Not a bad supplement, but taste is... strange?
I'm big on BCAAs, but not so much as intra-workout or pre-workout supplments, as much as POST-workout.<br /><br />For those who promote use during workouts, the belief is that they reduce fatigue during exercise by limiting the entry of tryptophan (the stuff in your Thanksgiving turkey) into your brain. Your body uses tryptophan to make serotonin, which may contribute to fatigue (that's why you feel so sleepy after that big dinner).<br /><br />Honestly, there isn't that much research on the pre-workout or intra-workout effects of BCAAs. HOWEVER, they can help reduce muscle damage and soreness. It is generally accepted that BCAAs may relieve soreness, strain, and inflammation caused by exercise. BCAAs can also stimulate the synthesis of protein in your muscles, which promotes muscle-building. They also suppress the breakdown of muscle protein (and thus, muscle loss). Finally, it is understood that intense exercise can result in reduced immunity, which may be due to a decrease in the amino acid glutamine. Glutamine is a fuel for immune cells. Since BCAAs can be converted into glutamine in muscle, they can help promote the immune system.<br /><br />From my personal research, I have found that the consumption of BCAAs anywhere from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours POST workout can really have a discernible impact on recovery. And THAT is why and when we use them in my house. I drink them after a hard swim. My kids drink them after super-tough track, football, or swimming practices or tough workouts in the gym.<br /><br />So from the perspective of BCAAs, this product seems to have it together. BUT, the "Blue Hawaiian" flavor is.... strange and kind of disgusting. I thought it would be like the drink (rum, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, cream of coconut). The only thing I can really taste is the coconut, which pretty much tastes like chugging suntan oil after a tough workout. This really needed more citrus flavoring, as well, to balance the taste. The kids definitely do not like this one, and will only use it as a mix-in for smoothies, where the coconut flavor actually adds something. Mix it with a banana, some OJ, some pineapple juice or slices, and some ice, and it's tolerable.
Rating: 4 stars