BCAA (branched-chain amino acids)

BCAA: amino acid panel.

BCAA testing at Vanguard Laboratory: identity, purity and quantity $250 per sample, with results in 3 to 5 business days.

Compound data

Type

amino acid panel

Compounds covered

leucine, isoleucine and valine

Basis

each compound against the label

Form

powders, capsules and drink mixes

Structure and names

Compounds covered: leucine, isoleucine and valine.

How Vanguard tests BCAA

Identity, purity and quantity are measured by a chromatographic assay, with detection selected for the compound, against a reference standard, $250 per sample with results in 3 to 5 business days. Finished products use the same approach, with sample preparation matched to the product.

What's reported

Purity, as percent of total peak area
Quantity, in mg per serving or % w/w against the label
Identity, reported as match or no match against the reference standard

Tests and prices

Purity and quantity

$250

Chromatographic purity and mg per unit by the method matched to the compound, identity against a reference standard. 1 unit.

Raw powder purity

$200

Chromatographic purity on bulk powder. 50 mg.

Add-on tests

Add-on test	Price
Identity and impurities
FTIR identity	$90
CHNS elemental analysis (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur)	$125
Chiral purity (where a chiral method exists; new methods quoted)	$250
Water, solvents and salt form
Water content by Karl Fischer	$60
Residual solvents	$150
Counterions: chloride, acetate and TFA	$70
Assay
Assay, % w/w (with raw powder purity; $250 together)	+$50
Metals and conformity
Heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury and lead	$150
Conformity: purity and quantity on more units from the same lot	$100 per extra unit

10% off for 10 or more samples.

Need something else? Other tests are available on request.

Sample amount and turnaround

Purity and quantity is $250 per sample (1 unit) and raw powder purity is $200 for 50 mg, with results in 3 to 5 business days. Send the material sealed and labeled, with the label claim and the form it contains.

Salts, forms and compendial references

Tell us the salt or form the label states, so quantity is reported on the same basis.
One page covers BCAA and its salts and forms.

Questions about BCAA testing

Can you confirm a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio?

Yes. Leucine, isoleucine and valine are each measured and reported, so the ratio can be checked against the label.

Can you test it in a finished product?

Yes. Capsules, powders, gummies and liquids are measured with sample preparation matched to the product, and reported in mg per serving or % w/w against the label.

Sources

Data from the batch compound list and the marker compounds’ PubChem records.

Order

Send the product name, the form of the ingredient and the label claim for a quote, or submit a sample with the sample form.

Supplement testing