Stackexpand_less
Analysisexpand_less
Please sign in to access analysis.
Profileexpand_less
Supplementsexpand_more
The Original Glacial Grape
XTEND
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(47737 ratings)
Glutamine 2500 mg
Leucine 3500 mg
Potassium 190 mg
Sodium 220 mg
Valine 1750 mg
Isoleucine 1750 mg
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: 405 Gram(s)Servings size: 14 Gram(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Fitness
Muscle Gain
Digestive Health
Immunity
Weight Gain
leaderboard 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
$27.99($0.93 per serving)
 Amazon | $ 27.99 | |
 iHerb | $ 27.99 |
| Ingredient | Amount 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 |
Categories
Leucine 95.0
Contains 3500mg (3.5g) of L-Leucine, the most critical BCAA for initiating muscle protein synthesis, provided at an effective and leading dose.
Glutamine 90.0
Delivers 2500mg (2.5g) of L-Glutamine, a clinically relevant dose for supporting muscle recovery, immune health, and gut integrity.
Valine 90.0
Provides 1750mg (1.75g) of L-Valine, which works synergistically with Leucine and Isoleucine to support muscle growth and repair.
Goals
Muscle Gain 95.0
The high dosage and optimal ratio of BCAAs directly support muscle protein synthesis, while glutamine aids recovery essential for growth.
Fitness 90.0
Provides essential amino acids for muscle performance, endurance, and aids in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage.
General Health 75.0
Contributes positively through hydration, amino acid support for body functions, and gut health support from glutamine.
Recommended Alternatives
85 Value 
Whey Protein Isolate Dutch Chocolate
SR Sports Research
4.6
★★★★★
(2526 ratings)
Offers 25g of high-quality whey protein isolate, which naturally contains a full spectrum of amino acids, including BCAAs, plus an explicitly added 1g of L-Leucine and electrolytes. It provides a complete protein source for recovery and muscle building, offering more comprehensive benefits for a comparable cost (estimated 78 cents vs 80 cents per serving).
80 Value 
Glutamine Pure Powder 5000 mg (5 g)
Country Life
4.8
★★★★★
(704 ratings)
Delivers a higher dose of L-Glutamine (5000mg vs 2500mg in XTEND) for enhanced recovery and gut health. While lacking BCAAs and electrolytes, its focused, higher dose of glutamine makes it a better value for that specific recovery aspect.
75 Value 
Branched Chain Amino Acids
NOW Sports
4.6
★★★★★
(1896 ratings)
Offers a solid 2.9g of BCAAs at a competitive price per serving (46 cents vs 80 cents). While it lacks glutamine and electrolytes, it provides the core BCAA benefits effectively at a significantly lower cost, representing good value for focused BCAA supplementation.
90 Performance 
100% Mass Gainer Chocolate Fudge Brownie
MuscleTech
4.3
★★★★★
(5058 ratings)
While a mass gainer, it provides significantly higher doses of BCAAs and L-Glutamine, along with added creatine and substantial calories for overall muscle growth and recovery. It offers a more comprehensive muscle-building and recovery solution, albeit with added macros.
80 Performance 
Theracurmin & L-Glutamine
Natural Factors CurcuminRich
4.7
★★★★★
(364 ratings)
Offers a very high dose of L-Glutamine (5000mg) for superior recovery and gut health benefits, which is a key component of XTEND. It also includes curcumin for anti-inflammatory support, providing a more robust recovery profile, though it lacks BCAAs and full electrolytes.
85 Performance 
Catalyte Lemon Lime Flavored Electrolytes
Thorne
4.4
★★★★★
(1673 ratings)
Provides a much more comprehensive and higher-dosed electrolyte profile for superior hydration and mineral replenishment, along with B vitamins and Vitamin C for energy metabolism and antioxidant support, making it better for hydration and overall cellular function during intense activity, even without BCAAs.
70 Budget 
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
NOW Sports
4.6
★★★★★
(1947 ratings)
Offers BCAAs at a significantly lower price per serving (41 cents vs 80 cents), although at a lower total BCAA dose (2.9g vs 7g) and without glutamine or electrolytes. It's a cost-effective option if pure BCAA supplementation is the priority.
65 Budget 
Mega-Size BCAA 1000 Caps
Optimum Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(25137 ratings)
Provides BCAAs in a convenient capsule form at a very low price per serving (18 cents vs 80 cents). While the dosage is much lower (1g total BCAA), it offers an extremely budget-friendly way to supplement BCAAs.
75 Budget 
Keto Electrolyte Powder Lemon Lime Flavor
Trace Minerals
4.7
★★★★★
(2486 ratings)
Focuses heavily on electrolytes (58 cents vs 80 cents per serving), providing a comprehensive blend of essential minerals for hydration at a lower cost, though it lacks BCAAs and glutamine. It serves as a cheaper alternative for the hydration aspect.
85 Value
Whey Protein Isolate Dutch Chocolate
SR Sports Research
4.6
★★★★★
(2526 ratings)
Offers 25g of high-quality whey protein isolate, which naturally contains a full spectrum of amino acids, including BCAAs, plus an explicitly added 1g of L-Leucine and electrolytes. It provides a complete protein source for recovery and muscle building, offering more comprehensive benefits for a comparable cost (estimated 78 cents vs 80 cents per serving).
80 Value
Glutamine Pure Powder 5000 mg (5 g)
Country Life
4.8
★★★★★
(704 ratings)
Delivers a higher dose of L-Glutamine (5000mg vs 2500mg in XTEND) for enhanced recovery and gut health. While lacking BCAAs and electrolytes, its focused, higher dose of glutamine makes it a better value for that specific recovery aspect.
75 Value
Branched Chain Amino Acids
NOW Sports
4.6
★★★★★
(1896 ratings)
Offers a solid 2.9g of BCAAs at a competitive price per serving (46 cents vs 80 cents). While it lacks glutamine and electrolytes, it provides the core BCAA benefits effectively at a significantly lower cost, representing good value for focused BCAA supplementation.
90 Performance
100% Mass Gainer Chocolate Fudge Brownie
MuscleTech
4.3
★★★★★
(5058 ratings)
While a mass gainer, it provides significantly higher doses of BCAAs and L-Glutamine, along with added creatine and substantial calories for overall muscle growth and recovery. It offers a more comprehensive muscle-building and recovery solution, albeit with added macros.
80 Performance
Theracurmin & L-Glutamine
Natural Factors CurcuminRich
4.7
★★★★★
(364 ratings)
Offers a very high dose of L-Glutamine (5000mg) for superior recovery and gut health benefits, which is a key component of XTEND. It also includes curcumin for anti-inflammatory support, providing a more robust recovery profile, though it lacks BCAAs and full electrolytes.
85 Performance
Catalyte Lemon Lime Flavored Electrolytes
Thorne
4.4
★★★★★
(1673 ratings)
Provides a much more comprehensive and higher-dosed electrolyte profile for superior hydration and mineral replenishment, along with B vitamins and Vitamin C for energy metabolism and antioxidant support, making it better for hydration and overall cellular function during intense activity, even without BCAAs.