Why BCAA's are important (in this case, Xtend):
Contains 3.5g Leucine/scoop
L-Leucine is an essential amino acid, specifically classified as a "branched-chain amino acid" (BCAA). BCAAs, especially leucine, stimulate muscle protein synthesis and may be the major fuel involved in anabolic reactions. BCAA's are of special importance for athletes because they are metabolized in the muscle, rather than in the liver.
"...it is stored directly in muscle tissue and serves to help grow new muscle and increase strength, resist the breakdown of muscle tissue, and can provide extra energy to the muscle if it is under heavy exertion by quickly converting to glucose. It has also been shown to have beneficial effects on the liver and the immune system."
Contains 1.75g Isoleucine/scoop
The body requires this amino for the creation of muscle tissue as well as a host of other essential duties, but the body is unable to produce it on its own.Therefore, Isoleucine must be obtained through the diet. While it is found in most animal based foods, including pork, chicken, beef, etc., as well as in nuts and certain grains, and most people can obtain sufficient amounts through their diet, the determined athlete will probably choose to increase the Isoleucine concentration in his or her muscles by taking Isoleucine supplements.
Contains 1.75g Valine/scoop
Valine, along with the amino acids Leucine and Isoleucine, is one of the branched chain amino acids. These amino acids are crucial for the formation of new muscle and the retention of existing muscle tissue. For this reason alone, it is clear that it is an excellent amino acid supplement for bodybuilders.
However, Valine also has a number of other useful properties, such as its ability to create extra energy for tired muscles in order to fight muscle fatigue, its use in the treatment of diseases of the gallbladder and liver, as well as its function as a necessary component of the nervous system.
In addition to these BCAA's Xtend brings to the table, one scoop also provides 10 mg B6 (Pyridoxine HCI), 1g Citrulline Malate, and 2.5g glutamine.
While the 10mg B6 may be inconsequential in regards to the value of the product, the other two properties are worth consideration.
Citrulline Malate has been "clinically shown to support increased performance and lean mass gains*, support increased blood flow and amino acid delivery to skeletal muscle, leading to increased protein synthesis (muscle growth)*, enhance ATP production and support cell volumization*, and is a potent precursor to arginine."
In short, Citrulline Malate largely a "pump" product with it's NO-like characteristics; also can help with the utilization of protein and muscle energy.
The effects of glutamine have been a subject of much controversy as of late. Retailers claim glutamine will reduce muscle fatigue and soreness while helping to rebuild the torn muscle tissue, but many people who have supplemented with L-glutamine claim the product does no such thing.
Personally, I feel the glutamine issue is unimportant in buying Xtend. I personally feel it's a must if you have the money to afford it.
