article via Suppz.com

Optimum Nutrition’s Amino Energy has been on the market for several years and has been a big hit. Offering a very basic formula that is an excellent replacement for coffee and soda. It’s very versatile and can be used as a mid-day pick me up or as a pre workout or intra workout supplement. A variety of over 13 good tasting flavors has been what has really kept Amino Energy on top of the market and selling well in the category of an amino blend with caffeine at a very cost effective price.
The latest release of NutraCharge Charged Amino is the newest and toughest competitor yet to Amino Energy and offers additional benefits not found in Amino Energy.

Before getting into a comparison between these two brands, lets first take a look at the importance of Essential Amino Acids (EAA’s) and Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s):

Essential Amino Acids (EAA’s)

EAA’s are essential amino acids that aren’t produced by the body and must be taken in by food or supplementation. EAA’s consist of nine amino acids. Consuming essential amino acids results will stimulate protein synthesis. This means your body can either grow more tissue or reduce the amount of protein breakdown. Certain amino acids help with supporting your metabolism and improve physical performance. They have even been shown to reduce the effects of aging.


  • EAA’s prevent muscular breakdown during periods of intense physical and mental stress
  • EAA’s improve, enhance, and protect the mitochondria(energy within our cells)
  • Curb hunger and improve metabolism

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s)

BCAA’s are made up of three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids aid on preservation of muscle glycogen stores. This means users can work out harder and for longer with glycogen stores lasting longer due to the quick absorption of BCAA’s.

Which is better?

Comparing what each are, it might seem obvious that EAA’s are much more valuable to a performance athlete or gym rat just based on the fact EAA’s already contain the three amino acids found in BCAA’s along with the additional amino’s your body cannot produce. Research also backs this as EAA’s are able to stimulate muscle protein synthesis while BCAA’s fall short of this. So this tells us EAA’s are more beneficial for the recovery process. This does NOT mean BCAA’s don’t have benefits. The benefit of keeping glycogen stores readily available to your body will benefit an athlete, however when comparing EAA’s and BCAA’s, EAA’s is the wiser choice to invest your money in.

Charged Amino compared to Amino Energy

So what does all the above mean in regards to Amino Energy vs Charged Amino comparison?

Energy

To start with, both contain 100mg of caffeine per serving, however the caffeine in Charged Amino comes from natural sources such as green coffee bean and green tea extract.

Recovery/Performance

Charged Amino contains 5g of EAA’s with the primary amino acid Leucine, which can be known as the anabolic trigger. Leucine is the leading ingredient in a 2:1:1 BCAA blend. The leading ingredient in Amino Energy is Taurine. Based off the profile, Charged Amino will be more beneficial at stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

Hydration

Charged Amino includes a hydration blend including electrolytes. One of the only caffeinated amino products on the market to include electrolytes. Hydration plays a big role in performance in your sport or gym performance allowing the customer to perform up to their full potential.

Taste

Amino Energy has over 13 flavors available while Charged Amino currently only has 3. With Charged Amino being a new product to hit the market, you can bet they will expand on the flavors. Amino Energy tastes fantastic and has the backing of being around for several years. Charged Amino is currently being samples out at all Suppz locations to allow the customer to taste for themselves and feedback has been very good on all 3 flavors.

Cost

The price of a single tub of each is the same at $19.99, however you can save money by buying 2-3 tubs at a time. Suppz, and most brick and mortar retailers offer quantity discounts and freebies on Charged Amino for buying multiple units.

Who wins?

In my opinion, it’s win-win for customers. The three available flavors of Charged Amino is well worth the buy over Amino Energy. Taste and ingredient profile makes this a rather easy victory for Charged Amino. The better cost as well really makes it an easy choice. Charged Amino only falls short with regard to the amount of flavors available. If your goal is the best possible performance you can achieve along with outstanding taste, go with Charged Amino. If you are okay with sacrificing performance and paying a little extra for flavors Charge Amino doesn’t have, then Amino Energy is likely your pick.