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BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine) supplements, compared

11 products we’ve reviewed list bcaas (leucine, isoleucine, valine) as a key ingredient. Here’s what it does, what the research uses — and how much each product actually contains.

What it is

Three essential amino acids that make up about a quarter of the amino acids in complete-protein foods. Studies have not consistently shown that BCAA supplements improve performance, build muscle or speed recovery — complete protein supplies them automatically.

What the research uses

Up to 20 g a day of BCAAs in divided doses appears to be safe.

Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or take medication.

Every product, dose by dose

ProductBCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine) per servingFormScore
Gold Standard 100% Whey
Optimum NutritionGold Standard 100% Whey
Informed Choice
5.5 gNaturally occurring BCAAsPowder8.7
ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
DymatizeISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
Informed Choice
2,677 mgLeucine (naturally occurring)5.5 gBCAAs (naturally occurring)Powder8.7
Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
KagedPre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Informed Sport
6.5 gFermented BCAAs (2:1:1)Powder8.1
Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein
Garden of LifeSport Organic Plant-Based Protein
NSF Certified for SportUSDA OrganicNon-GMO Project VerifiedCertified Gluten-Free
2,527 mgLeucine (naturally occurring)Powder8.1
Naked Whey Grass-Fed Whey Protein (Unflavored)
Naked NutritionNaked Whey Grass-Fed Whey Protein (Unflavored)		5.9 gNaturally occurring BCAAsPowder7.9
EAA Powder
NutricostEAA Powder
Third-party testedcGMP facility
6,000 mgBCAAs 2:1:1 (instantized)Powder7.0
Original BCAA Powder
XtendOriginal BCAA Powder
NSF Contents Certified
3,500 mgL-Leucine1,750 mg eachL-Isoleucine and L-ValinePowder6.7
Amino Complex
ThorneAmino Complex
NSF Certified for Sport
1.25 gL-Leucine2,570 mg combinedOther essential amino acids (isoleucine, valine, lysine, threonine, histidine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan)Powder6.6
Liquid Morning Multivitamin
MaryRuth'sLiquid Morning Multivitamin
Clean Label Project
25 mgProprietary branched-chain amino acid complexLiquid6.5
BCAA Glutamine
Transparent LabsBCAA Glutamine
Informed Choice
8,000 mgFermented BCAAs (2:1:1 leucine, isoleucine, valine)Powder6.1
Alpha BRAIN
OnnitAlpha BRAIN
Third-party tested
60 mg (blend)Onnit Fuel Blend (L-leucine, pterostilbene)Capsule5.6

Amounts are per serving as printed on each label. “Not disclosed” usually means the ingredient sits inside a proprietary blend.

Questions people ask

How much bcaas (leucine, isoleucine, valine) do studies use?
Up to 20 g a day of BCAAs in divided doses appears to be safe.
Which bcaas (leucine, isoleucine, valine) supplement scores highest?
In our reviews, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey scores highest at 8.7/10, followed by Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate (8.7) and Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout (8.1). Scores weigh efficacy, quality, value, experience and transparency — not just the dose.
How much bcaas (leucine, isoleucine, valine) is in these products?
It varies by product and serving size — for example Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey (5.5 g), Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate (2,677 mg), Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout (6.5 g). The table above lists the amount per serving for every product we've reviewed.

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