The Basic Essentials from Basic Supplements (Glutamine, Creatine, and BCAAs)

Basic Supplements launches three research-backed essentials manufactured at Nutrablend Foods with third-party testing. Pure BCAA, Creatine, and Glutamine in clinical doses without the hype.

In an industry that often overcomplicates things, Basic Supplements continues to prove that sometimes less is more. After demonstrating transparency with their third-party lab test results and introducing themselves on Episode #156 of the PricePlow Podcast, the brand has launched three foundational supplements that truly exemplify their “back to basics” philosophy:

The Basics of Basic Supplements: BCAA, Creatine, and Glutamine

• Basic BCAA
• Basic Creatine
• Basic Glutamine

These aren’t flashy products – and that’s exactly the point. Creatine monohydrate has stood the test of time as the most well-researched sports supplement ingredient ever created. L-glutamine, while often misunderstood, remains a critical amino acid for athletic recovery and gut health. Meanwhile, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) provide the building blocks needed to support muscle tissue repair and support endurance, useful for those doing fasted cardio.

Basic Supplements Promises something simple: To get back to the basics

What makes these products special isn’t their formulas – it’s their quality and transparency. Like the rest of Basic’s lineup, these supplements are manufactured at Nutrablend Foods in Buffalo, NY, with fully-disclosed lab test results showing that you’re getting exactly what’s on the label – nothing more, nothing less. And of course, there are the lab tests linked above.

Before diving into each of these foundational supplements, you can sign up for PricePlow’s Basic Supplements news alerts and see our latest prices below:

Basic BCAA: Three Simple Aminos Starting with Two Flavors

Basic BCAA delivers a clinical 7 gram dose of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the research-backed 2:1:1 ratio, providing 3.5g leucine, 1.75g isoleucine, and 1.75g valine per serving. These three essential amino acids play critical roles in muscle protein synthesis, recovery, and athletic performance.

BCAAs, particularly leucine, are uniquely beneficial because they are preferentially taken up directly by muscle tissue rather than being metabolized by the liver first.^[1] This means they can quickly stimulate muscle protein synthesis through activation of the mTOR pathway.^[2]

Research has shown that BCAA supplementation can:

• Stimulate muscle protein synthesis when consumed after resistance training^[3]
• Support muscle recovery and reduce exercise-induced muscle damage^[4]
• Help preserve lean muscle mass during caloric deficits^[5]

Beyond the core BCAA formula, Basic Supplements has included several supporting ingredients:

• B-Vitamins (B3, B6, B12, Folate): Support energy metabolism and red blood cell formation
• Electrolytes (Sodium & Potassium): Aid in hydration and muscle function during training (you can get even more in Basic Hydration)
• Zero Sugar: Uses sucralose and acesulfame potassium for sweetening without added carbohydrates

Initially available in refreshing Blueberry Lemonade and Candy Burst flavors in both 30 and 60 serving options, Basic BCAA provides straightforward supplementation without unnecessary fillers or proprietary blends. And like all Basic Supplements products, it’s manufactured in the USA at Nutrablend Foods’ cGMP-certified facility and third-party tested for purity and potency.

Suggested Use: Mix 1 scoop (10.5g) with 8oz cold water and consume during or after training. Can also be sipped throughout the day to support muscle recovery and hydration.

Basic Creatine: Just 5g of Micronized Creatine Monohydrate

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution. Basic Supplements’ Creatine delivers exactly what athletes need – a pure 5 gram serving of micronized creatine monohydrate, with zero fillers, flavors, or unnecessary additions.

The Many Great Benefits of Creatine Supplementation

Creatine monohydrate stands alone as the most extensively studied sports supplement ingredient, with hundreds of peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy. Research consistently shows that creatine supplementation can:^[6-8]

• Increase muscle strength and power output during resistance training^[6]
• Enhance muscle mass gains when combined with resistance training^[7]
• Improve high-intensity exercise capacity and sports performance^[8]
• Support faster post-exercise recovery^[6]

The science behind creatine’s effectiveness is clear – it works by increasing your muscles’ phosphocreatine stores, which helps regenerate ATP (your cells’ primary energy source) during high-intensity exercise.^[8]

Why Creatine Monohydrate?

While various forms of creatine exist in the market, creatine monohydrate remains the gold standard. It’s the most researched form, with studies consistently showing it to be the most effective and cost-efficient option.^[8] Basic Supplements uses micronized creatine monohydrate for improved mixability and absorption.

Quality You Can Trust

Like all Basic Supplements products, their Creatine is tested for purity and potency. The product is:

• Vegan-friendly
• Gluten-free
• Mixes instantly
• Free from artificial colors
• Third-party lab tested

How to Use Basic Creatine

Basic Creatine follows the scientifically-supported dosing protocol of 5 grams daily.^[6] Simply mix one scoop with 8 ounces of water and consume daily. While some protocols suggest a loading phase of 20g daily for 5-7 days, research shows that taking 5g daily will achieve the same benefits over a slightly longer period.^[8]

For best results, consistency is key – creatine works through a gradual buildup in your muscle tissue, so daily supplementation is recommended regardless of training schedule. It can be taken any time of day, though some evidence suggests taking it close to your workout may be beneficial.^[6]

Basic Glutamine: Supporting Recovery and Immune Function

Basic Supplements’ Glutamine delivers a research-supported 5-gram dose of pure L-glutamine – the most abundant amino acid in the human body. While often overlooked compared to flashier supplements, L-glutamine plays crucial roles in muscle recovery, immune system function, and gut health.

Why Glutamine Matters for Athletes

During intense exercise and training, glutamine levels can become depleted in muscle tissue and blood.^[9] This depletion may impair recovery and immune function, making supplementation beneficial for athletes and active individuals.

Research shows that glutamine supplementation can:

• Support muscle tissue repair and reduce muscle soreness after intense training^[10]
• Help maintain immune system function during periods of intense training^[11]
• Promote healthy gut barrier function,^[12] which is often compromised during strenuous exercise

Recent research indicates that glutamine supplementation may be most effective when taken post-exercise rather than pre-workout.^[13]

How to Use Basic Glutamine

Each serving provides 5 grams of pure L-glutamine powder. Mix one scoop with 8-12 oz of water or your preferred beverage. While timing isn’t critical, research suggests taking glutamine post-workout or before bed may be most beneficial for supporting recovery and immune function.

For best results, Basic Glutamine can be stacked with Basic Creatine and Basic BCAA to create a comprehensive recovery support protocol. The unflavored powder mixes easily into your post-workout BCAA drink or can be taken separately.

The Basic Difference

While glutamine may not be the most exciting supplement, its role in recovery and immune function makes it a valuable addition to any serious athlete’s stack. Basic Supplements delivers this crucial amino acid in its purest form, with the quality and transparency that athletes deserve. No fillers, no hype – just pure L-glutamine backed by science and third-party testing.

Stacking Guidelines

Basic Supplements designed these foundational products to work together seamlessly. Here’s how to get the most from your stack:

Basic Supplements Basic Pre brings just what’s needed for focus, energy, and pumps, with 200mg caffeine and 3g citrulline per scoop — and it’s affordable with no tingles!

Daily Essential: Basic Creatine

Take 3-5g of Basic Creatine every day, regardless of training status. While timing isn’t critical, mixing it into your post-workout shake with Basic Whey can help with compliance. The unflavored powder blends easily into any beverage.

But if you add in the Pre-Workout stack on training days, you can adjust your dosage down:

Pre-Workout Stack

About 30 minutes before training, take Basic PRE to prime yourself for performance. This provides clinical doses of citrulline, caffeine, and an additional 1.5g of creatine to support your daily intake. With 1.5g creatine, you don’t need a full serving of Basic Creatine alongside – unless you’re a big guy or in an optional loading phase.

Intra-Workout Options

During training, you have several stack options depending on your needs:

• For standard training sessions: Basic BCAA provides 7g of amino acids plus electrolytes
• For intense sessions or hot conditions: Stack Basic BCAA with Basic Hydration for enhanced electrolyte support
• For fasted cardio: Basic BCAA helps preserve muscle tissue

Basic Isolate brings two new flavors that are anything but basic. Salted Caramel Cold Brew and Peanut Butter Cookie join the lineup, powered by premium Glanbia Provon WPI. Pure protein without the fluff.

Post-Workout Recovery

After training, combine:

• Basic Whey or Basic Isolate for rapid protein synthesis
• Basic Glutamine (5g) to support recovery and immune function
• Your daily dose of Basic Creatine if you haven’t taken it yet

Additional Stacking Options

• For mass gaining: Add Basic Mass as a calorie-dense meal replacement
• For fat loss: Consider Basic Burn alongside your Basic PRE (space them apart by 4-6 hours)

Remember, while these supplements support your goals, they work best as part of a well-planned nutrition and training program. Basic Supplements keeps it simple, allowing you to focus on what matters most – consistent training and proper nutrition.

Conclusion: Basic Supplements Sets a Standard for Quality Essentials

In fall of 2024, Mike and Ben flew to Buffalo, NY to Nutrablend Foods, manufacturer for the new upstart brand, Basic Supplements. They interview Marc Curcio and Laura Valley for Episode #156, discussing how they’re simplifying the supplement industry with high-quality, essential products that are both affordable and transparent.

Basic Supplements continues to demonstrate that “getting back to basics” doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With these three foundational supplements, they’ve taken trusted ingredients backed by decades of research and manufactured them to exacting standards at Nutrablend Foods’ facility in Buffalo, NY.

What sets Basic apart isn’t just what’s in their products – it’s their commitment to transparency. As we learned in our initial coverage of the Basic lineup and discussion with Marc Curcio and Laura Valley on Episode #156 of the PricePlow Podcast, every product is third-party tested, with results freely available to verify purity and potency. There’s no mystery about what you’re getting – just proven ingredients at clinical doses, manufactured to pharmaceutical-grade standards.

This approach may not be flashy, but it delivers exactly what athletes and fitness enthusiasts need: reliable, high-quality supplements at an honest price point. By focusing on these core products – creatine monohydrate, BCAAs, and glutamine – Basic Supplements helps cut through the industry noise and get back to what actually works.

You can find the best deals on all Basic Supplements products below, and don’t forget to sign up for Basic Supplements news alerts to stay updated on new flavors and deals: