Reviews and Information for Amino Acid Combinations
Muscle & Workout Supplements (Creatine and BCAAs)
Find the best muscle and workout supplements with creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), tests for contamination with dicyandiamide, evidence for increasing muscle strength and endurance, improving your workout, dosage, safety, side effects and more. Find out which ones passed or failed our tests and why.
Muscle & Workout Supplements (Creatine and BCAAs) Review
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CL Answer
Do essential amino acid (EAA) supplements help build muscle better than dietary protein or protein supplements?
Comparison of essential amino acids vs dietary protein and protein supplements for building muscle.
CL Answer
Can heat and humidity destroy whey protein and other sports nutrition supplements (e.g., creatine, BCAAs, digestive enzymes) during shipping or while storing at home?
Find out if heat and humidity can degrade creatine, BCAAs, digestive enzymes, and other muscle enhancing supplements.
Product Review
Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)
Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality.
CL Answer
Best Supplements to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss
Discover the top supplements to prevent age-related muscle loss after 60. Learn how protein, fish oil, vitamin D, and more can help maintain muscle strength and combat sarcopenia.
Product Review
Taurine Supplements Review for People, Dogs, and Cats
Find the Best Taurine Supplements. Learn When to Use Taurine and Which Supplement is Best.
Product Review
Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review
Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests
CL Answer
I do moderate exercise for about an hour a few times a week. Which supplements might help me, and which should I consider avoiding?
Info on what supplements are best for work out & exercise regimens, including electrolytes, protein, creatine, and BCAAs.
Product Review
Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review
See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes
CL Answer
Which supplements may benefit people with essential tremor, and which should be avoided?
Learn about supplements used for treating essential tremor, including caprylic acid (also called octanoic acid), thiamin (vitamin B1), cannabidiol (CBD), GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and branched-chain amino acids. Find out which work and which don't. Also find out which supplements and food may make essential tremors worse.
Product Review
Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review
Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands
Product Review
Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review
Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead
CL Answer
What’s the Best Way to Get High-Quality Protein from Food?
Find out the best way to get high-quality protein from animal or plant-based food instead of supplements.
News Release
June 08, 2023
Best Muscle and Workout Supplements With Creatine or BCAAs, According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, June 8, 2023 — Creatine supplements are promoted to increase muscle size, strength, and endurance, while supplements with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are promoted to improve exercise recovery.
Product Review
L-Lysine Supplements Review
Read L-Lysine Labels Carefully. Some Can Fool You.
Product Review
Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Boswellia, Collagen and Turmeric)
18% of Joint Health Supplements Failed to Pass Our Tests. See Which Passed or Failed, and Our Top Picks.
News Release
January 15, 2014
Problems Found with the Quality and Labeling of Some "Muscle Enhancement" Supplements -- Review of Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acid Supplements Published by ConsumerLab.com
White Plains, New York, January 15, 2014 — Athletes often turn to supplements such as creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to enhance muscle strength and recovery. These supplements may also benefit people with muscular diseases and those recovering from knee surgery.
CL Answer
Must I take amino acid supplements on an empty stomach? Can I take them with other amino acids or with food to help with swallowing capsules?
Find out if you should take amino acid pills on an empty stomach or with food in order to maximize absorption, and more about the best way to take amino acid supplements.
CL Answer
Are supplements with amino acid chelated minerals better than those with other forms of minerals?
Learn more about chelates, including evidence from clinical studies on selenium, iron, and magnesium.
CL Answer
L-Tyrosine: Health Effects and Safety
Tyrosine has been evaluated for conditions including physical and mental stress, phenylketonuria (PKU), depression, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Find out if it works and if it's safe.
CL Answer
What is the difference between cysteine and cystine?
Find out the difference between cysteine and cystine amino acids, including where each is found and their functions.
CL Answer
What is the best protein supplement for vegetarians and vegans?
Find out which protein supplements for vegetarians and vegans are best, including those made from whey, casein, soy, rice, pea, and hemp. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Does chocolate really cause migraines?
Find out if there is a link between chocolate/cocoa and migraines.
CL Answer
Does taking creatine affect tests for creatinine in urine samples or creatine kinase in blood samples?
Find out if creatine can affect creatinine levels and kidney function and whether creatine affects creatine kinase activity, a measure of muscle injury.
CL Answer
Which dietary supplements are most often linked to adverse reactions by users?
Find out which types of supplements are most likely to cause adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, racing heart, or insomnia based on a study of supplement users. Also learn how often adverse effects are reported when taking workout and bodybuilding supplements, weight loss supplements, and more.
CL Answer
Top 8 vitamins and nutrients for vegetarians and vegans
Find out which 8 supplements may be needed by vegetarians or vegans to meet all their daily nutrient requirements and learn ways to find supplements that do not contain ingredients objectionable to people following vegetarian or vegan diets.
CL Answer
Immunocal is much more expensive than other whey protein isolates - is it worth the extra cost?
Find out how Immunocal, from Immunotec, compares to other whey protein isolates and understand it's costs.
CL Answer
Are there side effects from collagen supplements?
Find out if there are collagen side effects from supplements (collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptides, etc.) such as nausea, constipation, skin rash and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
News Release
July 21, 2010
Tests of "muscle enhancement" supplements show quality problems with some creatine and branched-chain amino acid products -- Review of Muscle Enhancement Supplements published by ConsumerLab.com
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — July 21, 2010 — Athletes often turn to supplements to enhance muscle strength and recovery. New tests of such supplements by ConsumerLab.
CL Answer
What are human growth hormone (HGH) supplements? What are the benefits? Are they safe?
Learn about the benefits and risks of human growth hormone (HGH) supplements and injections. Get science-based insights on usage and effects.
CL Answer
What is BPC-157, what is it used for and is it safe?
Find out about BPC-157, including what it's promoted for and if it is safe.
CL Answer
Do "Mr. Happy Stack" supplements improve memory, cognition and mood, and are they safe?
Find out if Happy Stack supplements really work to enhance memory and cognition, plus safety and side effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Which supplements have been shown to be helpful for autism, and which have not?
Find out which supplements may help reduce symptoms of autism, including multivitamins, probiotics, and melatonin.
CL Answer
What is inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) and myo-inositol? Are they helpful in treating cancer or other conditions?
Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6): Find out if IP6 (also known as phytic acid) can prevent or treat cancer. Clinical evidence, dosage, safety and how IP6 differs from myo-inositol. Consumerlab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
I heard the S-form of alpha-lipoic acid is bad for me. Why is it in my supplement?
Learn more about R-form alpha-lipoic acid and S-form alpha-lipoic acid and their activity, as described by experts at ConsumerLab.com.
News Release
May 19, 2009
Review of Magnesium Supplements by ConsumerLab.com Shows One-Quarter Fail Quality Tests
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MAY 19, 2009 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that among twelve magnesium supplements selected for testing, only nine met quality standards. One supplement contained only 45.
News Release
November 13, 2006
Tests of "muscle" supplements finds some "weak" products but most contain expected creatine, HMB, or amino acids — Review of muscular enhancement supplements published by ConsumerLab.com
WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK — MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2006 — Bodybuilders and athletes often turn to supplements to enhance muscle size and strength.
Recalls & Warnings
May 02, 2017
Seller of Amino Acid Supplements & More Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On April 20, 2017 the FDA issued a warning letter to Naturecom Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
November 11, 2014
Seller of Sexual, Muscle Enhancement Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On August 26, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to GE Pharma LLC following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Fire Burn, Fire Storm, Creatine, Amino Fire, Nitric Fire, Jet Fire, Oxy Fire, HGH, Cissus, Hydro shield, Performa-Test, Raspberry Ketones, Fire Drol, ...
Recalls & Warnings
May 23, 2016
Amino Acid Supplements Recalled
On May 18, 2016, Ultimate Nutrition Inc. issued a recall of its Amino Gold amino acid tablets and capsules because they contain undeclared milk in the form of hydrolyzed whey protein.
Recalls & Warnings
September 12, 2012
Distribution of Weight Loss Product Containing DMAA Should Be Stopped Immediately, Warns FDA
On August 28, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Regeneca stating that the company's RegeneSlim, which was promoted as a dietary supplement for weight loss, is adulterated with dimethylamylamine (DMAA) and that failure to immediately cease distribution of this product could result in FDA ...
Recalls & Warnings
April 29, 2014
Seller of B Vitamins, CoQ10, Amino Acids and Other Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On April 1, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bio-Recovery, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
April 29, 2012
FDA Says DMAA Can't Be Sold as a Supplement -- Warns Sellers
On April 27, 2012, the U.S.
Recalls & Warnings
September 10, 2012
Maker of Concussion Recovery Supplement Warned For Making Drug Claims
On August 28, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Trinity Sports Group, Inc. after a review of the company's websites found statements about Neuro Impact Concussion Response Formula constituted drug claims not permitted on supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
October 08, 2016
Seller of Cell Power and Super Silica Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Misbranding
On September 23, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to SSO, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2013
Maker of Sexual Enhancement Supplement Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On July 11, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Precise Nutrition International Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
June 24, 2014
CELLFOOD Recalled in Canada
On June 23, 2014, Health Canada recalled CELLFOOD (Nu Science), a supplement promoted for improved energy, endurance and natural health, because it was found to be an unauthorized health product.
Recalls & Warnings
August 09, 2012
FDA Warns Sports Nutrition Manufacturer of GMP Violations
On June 26, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Parrillo Performance subsequent to a manufacturing and packing facility inspection which found Parrillo products to be adulterated due to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) violations.
Recalls & Warnings
April 19, 2013
Recall: Protein Powder May Have Been Contaminated During Packaging
On March 14, 2013, F.H.G Corporation, dba Integrity Nutraceuticals, issued a voluntary recall of MusclePharm Cookies 'N" Cream Combat Powder and Banana Cream Combat Powder protein powders because they may be contaminated with extraneous materials due to problems on the packaging line.
Recalls & Warnings
August 01, 2013
Fat Loss and Muscle Enhancement Supplements Found To Contain DMAA
On June 17, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Formulife, Inc., dba Purus Labs, Inc., following a facility inspection which found the dietary supplements Fat Smack XR Thermolipolytic, Muscle Marinade Fresh Fruit and Muscle Marinade Cherry Limeade to contain DMAA.
Recalls & Warnings
January 16, 2015
CVS Sued for Eye Health Supplement Claims
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against CVS for promoting the company's Advanced Eye Health supplement as comparable to the formula used in the large National Institutes of Health (NIH) eye disease study known as AREDS2, despite the fact that it does not contain the same ingredients.
