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Quick Facts
- Form
- Capsules
- Dose
- 1000mg BCAAs (2:1:1 ratio)
- Serving
- 2 capsules
- Servings
- 200
- Vegan
- No
- Made in
- USA
Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 Caps
by Optimum Nutrition
The classic BCAA capsule product from one of the world's most recognised sports nutrition brands. Each serving of two capsules delivers 1000mg of branched-chain amino acids in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The 400-capsule mega-size bottle is a gym bag staple. While recent research has questioned BCAAs' advantage over complete protein, they remain popular for fasted training and convenience.
AI Review Summary
Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 is the market leader in capsule BCAAs, offering a convenient and well-dosed product from a trusted brand. The 2:1:1 ratio is the standard supported by most research. However, contemporary sports nutrition science increasingly questions the value of isolated BCAAs when dietary protein is adequate. The Informed Sport certification adds genuine value for competitive athletes. Best reserved for specific scenarios like fasted training rather than general daily supplementation.
Pros
- +400 capsules — 200 servings for months of use
- +Informed Sport batch-tested for athletes
- +Trusted brand with global recognition
- +Convenient capsule format for gym bags
Cons
- -Scientific consensus shifting against standalone BCAAs
- -Gelatin capsules — not suitable for vegans
- -1g per serving is relatively low — may need 4-6 caps per session
Best For
Watch Out
- !Probably unnecessary if you consume adequate daily protein
- !Gelatin capsules not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Ingredients & Composition
Active Ingredients
- L-Leucine
- 500mg
- L-Isoleucine
- 250mg
- L-Valine
- 250mg
Other Ingredients
Gelatin (capsule shell), Magnesium stearate, Silicon dioxide, Microcrystalline cellulose
Clean Label Analysis
Uses gelatin capsules, making this unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. Standard filler profile with MCC and magnesium stearate — nothing unexpected for a mainstream sports brand.
Quality & Testing
Third-Party Tested
This product has been independently tested by third-party laboratories for purity, potency, and safety.
Certifications
Additional Specifications
- Type
- Amino Acid
- Form
- Capsules
- Dose
- 1000mg BCAAs (2:1:1 ratio)
- Serving Size
- 2 capsules
- Fillers Analysis
- Uses gelatin capsules, making this unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. Standard filler profile with MCC and magnesium stearate — nothing unexpected for a mainstream sports brand.
- Allergens
- Free from: gluten, dairy, soy, nuts (contains gelatin)
- Made In
- USA
How We Score Supplements
Our AI analyses reviews from Reddit, Amazon, YouTube, and specialist forums, then scores each product on a 1-10 scale across six evidence-based categories:
Effectiveness
How well the product delivers its claimed benefits, based on aggregated user experiences.
Ingredient Quality
Bioavailable forms, clean label, minimal fillers, no artificial junk. Higher = cleaner.
Value for Money
Price per serving relative to ingredient quality and effectiveness.
Side Effects Profile
Higher score = fewer side effects. 10 means virtually no adverse reactions reported.
Certifications & Testing
Third-party lab testing, GMP certification, and independent quality verification.
Overall Score
Weighted combination of all factors. Our bottom-line recommendation.
Disclaimer: AIScored provides AI-generated summaries based on publicly available reviews and product information. This is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.