Xtend BCAA Review: Is Xtend the Best BCAA Supplement?

Xtend BCAAs is one of my all-time favorite supplements, and I am happy to have finally written my own Xtend BCAA review so you can learn the truth about this supplement.

When I first became interested in the supplement industry (around 2010), Scivation Xtend was the first product I began consistently purchasing.

Now, Xtend BCAAs is owned by the supplement company Cellucor, which also makes the C4 pre workout supplement.

However, the formulas have remained the same, and over 15 years later, Xtend is still my favorite BCAA supplement and one of the primary supplements for muscle gain or weight loss I suggest people use.

There are other supplements I love and regularly write about, but Xtend BCAAs will always have a special place in my heart.

Read the rest of my Xtend BCAA review to learn why, as a professional basketball player with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition, this is one of my all-time favorite supplements and why I believe thits is the best BCAA supplement!

Last update on 2025-12-01 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

What is Xtend BCAAs?

Xtend BCAA is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplement originally created by Scivation and now owned by Cellucor, the company best known for the C4 pre workout.

For over 15 years, it has remained one of the most trusted amino acid supplements for athletes, bodybuilders, and active individuals.

At its core, Xtend BCAAs provides 7 grams of branched-chain amino acids per serving in the clinically studied 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

These amino acids play a direct role in muscle protein synthesis, which helps repair and rebuild muscle tissue after intense exercise.

Unlike whole protein sources that require digestion, BCAAs are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, making them fast-acting for recovery and performance.

In my opinion, what sets Xtend BCAA apart from other amino acid supplements is its well-rounded formula.

Beyond the branched-chain amino acids, it also includes electrolytes for hydration, citrulline malate for endurance, and glutamine for recovery support.

These additions make Xtend BCAAs a versatile supplement that can be used before, during, or after workouts to reduce muscle soreness, improve stamina, and protect lean muscle mass.

With multiple variations like Xtend Sport, Xtend Ripped, and Xtend Elite, the brand offers options tailored for hydration, fat loss, or performance enhancement.

This flexibility has helped Xtend BCAA remain one of the most popular and highly rated amino acid supplements on the market today.

Primary Ingredients in Xtend BCAA Supplements

Xtend contains 7 grams of BCAAs per serving, including 3.5g of leucine and 1.75g of isoleucine and valine.

Aside from the BCAAs themselves, Xtend also contains additional ingredients which help with muscle recovery and muscle growth such as:

• L-Glutamine
• Citrulline Malate
• Electrolyte Blend
• Vitamin B6

Glutamine and BCAAs always pair well together, since they are both quick-absorbing amino acids that improve muscle recovery.

Citrulline malate has also been one of my favorite supplements for a long time.

Overall, Xtend contains multiple additional ingredients that improve muscle recovery and muscle growth, which is why I consider it the best BCAA supplement overall!

Benefits of Xtend BCAAs: What Does Xtend BCAA Do?

Xtend BCAA supplements are designed to support athletes, gym-goers, and anyone looking to improve recovery, build lean muscle, and maintain overall performance.

The core ingredients, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are fast-absorbing amino acids that enter the bloodstream directly without requiring complete digestion.

This makes them one of the most effective supplements for recovery and performance compared to traditional protein sources.

Exercise Recovery Support

One of the most well-established benefits of Xtend BCAAs is improved recovery after workouts.

BCAAs help reduce muscle soreness and decrease exercise-induced muscle damage, allowing you to train harder and more frequently (Shimomura et al., 2004).

Leucine, in particular, stimulates muscle protein synthesis, which accelerates the repair process and supports faster recovery times.

Muscle Building Support

For athletes aiming to increase strength and size, Xtend BCAAs provide a direct stimulus for muscle growth.

By delivering a clinically studied 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, Xtend ensures your body has the raw materials needed to build new muscle tissue.

When combined with resistance training, BCAAs help maintain an anabolic environment and protect muscle during intense training sessions.

Weight Loss Support

While not a fat burner, Xtend BCAAs can help with weight management by preserving lean muscle mass during calorie restriction.

Retaining muscle while losing fat is crucial for maintaining a high metabolism, preventing metabolic adaptations to weight loss, and supporting long-term body composition improvements.

Xtend can also be used as a low-calorie, flavorful drink between meals to reduce cravings and help with portion control.

Hydration Support

Xtend BCAA formulas often include added electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

These electrolytes are crucial for hydration, particularly during prolonged or high-intensity training sessions, when excessive sweat loss can lead to dehydration and a decline in performance.

Staying hydrated with Xtend ensures better endurance, reduced fatigue, and improved overall workout quality.

Immune System Support

Intense exercise can sometimes suppress the immune system, leaving athletes more vulnerable to illness.

Amino acids like glutamine (found in Xtend’s formula) play an important role in supporting immune function by fueling immune cells and maintaining gut health.

By combining BCAAs with glutamine and electrolytes, Xtend helps your body stay resilient under heavy training loads.

There are other benefits of using Xtend BCAAs as well, but these are specific to the Xtend formula you choose.

You can learn more about each Xtend formula below.

Cellucor Xtend Formulas

There are a variety of different Cellucor Xtend formulas.

Aside from the main ingredients I listed above, each Xtend BCAA contains a few unique ingredients and are formulated for specific uses.

Read these Xtend BCAA reviews to learn about each formula:

Xtend Original Formula Review

Although some of the newer Cellucor Xtend formulas are incredible, I have always been a fan of the original formula.

Personally, I always order 90 servings at a time because it is more cost-effective.

That way, you can use 3 servings of Xtend per day, which can significantly enhance your progress toward achieving an aesthetic body and your other fitness goals.

The Xtend Original formula is the perfect pre-workout, intra-workout, or post-workout BCAA supplement!

Last update on 2025-12-01 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Xtend Sport Review

If you are an athlete (like me), the Xtend Sport edition is an excellent option because of the additional electrolytes that help keep you hydrated.

Xtend Sport includes the same number of BCAAs as the original formula.

However, it also includes additional electrolytes such as betaine anhydrous, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and coconut water powder.

According to a study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research,

“These findings indicate that betaine supplementation results in a moderate increase in total repetitions and volume load in the bench press exercise, without favorably impacting other performance measures.”

If you are an athlete who is planning on doing a lot of sweating, this is the best BCAA supplement for you!

Last update on 2025-12-01 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Xtend Ripped Review

If you are looking to burn a bit more body fat, Xtend Ripped is one of the best BCAA supplements for you!

Along with the traditional blend of BCAAs, Xtend Ripped is one of the best supplements for weight loss because it contains a few of my favorite fat-burning ingredients, including:

• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
• L-Carnitine
• Cayenne Pepper Extract (Capsimax)

Last update on 2025-12-01 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Xtend EAA Review

If you want more than just the three branched-chain amino acids, the Xtend EAA formula is an excellent choice because it includes all nine essential amino acids for complete muscle recovery.

Along with the traditional BCAA blend, Xtend EAA provides additional amino acids, including lysine, threonine, and tryptophan, which help create a full-spectrum protein source.

It also contains electrolytes for hydration, making it a useful intra-workout option for athletes who sweat heavily during longer training sessions.

With zero sugar, zero carbs, and zero calories, this formula is also great for anyone training in a fasted state or on a cutting phase.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded amino acid supplement that goes beyond BCAAs and supports both recovery and hydration, Xtend EAA is the best option for you!

Last update on 2025-12-01 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

When to Take Xtend BCAAs?

Although many people suggest drinking BCAAs during your workout, I always prefer to drink a serving of Cellucor Xtend 15-30 minutes before training and then again immediately after.

Drinking Xtend before and after training provides ample amounts of amino acids so that your muscles will not break down during training and will recover faster.

Aside from before and after training, you can also drink a serving of Xtend between meals or as soon as you wake up in the morning.

For those of you who are trying to lose weight, one serving of Xtend BCAAs can be a great replacement for a snack between meals because it will help protect your hard-earned muscle mass, while also helping you to avoid unnecessary calories.

Furthermore, if you are trying to build muscle mass, drinking BCAAs first thing in the morning is a great way to quickly recover from your overnight “fast” and begin stimulating the muscle-building process.

There are many times during the day when you can drink Cellucor Xtend, and it is hard to find a time when it is not beneficial for your body if you are training consistently.

Final Thoughts: Is Xtend the Best BCAA Supplement?

I have been using Xtend BCAAs consistently for the last 10 years, and I don’t see myself changing anytime soon.

If you enjoy the original Xtend BCAA formula, there are other Xtend options such as the caffeine-containing Xtend BCAAs or their entirely natural product.

These different BCAA formulas contain ingredients that can help you with a variety of goals and can suit nearly any fitness need.

Overall, Xtend is the best BCAA supplement I have ever used, and I am confident you will think so too!

I hope my Cellucor Xtend review has answered all your questions about this supplement! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me a message through the contact form!

Last update on 2025-12-01 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xtend BCAAs