BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids)

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's) are three of nine amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are not made by the body and must be obtained via the diet. These can be found in dietary protein; such as meat, eggs, or in supplements. They are most commonly used for building muscle, improving exercise performance, and decreasing post-exercise soreness and recovery time. They are anti-catabolic and comprise roughly one-third of the aminos within muscle tissue. 

While all other amino acids are broken down in the liver; BCAA's are metabolized primarily in lean body mass tissue (1). Because of this, they could help improve exercise performance and also reduce the rate of lean body mass break down (2).

BCAA supplementation may promote lean body mass protein synthesis and also increase lean body mass in individuals who consume a low protein diet (3). BCAA supplementation may also be effective in preventing fatigue in athletes and physically active people by halting a decline in serum BCAA levels which can occur during physical exertion. A decline in serum BCAA levels typically causes the influx of tryptophan into the brain, which is followed by increased serotonin production and may result in fatigue (4).

The amino acid, leucine plays a critical role in the synthesis of muscle protein. Isoleucine plays a vital role by inducing cells to store more glycogen. Valine functions synergistically with the other two BCAA's to encourage normal growth, repair bodily tissues, regulate blood sugar levels, and supply the body with energy. Valine also stimulates the central nervous system and is required for healthy mental function (5). 

Below is a breakdown of each BCAA and their individual characteristics.

L-Isoleucine: Isoelucine is the BCAAbest known for its role in increasing endurance, helping repair lean tissue, and encouraging blood clotting at the site of injury. This BCAA has been shown to provide potential benefit for athletes because its primary role in the body is to increase energy and help recovery from strenuous physical activity (6). 

An isoleucine deficiency can produce symptoms like those of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, confusion, or irritability (7).

L-Leucine: Leucine works with the BCAA's isoleucine and valine to help repair lean mass, regulate blood sugar, and maintain the body's energy levels. L-leucine has also shown to temporarily increase production of growth hormone (8).

Leucine is also an effective BCAA for preventing lean body mass loss because it is metabolized to glucose more quickly than either isoleucine or valine. Increased available glucose inhibits the body having to break down lean body mass for energy during intense exertion.

Leucine is also involved in healing processes in bones, skin, and lean body mass tissue after traumatic injury. Because of this, leucine is often administered in nutritional support for people recovering from surgery (8).

L-Valine: Valine may help remove excess nitrogen from the liver and transport it to other tissues in the body as needed. Valine has also been studied as an adjunctive nutritional support in people with liver and gallbladder disease caused by alcoholism or drug abuse. Valine has also been studied for reversing alcohol-related brain damage (9).  

Syringes and needles for injection ordered separately.

References

1. John T. Brosnan, Margaret E. Brosnan. Branched-Chain Amino Acids: Enzyme and Substrate Regulation. 

2. Melvin Williams. Dietary Supplements and Sports Performance: Amino Acids. Journal of the international Society of Sports Nutrition 2005 2:63. 

3. Fujita, Satoshi, and Elena Volip. "Amino Acids and Lean Body Mass Loss with Aging." The Journal of Nutrition 136.1 Suppl (2006): 277S-280S. Print. 

4. Blomstrand E. A role for branched-chain amino acids in reducing central fatigue. J Nutr. 2006 Feb; 136(2): 544S-547S. 

5. Weinert, Dan J. "Nutrition and Lean Body Mass Protein Synthesis: A Descriptive Review." The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 53.3 (2009): 186-193. Print. 

6. Kim, Dong-Hee et al. "Effect of BCAA Intake during Endurance Exercises on Fatigue Substances, Lean Body Mass Damage Substances, and Energy Metabolism Substances." Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry 17.4 (2013): 169-180. PMC. Web. 26 Sept. 2017. 

7. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/l-isoleucine

8. Mero A. Leucine supplementation and intensive training. Sports Med. 1999 Jun; 27(6):347-58.

9. Marchesini G1, Marzocchi R, Noia M, Bianchi G. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation in patients with liver diseases J Nutr. 2005 Jun; 135(6 Suppl): 1596S-601S. 

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