Supplements containing creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are often promoted to enhance muscle size and strength, and improve recovery from exercise. To assess the safety and effectiveness of brands, ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, recently reviewed the clinical evidence, and purchased and tested popular creatine and BCAA supplements sold in the U.S. 

ConsumerLab.com’s tests revealed problems with two products. One creatine supplement exceeded limits for contamination with creatinine and dicyandiamide—contaminants which should not be present in high-quality creatine. One BCAA supplement contained less leucine than listed; leucine is considered the most important BCAA for protein synthesis. Among products which were Approved, ConsumerLab.com identified its Top Picks for getting high-quality creatine and BCAAs at the lowest cost. The results are available in ConsumerLab.com’s new Muscle & Workout Supplements (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids) Review. 

The Review explains the clinical evidence for creatine and BCAAs, important differences in forms of creatine (such as creatine monohydrate, creatine HCL, creatine AKG, dicreatine malate, tricreatine malate, and KreAlkalyn) and BCAAS (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) and dosage. It also explains the best way to use creatine and BCAAS, and potential safety concerns and drug interactions. 

ConsumerLab.com’s Muscle & Workout Supplements (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids) Review is available online and includes test results and ingredient and cost comparisons for the following sixteen products selected for testing by ConsumerLab.com or which passed the same testing through CL’s voluntary Quality Certification Program. Information is also provided for a product that is similar to another which passed testing.