A combination of 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids ("BCAAs"), 5 grams of glutamine, and 250 milligrams of beet root powder, VivaStix Muscle increases muscle growth, promotes muscle protein synthesis, improves muscle recovery, and can prevent fatigue during workouts.*

BCAAs are made up of the three most important amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) in the creation and maintenance of muscles. These are crucial in calorie restricted diets (i.e. those of us trying to lose body fat), when muscle retention is important. If you are trying to get "cut" - BCAAs should be incorporated into your diet, and your overall calorie consumption should be less than if you were trying to get "swole".*

Glutamine is a building block of protein and a critical part of the immune system. The average person (you should work out harder than the average person!) likely gets enough glutamine through their everyday diet, but we think it's important enough to supplement. During intense training, glutamine levels diminish rapidly, which can decrease strength, stamina and recovery time. Glutamine is vital in protein metabolism and anti-catabolism, which prevents the breakdown of your muscles. In short, similar to BCAAs, glutamine is important for people looking to lose fat while retaining muscle.*

Beets contain high levels of naturally occurring nitrate, which, after being broken down by the body, boosts available nitric oxide. This can lead to improved athletic performance via dilating (widening) blood vessels, increasing blood flow and allowing more oxygen to reach your muscles. Nitrate (beet root powder) is best consumed pre-workout.

We don't sell anything that we don't believe in. And what makes us believe in something? Science.

Peer-reviewed research on BCAAs:

The Journal of Nutrition, "Signaling Pathways and Molecular Mechanisms through which Branched-Chain Amino Acids Mediate Translational Control of Protein Synthesis"

Science Direct, "Branched-chain amino acid supplementation and exercise-induced muscle damage in exercise recovery: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials"

Optimal times include 1) during intense workouts, 2) immediate after workouts, 3) 30-45 minutes before workouts, 4) first thing in the morning, and 5) between meals (it can be taken as a snack replacement for maximum benefit!).

Why and when should you take BCAAs vs protein?

Some proteins (specifically animal proteins) have a sufficient amount of BCAAs for the average person, but we recommend supplementing if you are serious about your fitness goals, such as maintaining or building muscle while not putting on body fat. Strenuous workouts such as HIIT exercises, distance running, and bodybuilding are prime examples where BCAAs work best.

In addition, if you are trying to lose weight (i.e. in a calorie deficit that might include fasted cardio or intermittent fasting), protein will break this fast, negating the benefits. This is the time that BCAAs really shine - they include the most important amino acids for muscle retention without the extra calories in protein.