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The Original Smash Apple

XTEND

4.5
(46734 ratings)
Glutamine 2500 mg
Leucine 3500 mg
Potassium 190 mg
Sodium 220 mg
Valine 1750 mg
Isoleucine 1750 mg
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Score 85.0

A popular intra-workout BCAA supplement offering a high dose of branched-chain amino acids, L-Glutamine, and electrolytes for muscle recovery, performance support, and hydration, with a zero-calorie profile.

Quantity: 420 Gram(s)Servings size: 14 Gram(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Fitness
Muscle Gain
Digestive Health
Immunity
Weight Gain

Score 85.0

A popular intra-workout BCAA supplement offering a high dose of branched-chain amino acids, L-Glutamine, and electrolytes for muscle recovery, performance support, and hydration, with a zero-calorie profile.

Analysis

The XTEND Original BCAA formula is a well-established product in the sports nutrition market, primarily designed for intra-workout and post-workout recovery. Its core strength lies in the robust 7-gram blend of Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) in the scientifically supported 2:1:1 ratio (Leucine:Isoleucine:Valine), which is crucial for stimulating muscle protein synthesis and aiding muscle repair. The addition of 2.5 grams of L-Glutamine further supports recovery, gut health, and immune function, which are beneficial for active individuals. The electrolyte blend provides basic hydration support, though for very intense or prolonged exercise, a more comprehensive electrolyte profile might be needed. The 1 gram of Citrulline Malate is a nice touch for promoting blood flow and reducing fatigue, although it's on the lower end of the clinically effective dose for significant performance enhancement. The zero-calorie, zero-carbohydrate profile makes it versatile for various dietary goals, from weight loss to muscle gain, as it doesn't add unwanted macros. Online reviews generally praise its taste and effectiveness for recovery and reducing muscle soreness.

Pros
  • High dose of BCAAs (7g) in the optimal 2:1:1 ratio for muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
  • Includes 2.5g of L-Glutamine, beneficial for muscle repair, gut health, and immune support.
  • Zero calories and carbohydrates, making it suitable for various dietary plans and flexible for intra-workout use.
  • Contains electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium) to aid hydration during exercise.
Cons
  • The 1g dosage of Citrulline Malate is lower than the typically recommended effective dose (6-8g) for significant performance benefits like increased pumps or endurance.
  • While it contains electrolytes, the blend might not be sufficient for individuals undergoing very intense, prolonged workouts or heavy sweating, potentially requiring additional electrolyte supplementation.
  • The reliance on artificial flavors and sweeteners might be a concern for some users seeking more natural ingredients.
Warnings
  • Individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using high-amino acid supplements.
  • Excessive intake of BCAAs without adequate intake of other essential amino acids could theoretically lead to amino acid imbalances over time, though unlikely at recommended doses in active individuals.
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$24.99($0.83 per serving)
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$ 24.99
Amazon
$ 29.99
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 0 Calorie(s)
Total Carbohydrates 0 Gram(s)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 640 mcg
Sodium 220 mg
Potassium 190 mg
L-Leucine 3500 mg
L-Glutamine 2500 mg
L-Isoleucine 1750 mg
L-Valine 1750 mg
Electrolyte Blend 1140 mg
Citrulline Malate 1000 mg
Adults 18–50 Sugar Free
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Categories

Contains 3500mg (3.5g) of L-Leucine, the most critical BCAA for initiating muscle protein synthesis, provided at an effective and leading dose.
Delivers 2500mg (2.5g) of L-Glutamine, a clinically relevant dose for supporting muscle recovery, immune health, and gut integrity.
Provides 1750mg (1.75g) of L-Valine, which works synergistically with Leucine and Isoleucine to support muscle growth and repair.

Goals

The high dosage and optimal ratio of BCAAs directly support muscle protein synthesis, while glutamine aids recovery essential for growth.
Provides essential amino acids for muscle performance, endurance, and aids in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage.
Contributes positively through hydration, amino acid support for body functions, and gut health support from glutamine.
80 Value

Warrior Blend Protein Berry

Sunwarrior
4.4
(15376 ratings)
Provides 16g of plant-based protein, which naturally contains BCAAs, along with some electrolytes, for a comparable price per serving (80 cents vs 73 cents). This offers a more complete nutritional profile for recovery and muscle building than just BCAAs and glutamine, representing good overall value.
87 Value

Isopure Zero Carb Strawberries & Cream

Nature's Best
4.5
(62477 ratings)
Offers 50g of zero-carb protein isolate, providing a high amount of naturally occurring BCAAs essential for muscle recovery and growth. While costing more per serving, its high protein content and zero-carb nature offer significantly more comprehensive muscle support and nutritional value than XTEND, making it excellent value for serious athletes.
75 Value

Micronized L-Glutamine 1000 mg

Natural Factors
4.8
(1738 ratings)
Provides 1000mg of L-Glutamine per serving at a very economical price (13 cents per serving). While not offering BCAAs or a full electrolyte profile, it delivers targeted glutamine benefits at an excellent value for those prioritizing post-workout recovery and gut health.
90 Performance

Serious Mass Chocolate Peanut Butter

Optimum Nutrition
4.5
(71864 ratings)
A comprehensive mass gainer that includes a high dose of L-Glutamine (500mg) and naturally occurring BCAAs from protein, along with creatine and a massive calorie/carb profile. It provides a more complete anabolic and recovery environment for serious muscle gain, exceeding XTEND's focus on intra-workout support.
85 Performance

Glutamine 300

PS ProSupps
4.6
(629 ratings)
Delivers a substantial 4500mg dose of L-Glutamine, surpassing XTEND's 2500mg. This higher glutamine concentration provides enhanced support for muscle recovery, immune function, and gut health, making it a better option specifically for glutamine benefits.
88 Performance

Sport Blue Raspberry Ice

XTEND
4.5
(16282 ratings)
Offers the same 7g BCAA blend as XTEND Original, but with a more comprehensive 1890mg electrolyte blend, including added Magnesium. This provides superior hydration support for intense workouts compared to the Original formula, making it a better choice for those needing more robust electrolyte replenishment.
70 Budget

Branched-Chain Amino Acids

Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.7
(1343 ratings)
Offers a solid BCAA dose (2.9g) at a significantly lower price per serving (38 cents vs 73 cents). It provides the core amino acid benefits for recovery and performance without the added glutamine or electrolytes of XTEND, making it a budget-friendly option for BCAA focus.
60 Budget

Sport Grape

Nuun
4.7
(559 ratings)
Provides a cost-effective solution for electrolyte replenishment (58 cents vs 73 cents per serving), crucial for hydration during workouts. While it lacks BCAAs and glutamine, it excels in its primary function as a basic electrolyte tablet.
68 Budget

L-Glutamine

Jarrow Formulas
4.7
(1536 ratings)
Offers L-Glutamine at a very low price per serving (11 cents vs 73 cents for XTEND), allowing for targeted supplementation of this recovery and gut health amino acid. It is a highly economical choice if glutamine is the primary focus, despite lacking BCAAs and other electrolytes.
80 Value

Warrior Blend Protein Berry

Sunwarrior
4.4
(15376 ratings)
Provides 16g of plant-based protein, which naturally contains BCAAs, along with some electrolytes, for a comparable price per serving (80 cents vs 73 cents). This offers a more complete nutritional profile for recovery and muscle building than just BCAAs and glutamine, representing good overall value.
87 Value

Isopure Zero Carb Strawberries & Cream

Nature's Best
4.5
(62477 ratings)
Offers 50g of zero-carb protein isolate, providing a high amount of naturally occurring BCAAs essential for muscle recovery and growth. While costing more per serving, its high protein content and zero-carb nature offer significantly more comprehensive muscle support and nutritional value than XTEND, making it excellent value for serious athletes.
75 Value

Micronized L-Glutamine 1000 mg

Natural Factors
4.8
(1738 ratings)
Provides 1000mg of L-Glutamine per serving at a very economical price (13 cents per serving). While not offering BCAAs or a full electrolyte profile, it delivers targeted glutamine benefits at an excellent value for those prioritizing post-workout recovery and gut health.
90 Performance

Serious Mass Chocolate Peanut Butter

Optimum Nutrition
4.5
(71864 ratings)
A comprehensive mass gainer that includes a high dose of L-Glutamine (500mg) and naturally occurring BCAAs from protein, along with creatine and a massive calorie/carb profile. It provides a more complete anabolic and recovery environment for serious muscle gain, exceeding XTEND's focus on intra-workout support.
85 Performance

Glutamine 300

PS ProSupps
4.6
(629 ratings)
Delivers a substantial 4500mg dose of L-Glutamine, surpassing XTEND's 2500mg. This higher glutamine concentration provides enhanced support for muscle recovery, immune function, and gut health, making it a better option specifically for glutamine benefits.
88 Performance

Sport Blue Raspberry Ice

XTEND
4.5
(16282 ratings)
Offers the same 7g BCAA blend as XTEND Original, but with a more comprehensive 1890mg electrolyte blend, including added Magnesium. This provides superior hydration support for intense workouts compared to the Original formula, making it a better choice for those needing more robust electrolyte replenishment.
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