Bodybuilding takes time, energy, and dedication. There’s nothing worse than not seeing the progress you’ve strived so hard to achieve or suffering from delayed onset muscle soreness that hits you hard and lingers, preventing you from going all out the next gym session.
Amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids (EAAs) and three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), are vital components that act as building blocks in protein synthesis to promote muscle repair and growth, prevent muscle breakdown, and reduce muscle fatigue. You might even try taking a vegan amino acid supplement as there are many benefits of amino acid supplements which can enhance your physique by promoting muscle growth and recovery.
This article provides a curated list of the ten best amino acid supplements for bodybuilding that contain the highest quality ingredients and blends that promote results in muscle recovery and growth! We also have a list of amino acids that is exclusively made up of the best BCAA’s if that is more your thing.
Table of Contents
10 Best Amino Acids For Bodybuilding: Muscle Growth & Recovery
Dietary supplements can be an extremely beneficial addition to your daily routine. For example, amino acid supplements are a frequently used tool by bodybuilders and gym-goers who are looking to promote muscle growth and speed up muscle recovery.
Below, we have the top ten best amino acids for muscle growth and recovery so you can reap the results from all the hard work you spend in and out of the gym!
Top Recommendation: Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Overview
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine has done it again with another fantastic product!
This BCAA glutamine supplement helps enhance muscle growth and athletic performance using research-based ingredients and is designed to be the best BCAA “repair and recovery” supplement. Transparent Labs has dedicated its brand to transparency, as its name suggests, putting forth clinically effective dosages backed by research using high-quality ingredients.
Highlights
- No artificial sweeteners
- No artificial coloring
- Gluten-free & Non-GMO
- No artificial preservatives
- Backed by clinical research
- Contains a potent recovery matrix of:
- Coconut water extract
- Glutamine
- Valine
- Leuice
- Isoleucine
- Fermented vegan BCAAs
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine | 1.3lbs/588g | $39.99 |
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a quality supplement to boost muscle growth and recovery, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine is the way to go. Dedicated to building the best of the best in supplements, this product is masterfully designed with the highest quality ingredients to boost progress in and out of the gym!
Thorne RecoveryPro
Overview
To encourage muscle protein turnover, rest is crucial for the muscles to recover and repair. And with Thorne RecoveryPro, supporting muscle growth has never been easier!
Thorne RecoveryPro incorporates key amino acids for decreased muscle soreness and other outstanding benefits like optimized nighttime muscle recovery, improved stress moderation, and improvements in sleep quality. It is also NSF-certified, meaning it has been tested for compliance with label claims to verify transparency in the absence of substances banned by athletic organizations. So, if you’re an athlete, this product is safe to use without worrying about hidden ingredients.
Highlights
- Contains 13g of whey protein to promote muscle repair
- Promotes sleep with two powerful ingredients:
- Magnesium bis-glycinate
- Tryptophan
- Uses the ingredient cysteine, an amino acid that is linked to improvements in athletic performance
- Incorporates magnesium bisglycinate which has been shown to relax skeletal and smooth muscle
- Contains PharmaGABA, anatural source of GABA that acts as a calming brain neurotransmitter to ease stress
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Thorne RecoveryPro | 16.7oz/474g | $50 |
Bottom Line
Have a competition coming up, and you’re lacking in much-needed sleep? Then Thorne RecoveryPro is the best amino acid supplement that utilizes powerful ingredients packed with protein and nutrients to help your muscles recover, stress decrease, and sleep come easy so you can get the most out of your workouts before your upcoming competition!
Jacked Factory EAA Surge
Overview
Jacked Factory EAA Surge is one of the best supplements with amino acids that caters to enhancing athletic performance. Containing powerful essential nutrients, this supplement helps to reduce muscle breakdown, maximize recovery, encourage muscle growth, and enhance athletic performance.
This fermented EAA powder will empower your bodybuilding journey by boosting recovery and muscle growth with its long-lasting benefits!
Highlights
- Fermented vegan EAA powder
- Backed by science
- Boosts muscle tissue growth
- Inhibits muscle tissue breakdown
- Speeds up recovery
- Increases energy, blood flow, and workout performance
- Money-back guarantee
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Jacked Factory EAA Surge | 10 oz/284g | $32.99 |
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to get the most out of your workouts, then Jacked Factory EAA Surge is the ticket! It grants long-lasting endurance, the best pumps, and awesome strength gains using beneficial EAAs that boost muscle growth and recovery.
Life Extension BCAA Capsules
Overview
The Life Extension BCAA Capsules are a great option for individuals who don’t like taking powders every day. This BCAA supplement form offers easy-to-take capsules that empower muscle gains and speedy recovery.
The BCAAs in this supplement also aid the immune system, empowering it to remain healthy and function properly. This means that not only will your bodybuilding endeavors be supported with this supplement by boosting muscle growth and recovery, but your immune system will also be supported to help prevent sickness from negating all your hard work and progress.
Highlights
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Contains BCAAs that provide benefits by:
- Maintaining a healthy immune system
- Promoting brain function
- Increasing muscle strength
- Enhancing muscle recovery
- Supporting exercise performance
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Life Extension BCAA Capsules | 90 capsules | $13.50 |
Bottom Line
The Life Extension BCAA Capsules are an amazing choice for individuals who prefer not to take powders. They’re easy to take and offer all the same benefits as other BCAA powder supplements to get the most out of your gym sessions!
Naked Nutrition BCAAs
Overview
Naked Nutrition BCAAs offer the highest pharmaceutical grade BCAAs that are rapidly absorbed and fast dissolving for optimal results.
BCAAs are essential for preventing muscle loss when resistance training. These beneficial nutrients help to increase muscle growth by supporting protein synthesis as the building blocks of protein. To get the most out of your workouts, it is crucial to promote muscle development and deter muscle loss by supplementing with BCAAs like these Naked BCAAs.
Highlights
- No artificial additives
- 2:1:1 leucine to isoleucine to valine ratio to promote optimal muscle growth
- Fast dissolving to mix well in drinks
- Contains the 3 BCAAs:
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
- Rapidly absorbed for quick results
- GMO-free
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Keto-friendly
- Dairy-free
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Naked Nutrition BCAAs | 1.1lbs/500g | $34.99 |
Bottom Line
Naked Nutrition BCAAs are free of artificial additives and full of benefits. From promoting muscle development to muscle recovery, this BCAA supplement is a top-tier choice for enhancing results in and out of the gym.
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
Overview
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy offers a combination of flavor and benefits in its amino acid supplement. The amino acid profile in this supplement is required to support muscle growth and enhance athletic performance by encouraging optimal muscle recovery.
Each serving of this delicious amino acid supplement contains 5g of amino acids, 5-10 calories, and 100mg of caffeine for a desirable addition to your diet that coincides with your goals with an energy boost!
Highlights
- Supports focus, energy, and muscle growth
- Only 5-10 calories per serving
- Contains zero sugar
- Boasts 5g of amino acids per serving for optimal muscle recovery
- Each serving contains 100mg of caffeine from tea leaf/coffee bean
- Offers a range of flavors, including:
- Strawberry lemon
- Watermelon
- Blue Raspberry
- Green apple
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy | 9.5oz/270g | $27.99 |
Bottom Line
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy is an excellent solution for any athlete or gym-goer looking to power their workouts with energy and their muscles with support. These are provided by amino acids and coffee beans or tea leaves for a desirable energy boost and nutritional kick to your fitness routine!
Now Sports Nutrition Amino Complete
Overview
Now Sports Nutrition Amino Complete is another great alternative for individuals who don’t like taking amino acids in powder supplement form. This specific supplement by Now Sports Nutrition boasts an advanced formula of protein and free-form amino acids plus vitamin B6.
These elements improve protein intake, prevent muscle anabolism, and help build muscle. Amino acids are crucial for increasing muscle growth. With Now Sports Nutrition Amino Complete, you benefit from all twenty amino acids to promote the best progress in your bodybuilding journey!
Highlights
- This powerful product is:
- Egg-free
- Non-GMO
- Nut-free
- Gluten-free
- Steroid-tested
- Contains 20 amino acids in one convenient supplement
- Integrates vitamin B6 for added support of the nervous and cardiovascular system
- Promotes maintenance, repair, and development of muscle tissues
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Now Sports Nutrition Amino Complete | 120 veg capsules | $17.99 |
| Now Sports Nutrition Amino Complete | 360 veg capsules | $43.99 |
Bottom Line
Now Sports Nutrition Amino Complete is an excellent option for bodybuilders who want to benefit from an easy-to-take supplement that can empower muscle growth and recovery. This supplement contains protein, all twenty amino acids, and vitamin B6 for a desirable addition to your nutritional routine to support your bodybuilding goals.
Bulk Supplements EAA Powder
Overview
Bulk Supplements EAA Powder comes in various sizes to suit your needs. Containing the nine EAAS, this supplement helps empower muscle cells to boost muscle growth that would otherwise not be achieved to the utmost potential by consuming incomplete proteins.
Incomplete proteins are foods that do not contain all nine EAAs, which cannot be produced by the human body and must be consumed through dietary means. Supplements like Bulk Supplements EAA Powder help individuals looking to benefit from the consumption of all nine EAAs without having to consume complete proteins consistently can benefit from this supplement and its nutritional benefits.
Highlights
- Vegan
- Free of:
- Added sugar
- Soy
- Dairy
- Yeast
- Gluten
- Contains the nine EAAs that help:
- Build muscle
- Increase energy
- Regulate digestion
- Boost the metabolism
- Support the immune system
- Fortify connective tissue
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Bulk Supplements EAA Powder | 3.5 oz/100g | $12.96 |
| Bulk Supplements EAA Powder | 8.8oz/250g | $16.96 |
| Bulk Supplements EAA Powder | 1.1lbs/500g | $21.96 |
| Bulk Supplements EAA Powder | 2.2lbs/1kg | $32.96 |
| Bulk Supplements EAA Powder | 11lbs/5kg | $148.96 |
| Bulk Supplements EAA Powder | 55lbs/25kg | $424.20 |
Bottom Line
The Bulk Supplements EAA Powder contains all nine EAAs, perfect for individuals wanting to benefit from these powerful nutrients. Adding this supplement to your routine can aid in supporting connective tissue, building strength, promoting muscle growth, and aiding recovery.
Xtend Original BCAA
Overview
Xtend Original BCAA contains three amino acids crucial for building muscle and aiding muscle recovery. That is why BCAA supplementation is crucial for achieving the results you work hard for in and out of the gym.
The unique blend of this supplement empowers outstanding benefits for muscle recovery and repair while also providing hydration through its blend of essential electrolytes.
Highlights
- Boasts a range of delicious flavors
- Contains 7g of BCAAs in clinically studied ratios
- Zero sugar
- Designed to support muscle repair and recovery
- Supports hydration through its blend of essential electrolytes
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Xtend Original BCAA | 30 servings | $27.99 |
| Xtend Original BCAA | 90 servings | $64.99 |
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to stay hydrated after your workouts while also promoting muscle growth and recovery, then the Xtend Original BCAA supplement is the perfect selection for you. It is specially designed to promote hydration, repair, and recovery with its unique blend that has been clinically studied to promote only the best results.
Bodybuilding.com Signature BCAA Amino Acids
Overview
Bodybuilding.com Signature BCAA Amino Acids are the up-and-coming amino acid supplementation for bodybuilders, thanks to its powerful benefits. This supplement contains BCAAs, which are crucial for muscle building, supporting lean muscle mass, and aiding in the recovery of muscle tissue.
Offering a range of delicious flavor options, this BCAA supplement dissolves easily in water, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink full of benefits that fuel your body to help you reach your bodybuilding goals.
Highlights
- Boasts an array of delicious flavor options
- Contains BCAAs to support muscle growth and repair
- The high-quality formula dissolves easily in water
- Comes in a 3:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine for superior anabolic potential
Pricing
| PRODUCT | AMOUNT | PRICING |
| Bodybuilding.com Signature BCAA Amino Acids | 30 servings | $13.99 |
Bottom Line
For a much-needed boost in your workouts, Bodybuilding.com’s Signature BCAA Amino Acids are the ticket. Containing BCAAs, this supplement promotes muscle growth and repair while also supporting an enjoyable process of taking the supplement with great flavor options to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Consult With a Healthcare Professional Before Discontinuing Amino Acid Supplements?
It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before discontinuing amino acid supplements. The same can be said before you start taking amino acid supplements.
Depending on any preexisting medical conditions or concerns, a healthcare professional can help determine whether amino acid supplementation can harm or benefit you.
What is the Best Time to Take Amino Acid Supplements?
It is often recommended to take amino acid supplements before, during, or after a workout. The supplement you choose will also have instructions on when to take the amino acids for best results. But for more information on how to take them, check out our article on the best time to take amino acid supplements!
How to Choose The Best Amino Acid Supplement?
Find which amino acid supplement best checks all the boxes for your specific goals.
If you don’t eat enough complete proteins in your diet, then a branched-chain amino acid or essential amino acid supplement would be best for you. The same goes for if you don’t eat a balanced diet whatsoever. Then, it would be best to choose an amino acid supplement that contains all twenty amino acids to support overall health.
Summary
Amino acid supplements are essential for bodybuilding and promoting the best results from your workout sessions. Nonessential amino acids and essential amino acids play vital roles in the human body to support organ functions, muscle building and repair, protein synthesis, and overall health.
With these top ten amino acid supplements, you can support muscle growth and recovery to enhance your progress in and out of the gym for the best bodybuilding progress!
Editorial Process:
Some of the links in this article could be affiliate links, which can provide us compensation at no cost to you if you decide to purchase supplements. These are products we personally stand behind. This site is not intended to provide personal health recommendations and you should connect with a registered dietitian or nutritionist before using any supplements.
