Xtend BCAA Review: Is Xtend the Best BCAA Supplement?
Xtend BCAAs is one of my favorite supplements, and I am happy to have finally written my own 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 first supplements for muscle gain or weight loss I suggest to people.
There are other supplements I love and regularly write about, but Xtend will always have a special place in my heart.
Please read the rest of my Xtend BCAA review to learn why I believe this is the best BCAA supplement:
Last update on 2025-02-13 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Benefits of Cellucor Xtend BCAAs
The main benefit of using Xtend BCAAs is they are the fastest absorbing type of proteins for improving muscle recovery and muscle growth.
There are three strands of amino acids which make up the Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), they are:
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
Unlike complete proteins, BCAAs are absorbed directly through the bloodstream and don’t require complete digestion.
As the research indicates, BCAA supplements are beneficial for promoting muscle-protein synthesis and decreasing exercise-induced muscle damage, which leads to quicker muscle recovery.
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.
Is Xtend BCAAs Good for Gaining Muscle?
Xtend BCAA is one of the best muscle-building supplements because it supports muscle recovery with direct amino acids.
If you are looking to build muscle mass, Xtend is a great supplement for you!
Is Xtend BCAAs Good for Weight Loss
As with anything, the main consideration for weight loss comes down to calories in vs calories out.
Xtend can certainly be great for weight loss because it will help you gain muscle mass, which will increase your BMR (basal metabolic rate), and you can use it as a healthy, low-calorie snack between meals.
Xtend BCAAs are not fat burners or diet pills, but they certainly can help you lose weight and improve your body composition.
If you are trying to lose weight, Xtend BCAAs are a great option for you!
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!
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 supplements 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 improve your progress towards 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 2025-02-13 / 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 myself), 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 2025-02-13 / 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 2025-02-13 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Xtend Elite Review
If you are a serious athlete who needs to maximize every single workout, I am confident you will love Xtend Elite!
Xtend Elite also contains a PeakO2 Blend which helps maximize your power and peak oxygen intake. Due to that, you will be able to train harder and longer!
Also, Xtend Elite contains one of my favorite pre workout ingredients- beta-alanine.
According to a study published in Limits of Human Endurance,
“In humans, increased levels of carnosine through β-alanine supplementation have been shown to increase exercise capacity and performance of several types, particularly where the high-intensity exercise range is 1-4 min. β-Alanine supplementation is used by athletes competing in high-intensity track and field cycling, rowing, swimming events and other competitions.”
Using Xtend Elite is an excellent option for those athletes who have competitions to prepare for and need an additional boost in endurance and performance!
Last update on 2025-02-13 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
When to Take Cellucor 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 2025-02-13 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.