BCAAs continue to make a tremendous impact in the fitness world. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are great assets for women to utilize for fantastic health benefits. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and they provide support for a plethora of daily functions.
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Despite the common misconception of supplements such as BCAAs creating bulkiness in women, that is not the case. BCAAs provide support for essential muscle growth and development, prevent muscle fatigue, stimulate fat loss, and can sharpen mental focus during exercise.
Factors to consider
Women who are interested in adding a BCAA supplement to their regimen should take several factors into consideration. Since BCAAs can be found in foods such as beef, fish, and eggs and in protein supplements, it is imperative to evaluate how many BCAAs one already consumes on a daily basis.
Approximately one-third of the BCAAs within the body can be found in muscles. The human body cannot generate BCAAs so it is crucial to get them via diet or supplements. If you are not consuming enough BCAAs through your regular diet, then a BCAA supplement would certainly come in handy.
Benefits for women
Even though BCAAs can make a positive impact, many women are unaware of these great benefits. The addition of a BCAA to your training program can take it to the next level. Less muscle breakdown, more efficient recovery, and enhanced fat loss are just a few of the differences a BCAA can make. The real question is finding the best BCAA for women.
The list below summarizes seven of the top BCAA supplements on the market for women. Take a look at the different varieties and decide which one is right for you and your fitness goals!
#1 IdealLean BCAAs
IdealLean BCAAs was created with women in mind to aid with weight loss and stimulate muscle growth. This BCAA provides users with 5,000mg of the recommended 2:1:1 ratio of the essential branched-chain amino acids. There are is no added sugar or calories to focus on muscle growth and limit muscle soreness.
The IdealLean formula adds coconut powder, L-Citrulline and L-Glutamine to support hydration during every workout. Other ingredients such as Green Tea Extract and Tonalin CLA support fat loss to achieve your desired body composition goal.
IdealLean comes in several flavors including grape, strawberry kiwi, peach lemonade, and several others. You can browse through their website and find the flavor right for you and look through dozens of reviews of IdealLean users.
One serving of the IdealLean formula is one scoop totaling 10.66g and each container holds 30 servings.
Pros:
- Supports muscle recovery
- Relieve muscle soreness
- Assists with hydration
Cons:
- Some users are not satisfied with taste
#2 Optimum Nutrition’s Instantized BCAA 5000 Powder
This BCAA formula can be used by women and men but can provide several fantastic benefits for users. This blend also contains a 5,000mg blend in a 2:1:1 ratio of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine. Optimum Nutrition’s BCAA formula comes in flavored and unflavored versions. The flavored blends have a larger serving size due to extra ingredients to provide a better taste for users. The flavored blends come in Fruit Punch and Orange with the serving size being 2 scoops totaled at 9.5g.
You can find separate instructions for taking the flavored and unflavored blends of the BCAA formula. It is recommended to take it 30-45 minutes before your workout begins or right after your workout is completed for optimal results.
There are 10 calories and 1g of added sugar per serving in the flavored varieties of the formula. Natural and artificial ingredients are included as well. Prospective users who have allergies to soy will want to avoid this BCAA.
Customers can purchase the flavored varieties in 40 serving containers for $23.59. The price per serving is less in the 60 serving unflavored container with the overall price of $24.55.
Pros:
- Comes in flavored and unflavored
- Assist with recovery
- Enhanced energy level
Cons:
- Some users report stomach discomfort
#3 EVLUTION NUTRITION BCAA Energy
Not only does the EVLUTION NUTRITION BCAA Energy blend contain a 2:1:1 ratio of branched-chain amino acids, it contains natural energizers as well. Utilizing Green Tea and Green Coffee as sources, it is designed to provide a boost of energy at anytime of the day. Users of the formula will also notice an increase in performance and recovery.
The formula does not contain any added sugar and is gluten free. An extra amino acid is included with the addition of L-Alanine to provide extra energy and endurance to push through every workout. Vitamin B6, B12, and C are included to help you get through any workout and give your immune system a boost.
It is important for users to follow the instructions of this BCAA formula as ingesting too much can lead to negative side effects. Due to the amount of caffeine and Alanine included in each serving, it is highly recommended users do not take more than four servings per day. This can create a tingling feeling in the skin and users are advised to take with caution.
One serving size of BCAA Energy is two scoops totaling between 9.0g and 11.0g depending on the flavor chosen. There are over one dozen flavors available including orange, lemon-lime, green apple. This formula does contain soy so those with allergies to soy are not advised to take this product.
The directions to take the formula differ for the energy level required for your activities. You can take the blend for energy at any point during the day, intense workouts, or for enhanced recovery. For anytime energy or recovery, it is recommended to take one serving. Users who are preparing for an intense workout are suggested to take two servings to ensure they have enough energy.
There is a 30 serving container and a 65 serving container available for users when shopping for the BCAA formula. The 30 serving container is priced at $19.99 and the 65 serving container is priced at $39.99.
Pros:
- Natural energizers
- Enhanced recovery
- A variety of flavors
Cons:
- Can produce tingling feeling in skin
- Contains soy
NLA for Her – Her Aminos
NLA for Her provides products specifically aimed at women’s fitness needs and that is no different with their BCAA formula. In addition to the three branched-chain amino acids, the blend includes Taurine, Alanine, Glutamine, and Citrulline to promote muscle growth. The solid combination of amino acids protects women from muscle breakdown during the stressors of an intense training program.
The blend can be taken at any point during the day and helps to alleviate muscle soreness, prevent muscle breakdown, and provide a boost of energy. The serving size of the blend is one scoop which is roughly 8g and there are 30 servings in each container. It is recommended to mix one scoop of the blend with water and it can be taken at various points of the day. Depending on the user’s preference, it can be consumed at the beginning of the day, before a workout, during a workout, or immediately after a workout. There is a warning that the inclusion of Alanine may cause a slight tingling feeling upon usage.
The amino blend contains natural and artificial flavors, and there are potential allergens that will prevent some individuals taking it. The blend is made with equipment that could be exposed to wheat, soy, peanuts, shellfish, and other allergens.
There are four flavors available for Her Aminos which include Dragon Punch, Orange Creamcicle, Watermelon, and Pink Lemonade. The price will vary based on your flavor of preference, but each container can be found at a price range of $19 – $25.
Pros:
- Prevent muscle breakdown
- Boost in energy
- Stimulate muscle growth
- Relieve muscle soreness
Cons:
- Contains allergens
- Artificial sweeteners
- Some users report stomach discomfort
Raw Synergies Amino Slim
The Raw Synergies Amino Slim blend is targeted to suppress appetite, stimulate weight loss, and develop lean muscle. Its formula contains vegan BCAAs, glutamine, and adds ashwagandha extract & satiereal saffron. The addition of ashwagandha helps to alleviate stress and can help users relax. Satiereal saffron has been shown in clinical trials to limit hunger and overeating throughout the day.
Amino Slim is caffeine free and is stated to improve sleep quality. It comes in a lemonade flavor and is crafted with 100% natural ingredients to support recovery, weight management, and hydration.
The serving size of the Amino Slim is one scoop totaling 7.5g and there are 20 servings per container. According to the instructions on the container, it should be mixed with water. The blend can be consumed on training days during your workout or any time of the day on a non-workout day.
Amino Slim can be found on the Raw Synergies website priced at $24.99 and can be found for sale on Amazon.
Pros:
- Relieve muscle soreness
- Suppress appetite
- Limit stress
- Provide energy
Cons:
- Some users comment on unfavorable taste
- Ineffective for some users
Scivation Xtend BCAA Powder
The Scivation Xtend BCAA Powder contains 7g of a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs and contains zero sugar, carbs, or calories. The formula also contains L-Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and electrolytes to keep users hydrated during intense workouts. The formula stimulates muscle growth, fat loss, and reduces recovery time.
There are a variety of flavors available including grape, black cherry, and blue raspberry. The blend contains artificial flavors in addition to its BCAA blend and electrolyte mix.
A serving size is one scoop and scoop size will vary depending on the flavor of preference. There are three sized containers available on the Xtend website. Users can purchase a 20 serving container for $19.99, a 30 serving container for $29.99, and a 90 serving container for $64.99. For those who are consistent buyers of the blend, a subscription can qualify you for a lower price point on each purchase.
It is recommended to use the blend daily for optimal results. On workout days, it is advised to consume one scoop during your workout and one after your workout is complete. For days when you are not training, it is recommended to take two scoops throughout the day.
Pros:
- Variety of flavor selections
- Provides energy
- Alleviate muscle soreness
Cons:
- Some users report bad taste
- Stomach discomfort stated by some users
FitMiss Women’s BCAA Powder
The FitMiss Women’s BCAA Powder provides users a unique BCAA ratio of 3:1:2 (3 leucine, 1 isoleucine, and 2 valine). The formula supports muscle growth and reduced muscle breakdown during exercise. There is zero added sugar, carbs, or calories and it can be found in a strawberry margarita and blue raspberry flavor.
A serving size of the blend is one scoop totaling 5.3g and there are 30 servings per container. The blend can easily be mixed with water and is recommended to be taken one to three times daily. It is advised to consume the blend between meals, 30-45 minutes before a workout, during a workout, or right after a completed workout to achieve the best results.
Prospective users who have allergens are advised to use the product with caution as the formula could potentially be exposed to milk, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, soy, and others. It contains natural and artificial ingredients but does not contain any banned substances.
The FitMiss Women’s BCAA Powder can be found for sale on sites such as Amazon and Bodybuilding for various prices between $10 – $20.
Pros:
- Promotes muscle growth
- Assists with recovery
Cons:
- Ineffective for some users
- Poor packaging and shipping reported by some users
Closing Thoughts
There are new BCAA products being developed all the time with the aim to provide women a top-notch blend. The benefits of daily BCAAs are well-known and women can take their workout to the next level with the right formula. Whether it is to stimulate muscle growth on a low-calorie diet, reducing body fat, lessen the pain of sore muscles, or increase training performance, the right BCAA can make all the difference.
Take a close look at blends we highlighted and decide which one is best for your needs!
Josh Labrooy
B Comm.
Josh is a fitness enthusiast and part-time personal trainer. He has a passion for functional fitness and nutrition. In his spare time Josh loves to catch a wave at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.
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