Scivation Xtend Review
I’ve never paid much attention to branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements like Scivation Xtend in my earlier years of training. However, I’ve done a lot of research on supplements in general over the past few years and I now have a completely different outlook on BCAA supplements like Xtend as I now see their vital importance. Some still argue that supplementing with BCAAs aren't as effective as what's advertised. The important thing to know about BCAA supplements like Xtend is that they will have more of a cumulative effect over time. However, most people including myself have noticed reduced soreness and quicker recovery. I also notice that with taking this during my workout, my muscles have more sustainable energy.
Xtend, unlike most other BCAA products has a generous dosage of BCAAs at 3.5 grams of leucine, and 1.8 grams each of isoleucine and valine (this 2:1:1 ratio is known to be most effective). Xtend also contains a moderate dose of glutamine and citrulline malate. I don’t know a ton about citrulline malate other than it’s known to enhance performance. At one gram though, I can’t imagine you’ll feel the effect of this unless you take multiple servings of Xtend. The amount of glutamine Xtend contains per serving is 2.5 grams. There have been several studies to that show just two grams of glutamine can increase natural growth hormone levels. Glutamine is also important for recovery. So this is an extremely valuable addition. I'd like to also note that many pre and post workout formulas contain BCAAs but they either don't include enough or the amounts are hidden in the propriety blend.
Xtend, unlike most other BCAA products has a generous dosage of BCAAs at 3.5 grams of leucine, and 1.8 grams each of isoleucine and valine (this 2:1:1 ratio is known to be most effective). Xtend also contains a moderate dose of glutamine and citrulline malate. I don’t know a ton about citrulline malate other than it’s known to enhance performance. At one gram though, I can’t imagine you’ll feel the effect of this unless you take multiple servings of Xtend. The amount of glutamine Xtend contains per serving is 2.5 grams. There have been several studies to that show just two grams of glutamine can increase natural growth hormone levels. Glutamine is also important for recovery. So this is an extremely valuable addition. I'd like to also note that many pre and post workout formulas contain BCAAs but they either don't include enough or the amounts are hidden in the propriety blend.
The recommendations for this product are to take it before, during, and after workouts and anywhere from two to six scoops (two scoops equals one serving). That can get expensive especially if you're taking other supplements such as creatine and protein. I take Xtend during my workouts and have experimented taking it after my workouts too. A definite time I take Xtend or any BCAA or EAA product) is during my cardio sessions (two, sometimes three scoops). I think it’s extremely important to take this during cardio to prevent muscle breakdown. I've also taken it before bed time too since it is after all a recovery supplement. But I usually just take glutamine instead.
by Jason M. Stallworth,
May 10th, 2011
May 10th, 2011
My Use/Dosage of Xtend
My Experience with Xtend
Pros: I did notice more sustainable energy taking Xtend during my workout. Nothing major (such as a caffeine rush). I also noticed better/shorter recovery from intense workouts. Xtend also has some glutamine as well as a couple other additions. And I do like the high dose of BCAAs Xtend gives you. Xtend is cheap compared to most other bodybuilding supplements and every ingredient listed on the label is known to be effective; there are no fillers. One more thing, I've tried all Xtend's flavors and they're all pretty good.
Cons: Xtend, or any BCAA supplement is a take-it-or-leave-it for me. There's controversy of whether you should just take EAAs (essential amino acids) instead since they have BCAAs in them. So the 'con' here, in my opinion, would be are you just wasting your money by only getting BCAAs when you can get EAAs for the same price of not less?
Cons: Xtend, or any BCAA supplement is a take-it-or-leave-it for me. There's controversy of whether you should just take EAAs (essential amino acids) instead since they have BCAAs in them. So the 'con' here, in my opinion, would be are you just wasting your money by only getting BCAAs when you can get EAAs for the same price of not less?
As I stated in the beginning of this review, BCAAs are of high importance for muscle recovery and also in maintaining a positive nitrogen balance which keeps your body in an aanbolic state. I did notice the benefits from taking Xtend. But like I said earlier, I wonder if you should just take EAAs instead. The bottom line is your body needs all of the essential amino acids especially if you're workouts are intense and you're goal is to build muscle. This leaves me with BCAAs may be best to take during your workout as this is the time your body is depleted of branch chained amino acids. You could take the EAAs post workout, or just take whey protein. Xtend is reasonably priced so you really can't go wrong.
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