Comparison Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 60 cap vs BioTech Mega Amino 3200 500 tab

The type is determined by the main active ingredients that make up the drug.

— BCAAs. A complex of three so-called branched chain amino acids — leucine, isoleucine, valine. Note that these amino acids are combined into one drug, not so much because they are more effective together, but because it is more convenient in terms of production technology. Nevertheless, BCAAs are among the most important substances for athletes, they make up about a third of all amino acids in muscles and are almost the main building material for building muscle mass. In addition, "branched" amino acids prevent the destruction of muscle tissue and speed up recovery after intense training.

— Complex. Preparations containing several types of amino acids at once. The specific composition and ratio of active ingredients may be different, these details in each case should be clarified separately. However, anyway, this form is often more preferable than taking specific amino acids separately. Note that BCAA, which is also a complex supplement, is listed separately in our catalog (see the relevant paragraph) and is not included in this category.

— Arginine. An amino acid that plays the role of a nitrogen donator — a source of nitric oxide NO, which has a vasodilating effect, prevents vasospasm and increased pressure, and also improves the oxygen supply to the heart mu...scle. In addition, arginine contributes to the division of muscle cells, recovery from stress and injury, the removal of toxins, improve immunity and increase potency. Refers to conditionally essential amino acids: it is synthesized in the body, however, in relatively small quantities, and with intensive sports, additional intake of arginine into the body is desirable. At the same time, we note that the effectiveness of this supplement during training is considered quite controversial.

— Beta-alanine. An amino acid that is not directly involved in the synthesis of basic proteins, but has a positive effect on muscle tissue. One of the most pronounced effects of beta-alanine is the elimination of muscle soreness after a workout. In addition, this substance increases the concentration of carnosine in the muscles (and it, in turn, resists muscle wasting), and also increases endurance. This nutritional supplement is especially effective for anaerobic exercise.

— Glycine. A non-essential (produced in the body) amino acid. Among other things, it refers to neurotransmitters, has a calming effect on the nervous system, helps to reduce nervousness, increase efficiency and normalize sleep. In bodybuilding, the role of glycine is mainly that it improves the supply of oxygen to newly formed muscle cells, and also participates in the production of hormones responsible for immunity. However it is worth noting that in the West the effectiveness of this additive is being questioned.

— Glutamine. The most abundant non-essential amino acid in the human body. It has a positive effect on the synthesis of proteins in the body and the maintenance of immunity. In addition, there are claims that glutamine helps to increase endurance and strength, as well as the growth of muscle mass. However, there is no scientific support for such claims, and the effectiveness of glutamine in specialized bodybuilding applications has not been proven.

— Leucine. One of the essential amino acids that make up the BCAA complex (see the relevant paragraph); in addition, it is one of the key components of whey protein. However, it can also be used on its own. Leucine promotes muscle growth and at the same time stimulates the processing of fat, and also slows down the absorption of fat from food. Thus, such a supplement is especially useful for those who are trying to get rid of body fat.

— Lysin. An essential amino acid, which is one of the most important components for the proteins of the human body — in particular, collagen, which is responsible for the condition of muscles, cartilage and ligaments. In addition, lysine promotes the absorption of calcium and strengthens bones, as well as strengthening immunity. In bodybuilding, it is mainly used to restore muscles after intense exercise; in addition, there is evidence that taking lysine increases muscle strength.

— Methionine. An essential amino acid that has a general tonic rather than some specific "sports" effect on the body. It takes part in the metabolism and production of cysteine (an amino acid necessary for the normal condition of the skin, hair and nails), is one of the main suppliers of such micronutrients as sulfur, and also helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduces the load on the liver, kidneys and bladder.

— Ornithine. A non-essential amino acid that is not used in the construction of proteins, but is involved in metabolism. One of the key effects of ornithine is considered to be the production of growth hormone, which, in combination with some other substances, ensures the efficient processing of fat stores. The combination of ornithine with arginine is considered especially effective (see the relevant paragraph). However, there is no unambiguous scientific evidence of these effects yet.

— Taurine. A non-essential amino acid that affects the overall functioning of the brain, nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. It has a strengthening effect on the heart, improves metabolic processes in cells; helps to lower blood sugar, which makes this supplement especially useful for diabetics. From a bodybuilding standpoint, taurine is thought to protect muscle tissue from damage during high exertion and promote recovery from injury, but this effect has been questioned.

— Theanin. An amino acid derived primarily from tea leaves. It is not vital for the functioning of the body, but it has certain positive effects: it increases stress resistance, improves mood, relieves stress and irritability. Especially effective is the use of theanine with caffeine and other stimulants: this amino acid smooths out side effects such as irritability and nervousness.

— Tyrosine. Non-essential amino acid, which is one of the components in the synthesis of dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine. Helps reduce fatigue and increase endurance, as well as the suppression of catabolic processes during aerobic training; improves emotional state and concentration. However, the unambiguous benefits of tyrosine in sports use have not been scientifically proven.

— Tryptophan. One of the most important essential amino acids. A natural relaxant and one of the ingredients for the synthesis of niacin and serotonin. It reduces anxiety, improves sleep, reduces the risk of vasospasm, has a positive effect on the heart, helps lower cholesterol levels.

— Citrulline. An amino acid that is not directly involved in protein synthesis, but affects metabolic processes. It helps to increase endurance and reduce fatigue, accelerates the processing of lactic acid, affects the maintenance of nitrogen balance, and also improves erectile function. In bodybuilding, it is used to increase endurance, improve blood circulation in the muscles and speed up recovery. Also note that arginine can be synthesized from citrulline in the body (see the relevant paragraph).

— Phenylalanine. One of the key essential amino acids. Used to produce several important hormones including epinephrine, norepinephrine, thyroxine, and dopamine. It has a stimulating and antidepressant effect on the nervous system, improves concentration, speeds up metabolism and at the same time reduces the feeling of hunger, which is especially important when training for fat burning. At the same time, there are contraindications for taking this supplement — in particular, it is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.

— 5-HTP. The full name is 5-hydroxytryptophan. In the human body, it is synthesized from tryptophan (see above), and from 5-HTP itself, in turn, serotonin and melatonin are formed. Thus, taking this amino acid contributes to both improving mood (including reducing aggression and anxiety) and improving the quality of sleep. Especially effective is the intake of 5-HTP in combination with vitamin B6, which promotes the formation of serotonin. On the other hand, there are restrictions on co-administration with certain drugs (such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and the side effects of high doses of 5-HTP are not fully understood.

— GABA. The amino acid, also known as GABA, is gamma-aminobutyric acid. From the point of view of sports nutrition, it is useful in that it stimulates the production of growth hormone and thus gives a very noticeable anabolic and fat-burning effect. However, to achieve a noticeable effect, this substance must be taken in fairly high doses — at least 2 g per day. Note that GABA inhibits the nervous system, promotes calm and sleep; so one of the side effects of taking it may be drowsiness. In addition, high doses of GABA can cause tingling in the face and neck; these effects are not dangerous and pass quickly with regular use.

— AAKG. Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is not an amino acid, but a salt of the arginine described above, obtained using alpha-ketoglutaric acid. Quite widely known as an additive for pumping — "pumping" muscles in order to increase their visible volume and achieve relief. However, according to recent studies, this product does not affect the overall growth of muscle mass. On the other hand, AAKG is not completely useless: it has an anti-catabolic effect and helps increase peak muscle power.

The form in which the drug is released.

- Powder. A very common form of release. The powder product usually comes with a measuring spoon or other device that allows you to measure a standard dose; and if necessary, the serving size can be changed without much difficulty. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that the powder is usually supposed to be diluted in liquid, and this is not always convenient.

- Tablets. Amino acids in uncoated tablets are a fairly common form of drug release. These can be either swallowable tablets or chewable tablets. They are easy to store and convenient to take with you. However, there is usually a small concentration of amino acids per tablet, so sometimes you have to take a whole handful. In addition, amino acids in tablet form take the longest to be absorbed by the body.

— Capsules. Capsules in a characteristic shell are one of the most popular forms of amino acid release. Their main advantage is ease of use: you do not need to measure out the exact amount, as in the case of powder, dilute the drug in liquid, etc., but simply swallow the capsules and drink a sufficient amount of water. In this case, a standard portion is usually several pieces. This amount can be increased or decreased if necessary, selecting the optimal dosage for a particular case.

- Liquid.... The release form is less common than powder and tablets, but still quite popular. The liquid can be supplied either in bulk, in bottles, or in portioned ampoules or sticks; See “Packaging” for more details.

The number of capsules or tablets in the package of the drug with the appropriate form of release (see above). Knowing the daily rate (see below), you can estimate how much a given amount of the drug is enough. Also note that one large package is usually cheaper than several small ones with the same total number of tablets; small packaging, in turn, is useful if the drug is bought "for testing".

The number of individual servings of the drug in this packaging option. Based on a standard serving size (see below). Also note that this amount does not always correspond to the number of days for which the drug is enough, since the daily rate may include several servings.

The number of tablets / capsules in a standard serving of the drug with the appropriate form of release (see above).

Most drugs are dosed in such a way that the serving includes several tablets. This allows, if necessary, to adjust the dosage both upwards and downwards. And such a need may well arise: the dosage is indicated per average person, and if there is a significant deviation from these parameters (for example, very high or very low body weight), it is advisable to change the serving size accordingly. However, this should be done only after consulting a specialist.

The amount of BCAAs contained in one standard serving of the product.

For more details on serving size, see above, the features of BCAAs are described in detail in the “Type” paragraph. And knowing the amount of this component, you can accurately dose its intake.

The daily rate of the drug, produced in the form of tablets or capsules (see "Form of release"). It can fit both one serving and several. In some cases, a change in the daily norm is allowed, but before such a change, it is necessary to consult a specialist.