The Original Smash Apple
XTEND
Score 82
This XTEND product offers a comprehensive mix of BCAAs, glutamine, electrolytes, and citrulline malate to support muscle recovery, hydration, and exercise performance during and after workouts.
Score 82
This XTEND product offers a comprehensive mix of BCAAs, glutamine, electrolytes, and citrulline malate to support muscle recovery, hydration, and exercise performance during and after workouts.
Analysis
This XTEND product combines Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) in a 2:1:1 ratio, L-Glutamine, electrolytes, Citrulline Malate, and Vitamin B6. It's designed for active individuals seeking support during or after workouts. The BCAAs (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine) are often used to help with muscle protein synthesis and recovery, while L-Glutamine may contribute to muscle repair and gut health.
The inclusion of sodium, potassium, and an electrolyte blend helps to replenish minerals lost during sweating, which can support hydration levels. Citrulline Malate is present to potentially help with blood flow and exercise performance. Vitamin B6 plays a role in energy metabolism, complementing the other active ingredients.
This formula aims to be a comprehensive workout support drink, offering several key ingredients in one easy-to-mix powder. It is generally suitable for those looking for a non-stimulant option to consume around their training sessions.
Pros
- Offers a solid 2:1:1 BCAA ratio for muscle protein synthesis.
- Contains L-Glutamine for additional recovery and gut support.
- Provides essential electrolytes for hydration and function.
- Includes Citrulline Malate to potentially enhance blood flow during exercise.
- Very competitive price per serving for its comprehensive formula in this larger size.
Cons
- The 'Electrolyte Blend' is a proprietary mix, with full details not available.
- Citrulline Malate dose is on the lower side for standalone performance benefits.
Warnings
- Always mix with sufficient water as directed for proper dilution.
- Individual tolerance to supplements can vary; start with a smaller serving if unsure.
- If you have specific medical conditions or are taking medication, it's wise to discuss with a healthcare professional before use.
$59.99($0.66 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 59.99 | |
 Amazon | $ 60.25 |
Goals
Impact
Highest effect
The combination of BCAAs, glutamine, electrolytes, and citrulline malate strongly supports fitness goals by aiding recovery and performance during physical activity. It's designed to be used by active individuals to complement their exercise routines.
Impact
Highest effect
The significant doses of BCAAs, particularly L-Leucine, and L-Glutamine are often used to support muscle protein synthesis and recovery, which are key aspects of muscle gain. It aims to help muscles repair and grow.
Impact
Highest effect
By supporting muscle recovery, replenishing electrolytes, and including Vitamin B6, this product can contribute to sustained energy levels for active individuals. It helps combat fatigue associated with intense exercise.
Impact
High effect
The inclusion of Citrulline Malate can support nitric oxide pathways, which may contribute to healthy blood flow and cardiovascular function during exercise. Electrolytes also play a role in maintaining proper heart rhythm.
Impact
High effect
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that can play a role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. This may offer some supportive benefits for digestive health, especially for athletes under stress.
Impact
High effect
L-Glutamine can be an important nutrient for immune cell function, especially after intense physical exertion. Supplementation may help support the immune system in active individuals.
Impact
Moderate effect
Citrulline Malate may contribute to nitric oxide production, which can support blood flow. However, this product is not primarily formulated as a dedicated heart health supplement.
Impact
Moderate effect
This product does not contain specific ingredients primarily known for direct bone health support. Its connection to bone health would be indirect, through supporting overall physical activity.
Impact
Moderate effect
This product does not contain ingredients specifically recognized for detoxification properties. Its contribution to overall wellness for active individuals is indirect.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 0 Calorie(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 0 Gram(s) |
Vitamin B6 | 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 |
Leucine 85
Offers 3500mg of L-Leucine, which is a strong amount of this primary BCAA recognized for its role in initiating muscle protein synthesis and aiding recovery.
Sodium 80
Provides 220mg of sodium, an essential electrolyte for hydration and nerve function. This amount is helpful for replenishing what's lost through sweat during exercise.
Potassium 80
Contains 190mg of potassium, another key electrolyte that works with sodium to maintain fluid balance and muscle contractions. This supports post-exercise recovery.
Alternative products
78 Value 
BCAA Sport Cherry Limeade
Cellucor
This alternative offers a good combination of BCAAs (4g), Glutamine (2g), and a substantial electrolyte blend, making it a solid choice for muscle recovery and hydration. Its price per serving offers good value for these key ingredients, especially for lighter activity days or when you want a balanced amino acid and electrolyte profile at a comparable cost.
85 Value 
Whey Protein Isolate Dutch Chocolate
SR Sports Research
For individuals focused on muscle gain and recovery, this whey protein isolate offers 25g of complete protein per serving, along with electrolytes. While the per-serving price is higher than your BCAA product, it represents good value by providing a full protein source, which can be highly effective for muscle development and overall nutritional support after workouts.
88 Value 
ISONatural Unflavored
ALLMAX
This unflavored whey protein isolate provides 27g of protein per serving with very low carbs and fat, alongside beneficial calcium, sodium, and potassium. It offers excellent value as a pure protein source for muscle growth and recovery, and its unflavored nature allows for versatility in mixing with various beverages or foods.
82 Performance 
Muscle BCAA Tropical Punch
ZHOU
This product offers a much higher dose of BCAAs (10g vs 7g) for enhanced muscle gain and fitness support. It also includes Glutamine and Citrulline Malate, plus beneficial Vitamin C, coconut water for hydration, and a probiotic to contribute to digestive health, making it a more comprehensive recovery and performance blend.
88 Performance 
HydroBCAA + Essentials Blackberry Lemonade
PS ProSupps
For more complete muscle support, this alternative provides a full spectrum of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) in addition to BCAAs (7g BCAAs, 3g EAAs). This broader amino acid profile can more thoroughly support muscle protein synthesis, aligning strongly with muscle gain and fitness goals. It also includes electrolytes for hydration.
93 Performance 
Isopure Zero Carb Strawberries & Cream
Nature's Best
If your primary goal is significant muscle gain, this protein isolate delivers a substantial 50g of pure protein per serving. Protein is fundamental for muscle building and repair, offering a more complete nutritional approach than just amino acids. It also provides higher levels of sodium and potassium for robust hydration and cardiovascular support.
85 Budget 
Hydrator Lemon Lime Flavored
Vega Sport
If your main priority is efficient hydration and electrolyte replenishment to support energy and cardiovascular health during physical activity, this option is significantly more affordable than your current product. It delivers a comprehensive electrolyte profile (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C) for optimal rehydration.
88 Budget 
BCAA 3200 mg
Best Naturals
For basic BCAA needs at a much lower cost, these capsules provide 3.2g of BCAAs per serving. It's a budget-friendly way to get amino acid support if you don't require the added Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, or comprehensive electrolytes of your current powder.
78 Budget 
Mega-Size BCAA 1000 Caps
Optimum Nutrition
This is a very cost-effective way to supplement BCAAs in capsule form, providing 1g of BCAAs per serving. While the dose is lower than your current product, it's significantly cheaper and can be adjusted by taking multiple capsules to meet your desired BCAA intake.
78 Value
BCAA Sport Cherry Limeade
Cellucor
This alternative offers a good combination of BCAAs (4g), Glutamine (2g), and a substantial electrolyte blend, making it a solid choice for muscle recovery and hydration. Its price per serving offers good value for these key ingredients, especially for lighter activity days or when you want a balanced amino acid and electrolyte profile at a comparable cost.
85 Value
Whey Protein Isolate Dutch Chocolate
SR Sports Research
For individuals focused on muscle gain and recovery, this whey protein isolate offers 25g of complete protein per serving, along with electrolytes. While the per-serving price is higher than your BCAA product, it represents good value by providing a full protein source, which can be highly effective for muscle development and overall nutritional support after workouts.
88 Value
ISONatural Unflavored
ALLMAX
This unflavored whey protein isolate provides 27g of protein per serving with very low carbs and fat, alongside beneficial calcium, sodium, and potassium. It offers excellent value as a pure protein source for muscle growth and recovery, and its unflavored nature allows for versatility in mixing with various beverages or foods.
82 Performance
Muscle BCAA Tropical Punch
ZHOU
This product offers a much higher dose of BCAAs (10g vs 7g) for enhanced muscle gain and fitness support. It also includes Glutamine and Citrulline Malate, plus beneficial Vitamin C, coconut water for hydration, and a probiotic to contribute to digestive health, making it a more comprehensive recovery and performance blend.
88 Performance
HydroBCAA + Essentials Blackberry Lemonade
PS ProSupps
For more complete muscle support, this alternative provides a full spectrum of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) in addition to BCAAs (7g BCAAs, 3g EAAs). This broader amino acid profile can more thoroughly support muscle protein synthesis, aligning strongly with muscle gain and fitness goals. It also includes electrolytes for hydration.
93 Performance
Isopure Zero Carb Strawberries & Cream
Nature's Best
If your primary goal is significant muscle gain, this protein isolate delivers a substantial 50g of pure protein per serving. Protein is fundamental for muscle building and repair, offering a more complete nutritional approach than just amino acids. It also provides higher levels of sodium and potassium for robust hydration and cardiovascular support.