Best for
Ingredients (8)
L-Leucine
100%Dose
3681 mg
Target
2000–5000 mg
Form
—
Aminocore BCAAs
100%Dose
8180 mg
Target
5000–10000 mg
Form
—
L-Valine
100%Dose
2454 mg
Target
1500–4000 mg
Form
—
L-Isoleucine
100%Dose
2045 mg
Target
1500–4000 mg
Form
—
Vitamin B12
2%Dose
6 mcg
Target
250–5000 mcg
Form
Premium
Other Ingredients (5)
Caramel ColorColor
Class III and IV caramel colors contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) in 2011 (Monograph Vol. 101). California Prop 65 lists 4-MEI as a known carcinogen; products delivering >29 mcg/day require a cancer warning label. NTP TR-535 (2007) found 4-MEI caused lung tumors in mice. Major cola brands (Coca-Cola, Pepsi) voluntarily reformulated 2012-2014 to reduce 4-MEI below California thresholds. Because labels never specify Class I (sugar + heat only, safer) vs Class III/IV (ammonia-process, contains 4-MEI), consumers cannot verify which they're consuming. Combined with the additive's purely cosmetic purpose, the risk:benefit ratio is unfavorable for any supplement.
SucraloseSweetener
Dose context matters. As a trace excipient in a tablet coating or capsule, the amount is minimal and not a meaningful concern. The evidence below applies to the gram-level intakes typical of sweetened protein powders, pre-workouts, and drink mixes: a 2022 human trial (Suez et al., Cell) showed sucralose disrupts gut bacteria and worsens blood sugar control in healthy adults, and a 2023 study (Schiffman et al.) found that sucralose-6-acetate — a compound formed when sucralose is digested — was genotoxic to human cells in vitro. It remains an artificial sweetener with no nutritional purpose.
Natural and Artificial FlavorsFlavor
The 'artificial' component means synthetic chemicals are used, but the exact compounds are proprietary and not disclosed on the label. If you have sensitivities or allergies, you cannot verify what's in it. Products using only natural flavors are more transparent.
Citric AcidAcidulant
Natural acid derived from citrus fruits
Sunflower LecithinEmulsifier
Non-GMO, non-allergenic emulsifier derived from sunflower seeds
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Sources & Scoring
Nutrient data (RDA, UL, and safety thresholds) sourced from: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and National Academies Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.
The score analyzes what's on the label: ingredient doses vs. clinical ranges, chemical forms, evidence levels, and known interactions. It does not verify label accuracy or test for contaminants — for that, look for third-party certifications like USP or NSF.