BCAA supplement?

GainTrain24

New member
Hey everyone, I want to bulk up and add some mass, I'm looking for a solid BCAA supplement to add to my stack. Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
GainTrain24 said:
Hey everyone, I want to bulk up and add some mass, I'm looking for a solid BCAA supplement to add to my stack. Any suggestions?

Thanks
Click to expand...

USPlabs ModernBCAA+ is a solid option. 8:1:1 ratio of BCAA and added electrolytes and key aminos. Mixes like a gem and watermelon taste is unreal!
 
Finaflex BCAA+SAA. Not only does it have your basic bcaa's its fortified with SAA's as well as our anti-cramping matrix. Both the apple and blueberry flavors are mouth watering delisciousness.
 
Montego1 said:
Finaflex BCAA+SAA. Not only does it have your basic bcaa's its fortified with SAA's as well as our anti-cramping matrix. Both the apple and blueberry flavors are mouth watering delisciousness.
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Have not tried the blueberry but the apple is amazing.
 
I really enjoy Cellucor's BCAA
3.2g BA
4g CM
1.5g HICA
10g BCAA
Per 2 scoops

Very close to the recommended amounts of BA/CM seen in Pubmed studies and a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAA's which is the only studied BCAA mix on the market (that has research to back it)

I really enjoy Scivation Xtend, Core ABC, and Modern as well.
 
MGN makes a great BCAA supplement called BCAA Extended Performance. Its one of my favorite supplements and it tastes good too. This is the one I Would go with. Are you looking to stack it with anything else? What about protein? I know your looking to bulk and I would suggest you just add some ingredients to your protein shake to make it more dense. Are you tracking your macros currently?
 
Rhadam said:
Interesting. So you're saying that whole proteins don't do that?
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Nope. During intense weight training the body is normally in a highly catabolic condition. At this time glycogen stores are being rapidly depleted and the liver in turn must synthesize glucose by a conversion of L-Alanine. Alanine makes up over half of the amino acid content released from muscles during exercise. The release of BCAA's is generally recognized as the signal to the body to stop protein syntheses in the muscles, especially during times of stress. Providing the Branch Chain Amino Acids, especially during those times of stress may profoundly affect this signal and allow protein synthesis to continue onward.
 
MuscleGauge1 said:
MGN makes a great BCAA supplement called BCAA Extended Performance. Its one of my favorite supplements and it tastes good too. This is the one I Would go with. Are you looking to stack it with anything else? What about protein? I know your looking to bulk and I would suggest you just add some ingredients to your protein shake to make it more dense. Are you tracking your macros currently?
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Yeah I'm looking to add it to my current stack. I'm taking protein but I've never taken a BCAA supplement and the more research I do on it the more I want to take them. Yeah but not to the exact number
 
They are unnecessary provided there is some sort of pre workout meal containing sufficient protein. Bcaas provide nothing extra that a diet with adequate calories and protein wont.
 
Don't waste your money on a BCAA product if you're bulking.

However, if you would truly like to, BCS Labs XCel is a great choice.
 
For the price of bcaas with all the studies out showing it ups protein synthesis, stops muscle break down, mtor, etc. why's it a waste?
 
nemix said:
For the price of bcaas with all the studies out showing it ups protein synthesis, stops muscle break down, mtor, etc. why's it a waste?
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I think BCAA's are best used intra-workout on strenuous training days or days were you are in a fasted state before working out. Outside of that though you won't notice much of a difference as long as you are eating enough and taking in enough protein.
 
GainTrain24 said:
Hey everyone, I want to bulk up and add some mass, I'm looking for a solid BCAA supplement to add to my stack. Any suggestions?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Formutech Nutritions Endurance BCAA Plus, with out a doubt one of the most solid products on the market. Check out the reviews they speak for themselves.

It's much more then just a BCAA product. It has COP, Citrulline Malate, and Beta Alanine to give you that extra push in the gym and to block lactic acid which in return will allow you to work harder longer. It is also a full serving of BCAA, which keeps those muscles energized and anabolic rather then catabolic.

My regimen is taking my pre and then my BCAA with a 1/2 scoop pre mixed intra workout.

I also use BCAA first thing when I wake up on days I work. Bc I get up at 4-420am and don't eat till 530-630 I take the BCAA right when I get up. If I do cardio, which I still do 2-3 days a week on my bulk I drink half BCAA pre cardio and half while doing cardio.

Hope that helps.
 
CaptainSlentz said:
They are unnecessary provided there is some sort of pre workout meal containing sufficient protein. Bcaas provide nothing extra that a diet with adequate calories and protein wont.
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This depends on the length of workout and daily schedules. Of course the term sufficient would mean every person knows exactly what they need to sustain their body while working out. Which can be hard bc as any gym goer knows that you can plan a workout for an hour and be their an hour and a half bc machines, weights, benches, are not available or people won't hurry up bc they are too interested in a social hour rather then moving out your way.

I use BCAA on both a bulk and cut. My cut usage is different then my bulk but both terms are to keep me from a catabolic state.

And I do agree with you, but being a trainer I know that diets are not perfect. If they were supps would rarely be needed. But supps are great to help someone who has a busy life stay on track. If you can't get a meal have a shake, if you can't get sufficient protein pre workout bc of schedule and timing of workout have BCAA. If you workout long periods if time take BCAA. Someone like myself who may have appts back to back, then an hour free, then an appointment, take BCAA to keep body rolling and eat a post meal. Better option then stuffing just prior to workout and feeling sick while I train.

There are very good uses.
 
nemix said:
For the price of bcaas with all the studies out showing it ups protein synthesis, stops muscle break down, mtor, etc. why's it a waste?
Click to expand...
Nothing good ol fashioned dietary protein wont do for you. The only time I would really suggest bcaas is if you train fasted.
 
02sixxer said:
This depends on the length of workout and daily schedules. Of course the term sufficient would mean every person knows exactly what they need to sustain their body while working out. Which can be hard bc as any gym goer knows that you can plan a workout for an hour and be their an hour and a half bc machines, weights, benches, are not available or people won't hurry up bc they are too interested in a social hour rather then moving out your way.

I use BCAA on both a bulk and cut. My cut usage is different then my bulk but both terms are to keep me from a catabolic state.

And I do agree with you, but being a trainer I know that diets are not perfect. If they were supps would rarely be needed. But supps are great to help someone who has a busy life stay on track. If you can't get a meal have a shake, if you can't get sufficient protein pre workout bc of schedule and timing of workout have BCAA. If you workout long periods if time take BCAA. Someone like myself who may have appts back to back, then an hour free, then an appointment, take BCAA to keep body rolling and eat a post meal. Better option then stuffing just prior to workout and feeling sick while I train.

There are very good uses.
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Im a trainer myself and can understand where you are coming from. If a client cant get adequate protein from their diet for whatever reason I would usually recommend some supplemental protein powder.
 
GainTrain24 said:
Nope. During intense weight training the body is normally in a highly catabolic condition. At this time glycogen stores are being rapidly depleted and the liver in turn must synthesize glucose by a conversion of L-Alanine. Alanine makes up over half of the amino acid content released from muscles during exercise. The release of BCAA's is generally recognized as the signal to the body to stop protein syntheses in the muscles, especially during times of stress. Providing the Branch Chain Amino Acids, especially during those times of stress may profoundly affect this signal and allow protein synthesis to continue onward.
Click to expand...

Ok well that's wrong. Catabolic signaling may be present during and after a workout, but that doesn't mean you're catabolic. Glycogen stores are not being rapidly depleted during a normal weightlifting bout. If you're running a half marathon sure, but not during weight training. You don't need protein synthesis to continue during a workout. You don't need immediate protein synthesis after a workout either. You also didn't account for any food intake prior to lifting.

Don't know where you're getting your facts from, but you should study some relevant current text. Preferably peer reviewed work.
 
this thread is interesting.
between reps jumping in and one rep jumping on the @ss of the OP... interesting.

educating someone works best by offering answers to their questions, rather than jamming them down their throat.

Recent info (via the protein doc, Layne Norton) shows that moderating meals with dosing of BCAA's (5g of leucine in a 2:1:1 ratio) between your 4-5 meals peaks the anabolic response.
The initial goal is to achieve your given protein requirement and ensuring adequate amounts of leucine are consumed in your regular meals. Then, getting your bcaa doses without having to eat an abundant amount of calories. Eating a surplus of calories is ideal when wanting to gain mass, but recently ppl seem to be promoting an "eat more" mentality.

Also, you do actually burn through a decent bit of glycogen DURING your workout. Not really sure where the info is that states otherwise, unless you are doing some form of low intensity weight training. In a marathon, you'd burn through a ton of substrates and the levels would likely vary throughout the duration of the marathon. I guess I'm a little pissed at the attack mode that you took on the OP Rhadam.
Like you suggested to him, it might be a good idea to refresh your memory with some peer-reviewed studies.
 
Bnatural said:
Recent info (via the protein doc, Layne Norton) shows that moderating meals with dosing of BCAA's (5g of leucine in a 2:1:1 ratio) between your 4-5 meals peaks the anabolic response.
The initial goal is to achieve your given protein requirement and ensuring adequate amounts of leucine are consumed in your regular meals. Then, getting your bcaa doses without having to eat an abundant amount of calories. Eating a surplus of calories is ideal when wanting to gain mass, but recently ppl seem to be promoting an "eat more" mentality.

Also, you do actually burn through a decent bit of glycogen DURING your workout. Not really sure where the info is that states otherwise, unless you are doing some form of low intensity weight training. In a marathon, you'd burn through a ton of substrates and the levels would likely vary throughout the duration of the marathon. I guess I'm a little pissed at the attack mode that you took on the OP Rhadam.
Like you suggested to him, it might be a good idea to refresh your memory with some peer-reviewed studies.
Click to expand...

Was just going to post the same exact thing
Thank you
 
Bnatural said:
this thread is interesting.
between reps jumping in and one rep jumping on the @ss of the OP... interesting.

educating someone works best by offering answers to their questions, rather than jamming them down their throat.

Recent info (via the protein doc, Layne Norton) shows that moderating meals with dosing of BCAA's (5g of leucine in a 2:1:1 ratio) between your 4-5 meals peaks the anabolic response.
The initial goal is to achieve your given protein requirement and ensuring adequate amounts of leucine are consumed in your regular meals. Then, getting your bcaa doses without having to eat an abundant amount of calories. Eating a surplus of calories is ideal when wanting to gain mass, but recently ppl seem to be promoting an "eat more" mentality.

Also, you do actually burn through a decent bit of glycogen DURING your workout. Not really sure where the info is that states otherwise, unless you are doing some form of low intensity weight training. In a marathon, you'd burn through a ton of substrates and the levels would likely vary throughout the duration of the marathon. I guess I'm a little pissed at the attack mode that you took on the OP Rhadam.
Like you suggested to him, it might be a good idea to refresh your memory with some peer-reviewed studies.
Click to expand...

I jumped on him? What carebear land do you live in where me saying "No, you're wrong." is me jumping all over him.

I do not consider Layne's work to be peer reviewed in the context of leucine dosing to spike MPS. Not to mention the "real world results" are not that great. I've read his work many times. BCAAs are not as vital for muscle building as you seem to be promoting your product for. The body cares about calorie balance and protein sure, but protein and it's individual amino acids are not the be-all end-all for muscle building. You product pushers seem to always forget that we do eat food and supposedly keep a good protein balance from whole foods. Not to mention glycogen, in the context of a normal training bout, has been talked about ad nauseum. Read Alan Aragon's work if you don't believe what i said.

Best of luck with your rebuttle goals in 2013.
 
The Solution said:
Now i am a slob huh? I see how it is....
Click to expand...
lol, lookin lean bro. I was going for a rhyme and it went south!
you need a foodporn thread in here man.
or is there one?

As far as keeping this directed to the OP's question.
Stick with a tried and true 2:1:1 ratio, it's the ratio that is the most studied and the one that most companies will revert back to.
You can purchase a supp that has additional ingredients, or get those from other sources.

Just be sure to find a manufacturer you trust.
 
Rhadam said:
I jumped on him? What carebear land do you live in where me saying "No, you're wrong." is me jumping all over him.

I do not consider Layne's work to be peer reviewed in the context of leucine dosing to spike MPS. Not to mention the "real world results" are not that great. I've read his work many times. BCAAs are not as vital for muscle building as you seem to be promoting your product for. The body cares about calorie balance and protein sure, but protein and it's individual amino acids are not the be-all end-all for muscle building. Not to mention glycogen, in the context of a normal training bout, has been talked about ad nauseum. Read Alan Aragon's work if you don't believe what i said.

Best of luck with your rebuttle goals in 2013.
Click to expand...

Layne unfortunately is a Rep of sorts for scivation. I believe he knows his stuff but him being a proponent of bcaas means more xtend sells.
 
Bnatural said:
this thread is interesting.
between reps jumping in and one rep jumping on the @ss of the OP... interesting.

educating someone works best by offering answers to their questions, rather than jamming them down their throat.

Recent info (via the protein doc, Layne Norton) shows that moderating meals with dosing of BCAA's (5g of leucine in a 2:1:1 ratio) between your 4-5 meals peaks the anabolic response.
The initial goal is to achieve your given protein requirement and ensuring adequate amounts of leucine are consumed in your regular meals. Then, getting your bcaa doses without having to eat an abundant amount of calories. Eating a surplus of calories is ideal when wanting to gain mass, but recently ppl seem to be promoting an "eat more" mentality.

Also, you do actually burn through a decent bit of glycogen DURING your workout. Not really sure where the info is that states otherwise, unless you are doing some form of low intensity weight training. In a marathon, you'd burn through a ton of substrates and the levels would likely vary throughout the duration of the marathon. I guess I'm a little pissed at the attack mode that you took on the OP Rhadam.
Like you suggested to him, it might be a good idea to refresh your memory with some peer-reviewed studies.
Click to expand...

If we are thinking of the same study I believe the protein content was not equivalent for each group. If the overall amount of protein was the same in both the bcaa between meals group and the non bcaa group I doubt there would be a difference in any sort of tangible gains
 
Rhadam said:
I jumped on him? What carebear land do you live in where me saying "No, you're wrong." is me jumping all over him.

I do not consider Layne's work to be peer reviewed in the context of leucine dosing to spike MPS. Not to mention the "real world results" are not that great. I've read his work many times. BCAAs are not as vital for muscle building as you seem to be promoting your product for. The body cares about calorie balance and protein sure, but protein and it's individual amino acids are not the be-all end-all for muscle building. Not to mention glycogen, in the context of a normal training bout, has been talked about ad nauseum. Read Alan Aragon's work if you don't believe what i said.

Best of luck with your rebuttle goals in 2013.
Click to expand...

There are various forms of training bouts that people employ. If you care to post some of your reading info from Alan, I'd be glad to read it.
I live in no carebear land and the fact that all you tried to do was railroad the OP is me simply calling you out on it.

Also, what "real world results" are we referring to with Layne's VERY RECENT studies and discussions on optimal protein intake in regards to leucine.

Yes, the body cares about calorie balance. This is ALSO why having bcaa's can be very beneficial to ensure you are not having to go far beyond your caloric needs to achieve certain substrate goals.

Alright, so I spent about 10 minutes reading and skimming and have not found any info on Aragon's discussions on glycogen usage during exercise.
So, please do provide links. There is an article that BOB actually posted on the MMuscle site with Aragon. Since he typed it up, maybe he can add in his input here.
 
pyrobatt said:
Layne unfortunately is a Rep of sorts for scivation. I believe he knows his stuff but him being a proponent of bcaas means more xtend sells.
Click to expand...

I see what you are saying, however his focus of study is on protein synthesis. So, it is a great benefit for Scivation to have him onboard, but that doesn't mean they are swaying him into constantly promoting bcaa's as extremely beneficial. If scivation decided to say they've funded all of layne's research, I would likely change my thoughts on this, but that hasn't happened.
 
CaptainSlentz said:
If we are thinking of the same study I believe the protein content was not equivalent for each group. If the overall amount of protein was the same in both the bcaa between meals group and the non bcaa group I doubt there would be a difference in any sort of tangible gains
Click to expand...

The focus of what I said is being changed. The OP wants to consume bcaa's for gains. My proposal is that he does so in a regulated fashion rather than go on an eating spree for gains. It also depends on what the OP's current protein take is, as that is an obvious missed factor in this discussion.
If he's 150lbs and consumes 300g's of protein per day, I'd say forego the bcaa's.
 
pyrobatt said:
Layne unfortunately is a Rep of sorts for scivation. I believe he knows his stuff but him being a proponent of bcaas means more xtend sells.
Click to expand...

Layne is a smart guy, i like reading his work and thoughs on the metabolism and protein synthesis. Plus his vids are funny once in a while. That being said, his study on leucine and MPS spiking protocol is not something to base spending money on BCAAs for. The claims they made for increased mass due to that protocol are simply not believeable.
 
Bnatural said:
There are various forms of training bouts that people employ. If you care to post some of your reading info from Alan, I'd be glad to read it.
I live in no carebear land and the fact that all you tried to do was railroad the OP is me simply calling you out on it.

Also, what "real world results" are we referring to with Layne's VERY RECENT studies and discussions on optimal protein intake in regards to leucine.

Yes, the body cares about calorie balance. This is ALSO why having bcaa's can be very beneficial to ensure you are not having to go far beyond your caloric needs to achieve certain substrate goals.

Alright, so I spent about 10 minutes reading and skimming and have not found any info on Aragon's discussions on glycogen usage during exercise.
So, please do provide links. There is an article that BOB actually posted on the MMuscle site with Aragon. Since he typed it up, maybe he can add in his input here.
Click to expand...

Off to gym. I will return.
 
Bnatural said:
The focus of what I said is being changed. The OP wants to consume bcaa's for gains. My proposal is that he does so in a regulated fashion rather than go on an eating spree for gains. It also depends on what the OP's current protein take is, as that is an obvious missed factor in this discussion.
If he's 150lbs and consumes 300g's of protein per day, I'd say forego the bcaa's.
Click to expand...

I think we can both agree that diet should always be in check before thinking about adding in any supplements as it is the determining factor in all things body composition. Once you have that down theres no need for bcaas outside of fasted training. My advice? Focus on setting your diet up to optimize your goals and you will get the best results while also saving yourself some cash
 
CaptainSlentz said:
I think we can both agree that diet should always be in check before thinking about adding in any supplements as it is the determining factor in all things body composition. Once you have that down theres no need for bcaas outside of fasted training. My advice? Focus on setting your diet up to optimize your goals and you will get the best results while also saving yourself some cash
Click to expand...

Agreed.
Again, the missing component is where the OP's caloric intake currently is set.
 
Optimum nutrition has never done me wrong. Solid products and great taste. Also the makers of concrete have a pretty good bcaa product that tastes better than kool aid.
 
Bnatural said:
lol, lookin lean bro. I was going for a rhyme and it went south!
you need a foodporn thread in here man.
or is there one?

As far as keeping this directed to the OP's question.
Stick with a tried and true 2:1:1 ratio, it's the ratio that is the most studied and the one that most companies will revert back to.
You can purchase a supp that has additional ingredients, or get those from other sources.

Just be sure to find a manufacturer you trust.
Click to expand...

Go look up any protein thread or review thread or cooking with whey thread you have pages of food porn :)
 
I'm bulking and I ALWAYS use BCAAs when training, whether its fasted in the AM or unfasted in the afternoon. I feel a big difference in muscle recovery, allowing me to push heavier more frequently and accelerating my gains.

Many people like to poo poo on people asking a simple question for a product recommendation without actually giving the info asked for and interjecting their own biased opinions. This has always bothered me quite a bit, unless the OP is asking about taking PH/DS/AAS and is obviously under educated on the subject. That's a different story.

Just wish folks would stop being so self righteous and just answer questions occasionally. What is this, bb-dot-com? lol

Anyway, I LOVE Endurance BCAA, especially the orange flavor. Not only is it a solid, high quality BCAA thats tastes great and mixes well, it also has cit mal, beta alanine, and creatinol-o-phosphate in it to buffer lactic acid and increase muscle endurance especially during endurance training or high rep (hypertrophy) style lifting.
 
Oh, and listen to The Solution on cooking, that guy knows whats up in the kitchen.
 
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