The Original Italian Blood Orange
XTEND
Score 85
This is a comprehensive BCAA supplement with added glutamine, electrolytes, and citrulline malate, designed to support muscle recovery, hydration, and performance during workouts.
Score 85
This is a comprehensive BCAA supplement with added glutamine, electrolytes, and citrulline malate, designed to support muscle recovery, hydration, and performance during workouts.
Analysis
The XTEND Original Italian Blood Orange provides a comprehensive blend for active individuals, centered around 7 grams of Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) in a 2:1:1 ratio. This specific BCAA profile, particularly with L-Leucine, is often favored for its role in muscle protein synthesis and can assist in reducing muscle breakdown during intense workouts.
Beyond BCAAs, this supplement includes 2.5 grams of L-Glutamine, an amino acid that may help support muscle recovery and immune function, especially after strenuous physical activity. An electrolyte blend with Sodium and Potassium is also present to aid in rehydration and maintain fluid balance, which is crucial for sustained performance.
Additionally, it features 1 gram of Citrulline Malate, an ingredient that can contribute to improved blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles during exercise. The inclusion of Vitamin B6 further supports energy metabolism, making this a multi-faceted supplement designed for use during or around your training sessions to help optimize results.
Pros
- Delivers 7 grams of BCAAs in a proven 2:1:1 ratio.
- Includes L-Glutamine to support muscle recovery and immune health.
- Contains an electrolyte blend (Sodium & Potassium) for hydration.
- Zero calories and carbohydrates, suitable for various diets.
- Features Citrulline Malate to contribute to blood flow during exercise.
Cons
- The Citrulline Malate dosage is on the lower side for significant 'pump' effects.
- Likely contains artificial sweeteners and flavors, which some prefer to avoid.
- Not a standalone protein source; requires additional protein intake for muscle building.
Warnings
- Not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
- Discontinue use at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
$27.99($0.93 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 27.99 | |
| iHerb | $ 27.99 | |
 Amazon | $ 38.33 |
Goals
Impact
Highest effect
The combination of BCAAs, glutamine, electrolytes, and citrulline directly supports performance, endurance, and recovery for active individuals. These ingredients are foundational for many fitness regimens.
Impact
Highest effect
BCAAs, especially L-Leucine, are often used to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and support muscle growth, particularly when combined with proper training and diet. L-Glutamine further supports muscle recovery processes.
Impact
Highest effect
BCAAs can be used as an energy source during prolonged exercise, and electrolytes help maintain fluid balance to prevent fatigue. Vitamin B6 also plays a role in energy metabolism, contributing to overall energy levels.
Impact
High effect
Citrulline Malate can support nitric oxide production, which may contribute to healthy blood flow and cardiovascular function. Electrolytes are also crucial for maintaining proper heart rhythm and fluid balance.
Impact
High effect
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining, which can contribute to overall digestive well-being for some individuals, especially under stress.
Impact
High effect
L-Glutamine is known to be a fuel source for immune cells and may help support immune system function, particularly during periods of intense physical stress or recovery.
Impact
Moderate effect
While electrolytes are important for heart function and citrulline may support blood vessel health, this product is not primarily formulated as a dedicated heart health supplement. Its main benefits lie elsewhere.
Impact
Lower effect
There are no specific ingredients in this product directly targeting bone health, such as calcium or vitamin D. Its formulation is primarily geared towards muscle support and hydration.
Impact
Lower effect
This product does not contain ingredients commonly associated with direct detoxification pathways. Its primary mechanisms are muscle support, hydration, and energy metabolism rather than detoxification.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 0 Calorie(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 0 Gram(s) |
Vitamin B6 | 640 mcg |
Sodium | 220 mg |
Potassium | 180 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 90
Providing 3500mg (3.5g) of L-Leucine, a key BCAA for stimulating muscle protein synthesis, this product offers a robust dose for directly supporting muscle growth and repair.
Glutamine 85
The 2500mg (2.5g) of L-Glutamine is a substantial dose, often used to support muscle recovery and immune function after intense workouts, making it a key component of this blend.
Valine 85
The 1750mg (1.75g) of L-Valine is a good contributing amount to the overall BCAA profile, working synergistically with leucine and isoleucine for various muscle functions and energy.
Alternative products
90 Value 
The Original Knockout Fruit Punch
XTEND
This 90-serving container provides the same high-quality BCAA, Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and electrolyte blend as your current product. The larger size dramatically reduces the price per serving, making it a much better value for regular use and sustained support for your fitness, muscle gain, and recovery objectives.
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.
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 the BCAA options, it represents good value by providing a full protein source, which can be highly effective for muscle development and overall nutritional support after workouts.
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.
82 Budget 
The Original Lemon-Lime Squeeze
XTEND
This is a larger, more economical version of a similar XTEND Original product, offering the same beneficial blend of BCAAs, Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and electrolytes at a significantly lower cost per serving. It's a great choice for sustained use in supporting muscle recovery and fitness goals.
85 Budget 
The Original Watermelon Explosion
XTEND
This XTEND Original flavor offers the same effective blend of BCAAs, Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and electrolytes at a noticeably lower price per serving than your current product. It's a direct swap that can help reduce costs while maintaining your desired nutrient intake.
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. It delivers a comprehensive electrolyte profile (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C) for optimal rehydration.
90 Value
The Original Knockout Fruit Punch
XTEND
This 90-serving container provides the same high-quality BCAA, Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and electrolyte blend as your current product. The larger size dramatically reduces the price per serving, making it a much better value for regular use and sustained support for your fitness, muscle gain, and recovery objectives.
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.
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 the BCAA options, it represents good value by providing a full protein source, which can be highly effective for muscle development and overall nutritional support after workouts.
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.