Branched Chain Amino Acids or BCAAs for women use pure ingredients in clinically-backed ratios to support maximum muscle gains, enhance training performance, accelerate support fat loss and more. The best BCAAs for women combine all these benefits into clean, vegan and premium formulas that are easy on the digestion and safe for daily use.
For example, such women tend to use up more protein; however, BCAA supplementation may buffer the use of protein during exercise, therefore increasing endurance, muscle recovery and overall performance. Stay tuned for the dirty details on which BCAAs work best for women and why.
Table of Contents
Quick List: Best BCAAs for Women
The best BCAA supplements for women skillfully combine the purest possible ingredients into “stacks” that deliver superior results. More on these later, but for now here is a quick list of top-rated women’s BCAA formulas:
#1. Performance Lab SPORT BCAA – The cleanest, purest formula on the market with a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs, this BCAA is perfect for women looking to reduce muscle soreness and recovery times by buffering the breakdown of protein and glutamine; it also comes in natural vegan plant capsules. Performance Lab SPORT BCAA website |
#2. Do Vitamins BCAA Capsules – Another advanced, vegan BCAA capsule with a 2:1:1 ratio of pure BCAA ingredients and absolutely no artificial flavors. This BCAA may reduce recovery times and increase muscle gains in active women. Do Vitamin BCAA website |
#3. Kaged Muscle BCAA – Another clean and pure, fermented, vegan formula that comes in a powder form, perfect for natural muscle recovery and fat loss, especially for those who prefer to mix their BCAA with a drink, shake or smoothie.[Kaged Muscle BCAA website |
#4. MRM-BCAA+G – This BCAA isn’t vegan, but it does come in advanced gelatin capsules with just four powerful ingredients, including the perfect 2:1:1 BCAA ratio plus L-Glutamine for superior muscle growth and maintenance. MRM-BCAA+G website |
#5. Sheer BCAA – Stimulate protein synthesis to recover, grow muscles and lose fat faster with this clean BCAA, coming in advanced gelatin (nonvegan) capsules with a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio. Sheer BCAA website |
Or, read on to learn about BCAAs for women.
BCAAs for Women Guide
Branched Chain Amino Acids are amino acids that have non-aromatic side-chains with a branch; hence their name. BCAAs for women can be beneficial for numerous reasons. Below, we’ll discuss the research and get into exactly why women take them.
Benefits of BCAAs for Women
BCAAs are essential amino acids, meaning the body does not produce them. However, they can be very beneficial to women who exercise regularly in pursuit of their fitness goals. Here are the benefits of BCAAs for women.
1. Help with Endurance and Muscle Growth
BCAAs can reduce protein breakdown and help maintain glutamine levels in the muscles, meaning they can reduce damage due to exercise in women.[1] This can, in turn, help the muscles last longer during a workout and reduce soreness after a workout.
2. Reduce Soreness and Fatigue After a Workout
Furthermore, studies specifically show BCAAs’ ability to reduce soreness and fatigue of muscles after a workout, leading to shorter recovery times and replenished motivation for optimized muscle gains and fat loss.
They do so by initiating the production of protein and glutamine; this way, the muscles use less of these chemicals during exercise.[2]
3. Keep Hormones Balanced During Exercise
BCAAs may also play a part in mood control during exercise. For example, one study shows a lack of BCAAs may contribute to severe mood issues, which can affect our endurance, focus and performance before, during and after a workout.
Optimized Ratio of BCAAs
Studies show a 2:1:1 ratio of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine in that order is an undoubtedly effective ratio when it comes to reducing damage and increasing protein production during and after exercise.
When Should Women Take BCAAs?
BCAAs can be taken before, during and after a workout. However, you should read the back of your favorite BCAA supplement for specific instructions. Doses and intake times may vary by brand.
To achieve the best results, women should look for BCAA supplements that provide extra support for:
- Protein and Glutamine Synthesis
- Muscle Growth
- Fat Loss
- Bioavailability
- Digestive Comfort
Which Ingredients Should Women look for in a BCAA?
Women should look for BCAAs that contain natural, pure forms of the following ingredients to experience the best results. They should also make sure their BCAA supplement has an optimal BCAA ratio (2:1:1).
Leucine
Leucine is known to help the muscles control protein synthesis during exercise. It also plays a part in the regulation of blood sugar levels in the body. Studies show Leucine may help with fat loss, especially in aging women.[4]
- The best form of leucine is pure and fermented L-Leucine for digestive comfort and ultimate bioavailability.
Valine
Valine is a branched chain amino acid that supports the growth of muscles and tissue repair. Thus, it’s an important BCAA for recovery after a workout. In addition, its metabolic route leads to carbs in the body.
- The best form of Valine is L-Valine, pure and fermented for digestive comfort and bioavailability.
Isoleucine
Isoleucine is a branched chain amino acid whose metabolic route leads to carbs and fats inside the body. It is known to help with the repair of muscle tissues after a workout, ultimately reducing recovery times and helping with fat loss.
- The best form of Isoleucine is fermented L-Isoleucine because it is a pure BCAA form made for digestive comfort and optimized bioavailability.
Sunflower Lecithin
Sunflower Lecithin is perfect for the fermentation of natural BCAAs. It works well because it is known to ease digestion.[5] Thus, it makes BCAAs easier to digest.
- The best form of Sunflower Lecithin in 2018 is organic with absolutely no synthetic ingredients, which has also been fermented to enhance its absorption and tolerability.
How Best 5 Supplements Rates and Ranks the Best BCAAs for Women
For general information on buying highly-quality supplements, check out the Best 5 How to Buy a Good Supplement guide. When it comes to the best BCAAs for women in particular, here are the criteria we used in our ratings:
- Combinations – Stack ingredients that may be designed to work in synergy for muscle growth and fat loss
- Healthy – Superior BCAAs look out for women’s long-term health
- Quality – Premium ingredient and delivery forms work better than others
- Research – Human studies that show safety, no side effects and benefits
- Service – Good return policy, shipping, honest selling and strong customer support
- Value – Formulas that deliver results on your investment
- Cleanliness – Vegan, no fillers, artificial colors, synthetics or preservatives
We also take consider which companies have an established online presence and honorable reputation. These manufacturers stand behind their products.
Best BCAAs for Women
Below, we’ve listed the best BCAAs for women that we have reviewed based on the factors listed above.
#1: Performance Lab SPORT BCAA
Performance Lab SPORT BCAA is the cleanest and purest BCAA on the market for women right now. It comes in a unique prebiotic-infused, vegan plant capsules made from pullulan, perfect for women looking to steer clear of animal products in their BCAAs.
If you are building lean muscle mass and optimizing fat loss, Performance Lab SPORT BCAA may be the perfect supplement for you with its 2:1:1 BCAA ratio. Its BCAAs have also been fermented from sunflower lecithin, making them more bioavailable and easier on digestion than other BCAAs with synthetic ingredients.
Performance Lab SPORT BCAA Summary |
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Ingredients: L-Leucine 1,500 mg, L-Isoleucine 750 mg, L-Valine 750 mg, Plantcaps® Pullulan Capsule, NuFlow® Rice Concentrate | ||
Clean Label: Yes. No additives or preservatives | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. Comes in prebiotic, vegan plant capsules | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine or stimulants | ||
Price: $25 per one-month supply | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Save 5% when you buy 2 boxes at once; Save 10% when you buy 3 boxes at once. | ||
Service: 30-day money-back guarantee; applies to first order only; contact via online form | ||
Official Website: www.performancelab.com | ||
Read our in-depth Performance Lab SPORT BCAA review | ||
#2: Do Vitamins BCAA
Do Vitamins BCAA comes in a clean, vegetarian capsule that is vegan-friendly and perfect for women looking to reduce muscle soreness after workouts, therefore reducing recovery time and increasing lean muscle mass.
Similar to Performance Lab Sport BCAA, Do Vitamins’ formula is focused on BCAAs, containing a similar 2:1:1 ratio. The only difference? Do Vitamin contains a little less L-Isoleucine and L-Valine than Performance Lab Sport BCAA does.
Do Vitamins BCAA Summary |
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Ingredients: L-Leucine (AJIPURE®) 1,050 mg, L-Isoleucine (AJIPURE®) 525 mg, L-Valine (AJIPURE®) 525 mg, Vcaps® plus vegetarian capsule (hypromellose) | ||
Clean Label: Yes. Contains no artificial flavors or synthetic ingredients | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. Comes in vegetarian plant capsules; suitable for vegans | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine or stimulants | ||
Price: $24.95 | ||
Any Deals? No. | ||
Service: Email for a full refund if necessary. | ||
Official Website: www.dovitamins.com | ||
Read our in-depth Do Vitamin BCAA review | ||
#3: KAGED Muscle BCAA
KAGED Muscle BCAA is another premium formula made of pure, fermented BCAAs in the perfect 2:1:1 ratio. Not to mention, KAGED Muscle BCAA is a vegan powder that dissolves readily into water.
It’s also rather affordable, starting at just $18.87 per 200 mg container. While it doesn’t come in capsule form for easy intake, it does have all of the same anabolic growth effects as other brands with advanced capsules. In other words, it’s natural and perfect for women looking to reduce muscle soreness, increase muscle growth and initiate fat loss.
KAGED Muscle BCAA Summary |
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Ingredients: L-Leucine 2.5 g, L-Isoleucine 1.25 g, L-Valine 1.25 g, Sunflower Lecithin | ||
Clean Label: Yes. No artificial flavors or ingredients | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. Comes in vegan powder form | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine or stimulants | ||
Price: $18.87 per one-month supply | ||
Any Deals? Yes. $28.99 per 400 mg or 72-day supply | ||
Service: 30-day money-back guarantee or exchange; contact via phone or email | ||
Official Website: www.kagedmuscle.com | ||
Read our in-depth Kaged Muscle BCAA review | ||
#4: MRM BCAA+G
MRM BCAA+G contains L-Glutamine and Vitamin B6, giving it a leg up on the competition. It also manages to be sweet and tasty without any artificial flavors or unnatural sugars. However, its capsules are animal-based, made of gelatin.
You see, glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. But sometimes, for example, during exercise, our body may need more glutamine than it has in stock. Thus, supplementing with glutamine helps maintain glutamine levels during exercise and other physically and/or mentally stressful activities. This BCAA may also increase nitrogen retention for ultimate gains.
MRM BCAA+G Summary |
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Ingredients: L-Leucine 2,500 mg, L-Valine 1,500 mg, L-Isoleucine 1,000 mg, L-Glutamine 1,000 mg, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCI) 2 mg | ||
Clean Label: Yes. No artificial flavors or ingredients | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. Comes in gelatin capsule | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine or stimulants | ||
Price: $34.99 per one-month supply | ||
Any Deals? No. | ||
Service: No visible return policy; contact via online form, phone or email | ||
Official Website: www.mrm-usa.com | ||
Read our in-depth MRM BCAA+G review | ||
#5: Sheer BCAA
Build muscle faster with Sheer BCAA for women. While not vegan, this BCAA is free of artificial flavors, stimulants and synthetic ingredients, containing a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio as well as magnesium stearate for guaranteed quality control.
Sheer BCAA is also very affordable at $15.97 for a month’s supply. Not bad. All in all, it’s a research-backed, premium formula that’s right up there the rest of the best BCAAs for women.
Sheer BCAA Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: L-Leucine 1,050 mg, L-Isoleucine 450 mg, L-Valine 450 mg, Gelatin (capsules), Magnesium Stearate, Brown Rice Flour | ||
Clean Label: Yes. No artificial flavors or ingredients. | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. Comes in nonvegan, gelatin capsules | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine or stimulants. | ||
Price: $15.97 per one-month supply | ||
Any Deals? No. | ||
Service: Conditional returns and exchanges for up to 30 days; contact via email or online form. | ||
Official Website: www.sheerstrengthlabs.com | ||
Read our in-depth Sheer BCAA review | ||
Best BCAAs for Women Conclusion
All in all, BCAAs for women contain clean and pure ingredients that come in optimized forms for ultimate bioavailability, optimized muscle growth and faster recovery. In addition, some formulas contain unique vitamins and nutrients, such as those found in wholesome multivitamins.
- Women tend to prefer BCAAs with no artificial flavors, caffeine or synthetic ingredients as to avoid side effects like bloating and energy crashes.
For the best results, Best 5 Supplements recommends coupling your favorite BCAA for women listed above with your favorite post-workout for women. Post-workouts often contain protein that can be extra beneficial for lean muscle growth, fat loss and speedy recovery to complement BCAAs after intense gym training.
For more women-specific supplement reviews, check out our Best 5:
- Nootropic Supplements for Women
- Pre-Workout Supplements for Women
- Multivitamins for Women
- Fat Burners for Women
References
- Shimomura Y et al. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation before squat exercise and delayed-onset muscle soreness. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2010 Jun;20(3):236-44.
- Agostini F, Biolo G. Effect of physical activity on glutamine metabolism. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010 Jan;13(1):58-64.
- Robert R. Wolfe. Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality? J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017; 14: 30.
- João A.B. Pedroso et al. Reviewing the Effects of l-Leucine Supplementation in the Regulation of Food Intake, Energy Balance, and Glucose Homeostasis. Nutrients. 2015 May; 7(5): 3914–3937.
- Stremmel W et al. Phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and the mucus layer: Evidence of therapeutic efficacy in ulcerative colitis? Dig Dis. 2010;28(3):490-6.
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