January 22, 2021 BY
IN Cursemuscle

BCAA is a general term for the essential amino acids* valine, leucine, and isoleucine that are metabolized by the body and used as sources of muscle energy. They are referred to as Branched Chain Amino Acids because the molecular structure of these three amino acids includes branches.

BCAAs (Branch chain amino acids) are the building blocks that make up protein, so once again (you guessed it) this is found in the food you eat. When you eat protein (or take protein supplements) it digests and breaks down into amino acids, so if you’re getting in enough protein, taking BCAAs could be a total waste of cash. As an example, whole eggs contain all of the amino acids required to aid in protein synthesis (building new muscle fibers). If you do decide that you should take a BCAA supplement you are simply adding potential for improved/faster recovery following your workouts. BCAAs can be found in pill and powder form and come in a million flavors.

 

Potential effects of taking BCAA during exercise

Muscles

  • Promotion of muscle protein synthesis
  • Suppression of muscle protein degradation
  • Muscle damage reduction

During endurance exercises

  • Saves glycogen in muscle
  • Suppresses the production of lactic acid

Recent studies have shown that amino acids, including BCAA, have individual physiological actions, in addition to being the constituents of body proteins. As a result, demand for amino acid supplements that can be taken when exercising has increased. However, there has been almost no research published that demonstrates the positive impact of amino acids upon exercise abilities.
With this in mind, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute and partners studied the influence of BCAA on exercise performance, proving that it is effective during long distance and intense exercise routines.