Finding the right amino acid supplement is a challenging task due to the vast number of choices available on the market.
It's critical to pick the right supplement tailored to your specific needs, as it can significantly impact your physical health and fitness goals.
In this article, we are presenting a list of the best amino acid supplements to help you choose the right product for your personal needs without any confusion.
Best amino acid supplements: shortlist
- Transparent Labs — best amino acid powder
- Naked Nutrition — best amino acids for muscle growth
- Momentous — overall best amino acid supplements
- Double Wood — best complete amino acid supplement
- Kaged — best amino acids for muscle recovery
- Life Extension — best free-form amino acid supplement
- Bulk Supplements — best essential amino acid supplements
- Swanson — best amino acid for immune system support
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Comparison of the best amino acid supplements
Brand | Price | Amino acids | Servings in a container | Serving size | Form |
Transparent Labs | $44.99 | Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Threonine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Tryptophan | 30 | 1 scoop (18.7 g) | Powder |
Naked Nutrition | $39.99 | Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Threonine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Tryptophan | 50 | 2 scoops (10 g) | Powder |
Momentous | $38.95 | Glutamine | 300 g | 1 scoop (5 g) | Powder |
Double Wood | $19.95 | Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine,Lysine, Threonine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Tryptophan | 75 | 3 capsules | Capsules |
Kaged | $29.99 | Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine | 72 | 1 scoop (5.5 g) | Powder |
Life Extension | $11.25 | Glutamine | 100 | 1 capsule | Capsules |
Bulk Supplements | $21.96 | Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Lysine HCI, Threonine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Histidine HCI, Tryptophan | 50 | ⅓ teaspoon (10 g) | Powder |
Swanson | $12.89 | Histidine | 60 | 1 capsule | Capsules |
Top picks: best amino acid supplements
To understand what are the best amino acid supplements, it’s important to be aware of the product formulation.
Certain supplements contain a blend of amino acids, while others tend to focus on a single ingredient.
Essentially, they’re all geared toward general fitness benefits, which is why you should choose a supplement based on your individual needs.
In this list, we are presenting our top choices of the best amino acid supplements, highlighting their unique characteristics, potential benefits, and pros and cons.
1. Transparent Labs — best amino acid powder
Transparent Labs INTRA makes our list as the best amino acid powder for supporting muscle growth and post-workout recovery.
Each serving provides 6.7 g of all nine essential amino acids and features vegan BCAAs and patented ingredients like elevATP®, Astragin™, and BetaPure™ — which may support muscle energy metabolism and amino acid absorption.
Additionally, the supplement comes with chelated electrolytes, coconut water powder, citrulline malate, taurine, and L-tyrosine to further enhance physical performance.
There are two available flavors: strawberry lemonade and blue raspberry, but unfortunately, the product lacks an unflavored option.
Last but not least, the product is free from GMOs, gluten, artificial colors, sweeteners, and fillers. It also undergoes third-party quality testing by independent laboratories.
Transparent Labs INTRA is available for $44.99 per container, with a subscription option offering a discount and free shipping.
2. Naked Nutrition — best amino acids for muscle growth
Naked Nutrition Essential Amino Acids Supplement may be another potential choice for active individuals seeking muscle growth support.
According to the brand, this product may also enhance strength and optimize recovery times, making it an indispensable tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Each serving delivers a blend of essential amino acids, including L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine — backed by research to potentially support endurance, strength, and recovery.
The product is dairy-free, non-GMO, soy-free, and vegan-friendly.
Naked Nutrition supplements are manufactured in a GMP-certified facility and third-party tested for quality.
The product is priced at $39.99 for a one-time purchase. The brand also offers additional savings for a monthly subscription.
3. Momentous — overall best amino acid supplements
Momentous L-Glutamine is a premium supplement designed for athletes and individuals looking for muscle growth, recovery support, and additional potential benefits.
Each serving delivers 5 g of L-glutamine — the most abundant amino acid in the body, essential for protein synthesis, immune function, and gut health.
Momentous L-Glutamine is GMO-free, gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs.
According to the brand, the product is NSF-certified and third-party tested for quality.
Momentous L-Glutamine is available for $38.95. Additionally, subscribers are eligible for savings, making the product an even more attractive choice for regular users.
4. Double Wood — best complete amino acid supplement
Essential Amino Acids by Double Wood offers a comprehensive solution for those looking to support their fitness.
The supplement comes with all 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own, making it a valuable addition to your dietary regimen.
Given their potential ability to build proteins and synthesize hormones, these complete amino acids may play a foundational role in various bodily processes.
The product is soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO, appealing to a range of dietary preferences.
Double Wood supplements are third-party tested for quality and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.
Essential Amino Acids by Double Wood is available for $19.95 with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Kaged — best amino acids for muscle recovery
Kaged BCAA 2:1:1 powder is a fermented branched-chain amino acid supplement designed to help muscle recovery and growth.
The formula includes a 2:1:1 ratio of L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine, a combination that may help with optimal muscle protein synthesis and regaining energy.
Kaged BCAA 2:1:1 is non-GMO, GMP-certified, and third-party tested for quality.
According to the brand, the supplement contains no added flavors or colors, making it suitable for athletes and those on strict diets.
The product's vegan-friendly formulation fits all nutritional preferences, allowing a wider range of people to benefit from its unique properties.
Kaged BCAA 2:1:1 powder is available for $29.99.
6. Life Extension — best free-form amino acid supplement
Life Extension L-Glutamine offers an amino acid essential for muscle health, immune function, and gut health.
Each vegetarian capsule contains 500 mg of L-glutamine, the most abundant free amino acid in the body — which may play a vital role in protein synthesis and serve as an important energy source for immune and gut cells.
According to the brand, this supplement may be especially beneficial during periods of intense exercise or stress, helping to maintain energy levels and support optimal immune function.
The product is gluten-free, non-GMO, GMP-certified, and third-party tested for quality.
Life Extension L-Glutamine is available for $11.25, providing a cost-friendly option for active individuals.
7. Bulk Supplements — best essential amino acid supplements
If you’re looking to elevate your fitness journey, you may be interested in Essential Amino Acids (EAA) powder by Bulk Supplements.
According to the brand, by using these amino acids, you can expect an increase in energy, muscle strength, and an improvement in overall health.
This top-rated supplement contains 9 amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own, making it a useful addition to your wellness and fitness regimen.
Essential Amino Acids (EAA) powder is vegan and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs.
Bulk Supplements manufactures its products in a GMP-certified facility and conducts third-party testing for quality.
The product is priced at $21.96 and comes with free shipping on orders over $59.
8. Swanson — best amino acid for immune system support
L-Histidine – Featuring AjiPure by Swanson Ultra is a premium supplement formulated to promote healthy immune system function.
Each vegetarian capsule contains 500 mg of L-histidine, an amino acid known for its role in iron uptake, antioxidant production, and trace element transportation.
This product may be suitable for those looking to support their immune health and support muscle growth and general well-being.
L-Histidine – Featuring AjiPure is non-GMO and vegetarian-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs.
Priced at $12.89, Swanson Ultra offers an affordable option for high-quality supplementation.
How did we compile the list of best amino acid supplements?
Our selection process was guided by the following criteria to ensure full transparency:
Reputation | Quality | Customer feedback | Price |
GMP certification, third-party testing | Natural sources, no artificial additives | Positive reviews | Serving quantity vs. cost |
- Reputation. We chose providers based on their high manufacturing standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and third-party testing.
- Quality. We prioritized products derived from natural sources with no artificial additives.
- Customer feedback. We checked online reviews to select products with positive feedback.
- Price. We compared the price and serving quantity of each product to present supplements offering the best value for money.
How to choose the best amino acid supplements?
Choosing the best amino acid supplements involves considering several key factors to ensure you get the most benefit:
- Ingredient quality. Look for supplements that use high-quality, pure amino acids without unnecessary fillers or additives.
- Dosage. Ensure the supplement comes in an easy-to-consume form, like powder or tablets, and provides an optimal dose, as per recommended guidelines or health professional advice.
- Form. Decide whether you prefer powder, capsules, or liquid based on convenience and personal preference.
- Additional ingredients. Some supplements include vitamins, minerals, or other superfoods for added benefits. Choose according to your nutritional needs.
- Potential allergens or dietary restrictions. Check for any allergens or ingredients that might not align with your dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
Best amino acid supplements for women's fitness
Amino acid supplements may play an important role in women's fitness, including muscle growth, energy support, and recovery.
These supplements often include branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which might be beneficial for promoting lean muscle mass and muscle recovery post-exercise.
BCAAs, particularly leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are known for their role in protein synthesis and energy production, which might be beneficial for endurance and strength during workouts.
Additionally, amino acid supplements may support hormonal balance and metabolism, contributing to overall well-being. This makes them a suitable choice for female athletes and active women seeking optimal fitness levels.
By integrating these supplements into their daily nutrition, women may enhance their exercise performance, recovery, and general health.
Best amino acid supplements for men's health
There are various amino acids that may be beneficial for men’s health, including leucine, alanine, and proline.
Amino acids are usually preferred by men who are physically active and interested in building a strong physique. These supplements may not only enhance muscle recovery and strength but also support energy levels and overall wellness. Additionally, they can contribute to improved endurance and muscle mass.
Incorporating these amino acids into daily routines can promote vitality and longevity, aligning with men's specific health goals.
Concluding recommendations for best amino acid supplements
Amino acid supplements can potentially offer many benefits for athletes and active individuals. This is especially true if your body lacks these essential components required for proper fitness.
However, just like with any other supplements, it’s important to approach them with caution to avoid potential side effects that may come with unwanted ingredients or excessive intake.
Additionally, we recommended consulting with a healthcare professional to select a supplement tailored to your personal needs.
Explore other supplement options to support your fitness goals
If you work out a lot, you may be interested in the best supplements for muscle recovery.
If you want to become more active, consider the best energy supplements.
To gain more muscle, check out the best supplements for muscle growth.
FAQ
How do I know if I need amino acid supplements?
To determine if you need amino acid supplements, consider your dietary intake of protein-rich foods, your body weight, lean body mass, and specific health or fitness goals. Supplements may support muscle growth, recovery, and endurance if your diet lacks essential amino acids.
Can amino acid supplements help with weight loss?
Amino acid supplements can potentially help with weight loss by contributing to appetite regulation and supporting exercise performance. They may also impact energy balance, leading to changes in fat mass which is important for weight management.
Are there any risks associated with amino acid supplements?
Yes. Risks associated with long-term high-dose amino acid supplementation may include nausea, headache, pain, constipation, increased bowel movements, rashes, or acne, among others. Consult a healthcare professional to determine what supplement is best for your individual needs.
Can amino acid supplements interact with medications or other supplements?
Yes. Amino acid supplements can interact with medications and other supplements, affecting blood sugar levels when taken with diabetes medications and potentially causing hypoglycemia. It's important to speak to a doctor if you’re combining these drugs and supplements together.
5 resources
- Nutrients. Branched Chain Amino Acid Supplementation to a Hypocaloric Diet Does Not Affect Resting Metabolic Rate but Increases Postprandial Fat Oxidation Response in Overweight and Obese Adults after Weight Loss Intervention.
- Psychological Research. Side Effects of Amino Acid Supplements.
- Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. Emphasizing Task-Specific Hypertrophy to Enhance Sequential Strength and Power Performance.
- Journal of the American College of Surgeons. The Effects of an Amino Acid Supplement on Glucose Homeostasis, Inflammatory Markers, and Incretins after Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass.
- Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. Clinical use of amino acids as dietary supplement: pros and cons.
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