It provides 7g of BCAAs per serving. Also, the diet is good for muscle recovery, growth, and hydration. Not only that but also it contains a mixture of glutamine and citrulline malate. That facilitates blood circulation and relieves muscle pain.
The 7g BCAAs are blended with these other helpful additives with a ratio of 2:1:1. With zero carbs, calories, and sugar; this is a safe addition for your health. Guess what? The powder features 15 and more flavors in a wide range of packages. Add it to your shakes or beverages and find the difference in performance. And yes! This brand is NSF and Informed Choice certified.
XTEND Original BCAA Powder has different flavors: Blue Raspberry Ice, Freedom Ice, Rainbow Sherbet, Smash Apple, Strawberry Kiwi Splash, Strawberry Mango, Knockout Fruit Punch, Lemon Lime Squeeze, Tropic Thunder, Blomelon Explosion, Orange, Mango Madness, Pink Lemonade. You will get these powders in 4 different sizes of 90 Servings (Pack of 1), 50 Servings (Pack of 1), 30 Servings (Pack of 1), 20 Servings (Pack of 1).
Ingredients: L-Leucine, L-Glutamine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine, Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride.
Pros:
- 7g amino acids per serving.
- 15 incredible delicious flavors.
- Zero stimulants, carbs, and sugar.
Cons:
- It is pricey.
3. MuscleTech Platinum Creatine Monohydrate Powder
This product comes with an excellent price to offer benefits for all. It contains 100% pure creatine powder and 5g of it in each serving. This helps to combat muscle breakdown. Also, it increases intracellular fluid, meaning fuller and bigger muscles.
The powder is unflavored and entirely sugar and filler-free. So, you build muscle size and strength without risking your health. If you take it after workouts, then you can improve your performance. A clinical study found that subjects had 18.6 percent increased strength in bench press in just ten days. Last but not least, the supplement dissolves instantly into water and beverages.
Ingredients: Creatine Monohydrate
Pros:
- 100 Percent Pure creatine Powder.
- Blends well with smoothies and shakes.
- Highly affordable.
Cons:
- Difficult to mix with cold water.
4. NOW Supplements Amino Acid Powder
What if there is a veggie capsule with Selenium and molybdenum to maintain better cellular health? The N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a stable non-essential amino acid cysteine form. This is a sulfur-containing amino acid that acts as a stabilizer for protein structure formation.
Both Selenium and molybdenum are essential trace minerals. These minerals facilitate producing necessary enzymes in our body. Well, it’s UL-certified and GMO-free. Also, it is free from nuts, soy, eggs, and gluten.
On another note, you may find some black speckling once you open the package for a long time. That happens due to a normal oxidative reaction. But it is safe to consume. This supplement is unflavored and comes in three different packages.
Ingredients: Selenium 25 mcg, 36% Molybdenum 50 mcg, 67% N-Acetyl Cysteine
Pros:
- Free radical protection.
- Non-GMO and UL certified.
- GMP quality assurance.
Cons:
- Black speckles may occur over time after the package is opened.
5. Havasu Nutrition L Arginine Essential Amino Acids
It’s time to introduce a nitric oxide booster. Nitric oxides are tiny molecules with big showdowns. They help to relax your blood vessels so that more oxygen can flow. That, in turn, relaxes your body and provides more physical endurance for your body.
The supplement contains all three forms of L-arginine. Also, it provides high-quality pure ingredients backed by experts. Because it includes beetroot powder, it adds more stamina to the users. This is entirely safe for your body, with no artificial flavor or additives. No need to mix anything; instead, take a capsule to bring lifestyle changes.
Ingredients: L arginine HCI, AAKG, L Citrulline, Beet Root Powder
Pros:
- Contains three forms of L-arginine.
- Nitric Oxide Booster.
- Includes beetroot powder.
Cons:
- L-arginine content could have been more.
6. BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is an organic compound with a wide range of benefits. A compound to facilitate the recycling of ATP in brain and muscle tissues. This has proven promising in weight gain and boosting anaerobic strength.
Other than that, it contributes to increasing muscle mass. Also, it is a supplement to support brain and cognitive function. You can mix it with juice, water, or smoothies. The powder has seven different packages in an affordable price range.
Things do not end here! This powder is lab-verified and third-party tested. Not only that but also it is manufactured to cGMP standards. Guess what? This product is manufactured and packaged under an FDA-registered facility.
Ingredients: Creatine Monohydrate
Pros:
- Increases muscle mass.
- Boosts anaerobic strength.
- Supports brain and cognitive function.
Cons:
- Doesn’t taste good.
7. Jarrow Formulas Amino Acid Nutritional Supplements
Jarrow formulas feature N-acetyl-L-cysteine- a stable form of amino acid with modification. This works as a precursor of antioxidants and glutathione. The latter acts on detoxification and works against oxidative stress.
This tablet is also unique for its bilayer release technology. At least 1/3 of the tablet is quick, while 2/3 is sustained. The antioxidant it provides supports both inside cells and the cell membrane. Also, this has proven benefits to liver and lung function. So, better immune support overall.
Ingredients: N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Carbomer, cellulose, calcium phosphate, beetroot powder, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and a food-grade coating.
Pros:
- Bilayer release technology.
- Antioxidant and glutathione precursor.
- Supports liver and lung function.
Cons:
- Doesn’t taste good.
8. Six-Star Explosion Pre-Workout Pills
Are you in search of quick results? Then try three caplets for an intense muscle pump. Its modified amino acid helps to increase nitric oxide. That delivers power and energy to your muscles. So, you can intensify workouts for better goals.
This supplement is also suitable for its high-standard carnosine from beta-alanine. This promotes muscular endurance. So, you can go for long hours to find more benefits. Furthermore, it is the third party tested for purity and potency. This is also great for its value, where you get ten servings for free.
Ingredients: Advanced Pump Complex, Caffeine anhydrous. Beta-alanine, and more.
Pros:
- The third party tested and verified.
- Promotes muscle endurance.
- It creates an intense muscle pump.
Cons:
- Does not taste good.
9. Quantum Health Super Lysine+
Nothing beats this supplement when you combine lip care and immune support. This is the leading Lysine formula in the entire America. Its key ingredients include vitamin C, garlic bulb, and propolis. These help to balance your body and prevent stress.
One of the best benefits of this supplement is antioxidant support. Yes, it works to combat free radicals in the bloodstream. Besides, it won the best supplement award in 2008. Also, it was Best for Life’s essential award winner in 2013 and 2015. The supplement is well affordable, with no real side effects.
Ingredients: Vitamin C, Garlic Bulb, Echinacea Whole Plant, L-Lysine, Licorice Root, Calcium, and more
Pros:
- Suitable for lips care.
- Supports the immune system.
- Antioxidants combat free radicals in the bloodstream.
Cons:
- It may cause acne in long-term uses.
10. Evlution Nutrition BCAA Energy
This amino acid supplement has the most versatile flavors in the market. Also, you will get it in two different packages. This provides 5 g of branched-chain amino acids per servings. That is gluten-free and utterly free from carbs, sugar, and calories.
Moreover, this supplement includes vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immune strength. Furthermore, it strengthens your muscles and brings more tolerance to it. That is because it promotes muscle protein synthesis. Besides, it supports both aerobic and anaerobic exercise for better performance. And there is evidence to reduce muscle soreness and damage.
Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine, Beta-Alanine, L-Alanine, Taurine, Natural Caffeine (from Coffee Bean), Green Tea Extract.
Pros:
- Wide ranges of flavors.
- Protective antioxidants.
- I have increased muscle endurance and strength.
Cons:
- It contains soy.
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the structural units of protein molecules. These organic compounds comprise carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen compounds. All amino acids have a primary amino group and an acidic carboxyl group in their organic structure.
In the human body, 20 different amino acids are a building block for proteins. Among those, nine amino acids are known as essential, and the rest, 11 are non-essential amino acids.
The body cannot produce essential amino acids if not taken in your food items. It would help to have a good diet and supplement to cover body demands. These nine essential amino acids are-
- Phenylalanine.
- Valine.
- Threonine.
- Tryptophan.
- Methionine.
- Leucine.
- Isoleucine.
- Lysine.
- Histidine.
What are Branched Chain Amino Acids, and why are they important?
- Valine, leucine, and Isoleucine are branched-chain amino acids. These essential amino acids have anabolic properties. These units look like branches because of their aliphatic side chain and central carbon atom. Hence, they were named branched-chain amino acids.
- Branched-chain amino acids are suitable for several reasons. These building block of proteins is involved in cellular signaling pathways. Other than that, they increase muscle growth and decrease muscle soreness. Not only that but also they help to reduce exercise-induced fatigue.
- Muscle wasting is a big concern when protein breakdown exceeds muscle protein synthesis. Branched-chain amino acids minimize muscle wasting and boost protein synthesis. Also, people with chronic liver cirrhosis found benefits from branched-chain amino acids.
Amino Acid and Muscle Growth Relationship
- Protein is solely responsible for our muscle development. A healthy adult requires at least 1 gram of protein daily for 1 kg body weight. Amino acids- the baseline monomers help in protein synthesis and repair the lean muscles.
- If protein synthesis outweighs protein degradation, then you build more muscles. Alternatively, you lose muscle tissue if protein degradation gets the upper hand. You have no better options to ramp up protein synthesis than a selective diet containing essential amino acids.
- Our body is unable to supply essential amino acids. So, you must take them in your diet or use supplements that contain essential amino acids. In short, you need to use this fuel for muscle growth and endurance. On another note, the optimum dose is necessary for amino acid supplements to maximize protein synthesis potential. So, consult your dietician or follow the guidelines of amino acid supplements.
How to Choose the Best Amino Acid Supplement
Choosing a quality amino acid supplement depends a lot on your personal view. All these supplements contain the same three amino acids- L valine, L- leucine, and L-isoleucine. They are the critical building block to promote protein synthesis and preserve lean body mass. Besides, look for some other parameters to find a convenient brand-
i. Personal Preference
Amino acid supplements are available in capsules and powder form. You can try powder form, mixing it with beverages, or capsules for easygoing. Some people feel mixing powder and trying the capsule takes a lot of work.
ii. Ingredients
Try to find supplements with the purest options. Also, look for formulas that exclude caffeine. Caffeine is unnecessary and only stimulates your nerve for a while. Ensure the formula excludes controversial ingredients, such as human hair or avian feathers.
iii. Flavors
Flavors are added goods with this supplement. It brings more attachment to your daily demand. Unflavored items often taste bad, and users only continue briefly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to use amino acids?
Ans: The best time to take amino acid supplements is before a workout or during workouts. This will provide that additional boost to your muscles. So, your workout will have less muscle wasting and more endurance.
Q: Which is the best ratio of amino acids in a supplement?
Ans: Amino acid powders can have ratios of 2:1:1 or 4:1:1, or even 8:1:1. These are the number of amino acids in one serving. Also, these ratios depend on the portion of leucine used. Leucine is the best amino acid for muscle growth. A formula containing 2:1:1 means two proportions of leucine against one portion of Isoleucine and valine. This is often considered the best ratio among amino acid formulas.
Q: Is there any side effects of amino acid consumption?
Ans: Well, branched-chain amino acids have no real risks. But, a high dose or consecutive serving can make you fatigued. Your body needs to adjust to the dose listed. Overdosing does not improve your performance; instead, it makes you tired.
Bottom Line
Amino acids are the building block for muscle growth. You need to take essential amino acids either from your diet or try supplements to cover your body’s demands. At Fitgeeky, we have listed some of the best amino acid brands to help you grow muscles and bring more endurance. Try it to cut muscle wasting and improve protein synthesis.
