BCAA BENEFITS AND REASONS YOU SHOULD TAKE THEM TODAY
What is the big deal with BCAAs anyway? You may have heard a thing or two about them from your supplement-savvy training partner, but unless you have a background in biochemistry, you might not know why they matter or how to incorporate them into your training and nutrition regimen.
WHAT IS A BCAA?
Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), so named because of their nonlinear (“branched”) carbon atom configuration. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins, as you probably know, make up the structure of the body. Amino acids are either produced in the body and considered nonessential, or they must be supplied from the diet and are therefore considered essential.
WHAT DO BCAAS DO AND WHAT MAKES THEM "ESSENTIAL"
BCAAs are essential amino acids, meaning they are not made in the body, yet they constitute more than one third of the protein found in human muscle tissue! Rich dietary sources of BCAAs include dairy, egg, meat, poultry and fish. Supplemental BCAAs are also widely available and often used within the context of sports nutrition. BCAAs are unique because, unlike most other amino acids, they are primarily metabolized within the muscle itself, as opposed to being broken down by the liver. That has two important implications for performance:
- Rapidly Absorbed: BCAAs enter the bloodstream rapidly, bypass breakdown in the liver, and are readily taken up by active tissues (mainly muscle), and
- More Fuel: BCAAs provide an additional fuel source for working muscle, as BCAA breakdown for energy increases during prolonged exercise (Shimomura et al., 2006). BCAAs also play an important role in overall protein turnover, which is to say they help regulate whether the body is in a recovery (tissue building) or catabolic (tissue breakdown) state.
Of the BCAAs, leucine has been shown to initiate muscle protein synthesis (building) and inhibit protein breakdown (Norton & Layman, 2006). This is key whether you are trying to build muscle, maintain lean body mass during caloric restriction, or simply reduce muscle breakdown during intense and/or long-duration exercise.
SIX BCAA BENEFITS
1. BCAAS DELAY FATIGUE DURING PROLONGED EXERCISE
BCAAs have been found to inhibit the onset of both central and peripheral fatigue during exercise, so you can go stronger for longer. Peripheral fatigue (when your muscles get tired) is delayed because BCAAs are used as an additional energy source during prolonged exercise. Even after your body has used its glycogen stores, you can pull power from BCAAs in your muscles (Kainulainen, Hulmi, & Kujala, 2013; Gualano et al., 2011). Central fatigue (when your brain gets tired) may also be delayed by BCAAs that block the amino acid tryptophan from getting into the brain. Tryptophan (the same tryptophan from your post-Thanksgiving drowsiness) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, a central fatigue substance which produces feelings of relaxation and sleepiness (Newsholme & Blomstrand, 2006).
2. BCAAS IMPROVE AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE WHEN TAKEN REGULARLY
Trained cyclists supplementing with 6g BCAAs for a week leading up to a graded exercise test to exhaustion achieved a 4% higher VO2max, including 13% higher VO2 at the lactate threshold (LT) and 6% greater power output at LT compared to placebo (Matsumoto et al, 2009). As any athlete knows, a a small increase in performance can mean the difference between a podium finish…or not. In another study involving trained cyclists, researchers found that 10 weeks of BCAA supplementation (12g/day) resulted in a 19% increase in all-out sprint peak power and 4% increase in average power relative to body mass when compared to placebo (Kephart et al., 2016). Importantly, the results of these studies indicate that BCAA supplementation can improve both aerobic exercise capacity and anaerobic performance!
3. BCAAS FORTIFY THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Intense, high-volume training repeated over days and weeks can lead to fatigue, immune suppression, and overtraining if an athlete does not recover adequately between training bouts. Chronic (long term) supplementation with 12g BCAA daily has been shown to improve the immune response to several weeks of intense endurance training in cyclists (Kephart et al., 2016). But how? Researchers have found that BCAAs can also be used by immune cells within the gut as a fuel source, which allows the immune system to regenerate itself more efficiently and protect against harmful pathogens (Zhang et al, 2017). A strong immune system aids in recovery and makes you less likely to get sick.
4. BCAAS PROTECT LEAN MUSCLE (INSURANCE FOR YOUR MUSCLES!)
BCAAs have been shown to preserve muscle mass under extremely catabolic conditions characterized by protein breakdown and muscle wasting, such as ultramarathons and high-altitude mountaineering (Schena, Guerrini, Tregnaghi, & Kayser, 1992). During exercise, muscle protein breakdown, and in particular, BCAA breakdown for energy is increased (Shimomura et al., 2004). By providing supplemental BCAAs, the body is less likely to consume its own amino acid (protein) stores. Think of them as your muscle insurance policy!
5. BCAAS PROMOTE MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
This is probably the number 1 reason weightlifters love BCAAs! As mentioned before, leucine is the most important of the three BCAAs for initiating muscle protein synthesis (MPS), which is necessary for muscle building. A dose of 2-3g leucine (depending on body weight) is generally considered effective to maximally stimulate MPS and is often referred to as the leucine threshold (Norton & Layman, 2006). As a point of reference, one large egg contains about 0.5 g leucine, and 5-6 oz of most meat, poultry, or fish sources will provide the recommended 2-3g amount. Dairy products, and whey in particular, are high in BCAA content, which is why you’ll find whey protein in our ROCTANE Protein Recovery Drink Mix!
6. BCAAS REDUCE EXERCISE INDUCED MUSCLE SORENESS AND DAMAGE
BCAA administration prior to and following exercise may reduce the severity and duration of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), the painful sensation that lasts for several days after an intense or unaccustomed exercise bout (Shimomura et al., 2010). Furthermore, studies have shown that BCAA intake reduces muscle damage in response to both resistance training (Howatson et al., 2012) and endurance exercise (Coombes & McNaughton, 2000; Kim et al., 2013). That means you can bounce back faster and have less muscle soreness between challenging workouts.
WHEN TO TAKE BCAAS
HOW MUCH BCAA PER DAY?
Take between 3-20 g per day (that’s at least three BCAA capsules). The exact dosage and optimal ratio of leucine:isoleucine:valine is still a matter of debate, but most research studies supplemented within a range of 3-20g BCAAs per day, usually split into multiple doses.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE THEM?
Make it a habit – studies often observe benefits after a week or more of supplementation. Favorable results have been seen with prolonged use, as it appears that the enzyme activity necessary to break down BCAAs increases in response to habitual intake.
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE BCAAS?
Use anytime – but ideally before, during, and/or after workouts to help reduce exercise induced muscle soreness and promote recovery. Supplemental BCAAs are sold encapsulated (like our ROCTANE BCAA Capsules), or in plain or flavored powder form, that can be mixed into liquid. Keep in mind, however, plain (unflavored) BCAA powders are not everyone’s cup of tea and have a somewhat bitter taste.
THE TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
BCAAs can be beneficial for athletes, individuals engaged in high volume or prolonged exercise, or for anyone otherwise at risk of lean tissue breakdown resulting from strenuous physical activity. Research has shown supplemental BCAA intake to be safe for healthy adults in doses of 3-20 g per day, with habitual intake one week or more showing greater benefits than acute (short term) intake. Aim for 3-5 g BCAAs before, during or after workouts to promote muscle recovery. Smaller amounts of BCAAs taken repeatedly over the course of a long training bout are likely beneficial for delaying the onset of fatigue and decreasing exercise induced muscle soreness.
GU Nutrition Products with the Most BCAAs
ROCTANE Energy Gels are designed for long-duration and high-intensity activities when you’re trying to up your mileage or push yourself further. But what does that really mean? It means that ROCTANE Energy Gels are packed with up to three times as much sodium (depending on the flavor), and twice as many branched-chain amino acids as compared to our original Energy Gels.
ROCTANE Energy Drink Mix is an all-in-one solution to energy and hydration with key nutrients like electrolytes and branched-chain amino acids to keep you feeling strong and energized. The precise blend of complex and simple carbohydrates will fuel you up, so you feel good, longer. Drink one serving every hour to stay energized and hydrated while exercising.
ROCTANE BCAA Capsules may help maintain mental clarity, promote muscle recovery, and decrease muscle soreness while you’re pushing your limits. Each capsule delivers a 4:1:1 ratio of the three BCAAs (L-Leucine, L-Valine, and L-Isoleucine) to help promote muscle recovery along with B Vitamins that can help facilitate amino acid metabolism and energy production during exercise.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Are there any side effects associated with taking BCAAs?
A: BCAAs are generally very safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. It is important to follow the recommended dosage on the product packaging or consult with a healthcare provider to determine the right amount for your needs.
Q: Can I get enough BCAAs from my diet or should I use supplements?
A: While BCAAs are found in high-protein foods such as meat, dairy products, and legumes, the concentrations in BCAA supplements can be higher, offering more targeted benefits, particularly for those with higher physical demands.
Q: Should I take BCAAs on rest days?
A: Yes, taking BCAAs on rest days can be beneficial, especially if you are following a rigorous training schedule! On rest days, BCAAs can help maintain muscle protein synthesis, support muscle repair, and reduce muscle soreness.
REFERENCES
Coombes, J. S., & McNaughton, L. S. (2000). Effects of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase after prolonged exercise. Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 40(3), 240.
Gualano, A. B., Bozza, T., Lopes, D. C. P., Roschel, H., Dos Santos, C. A., Luiz, M. M., … & Herbert, L. J. A. (2011). Branched-chain amino acids supplementation enhances exercise capacity and lipid oxidation during endurance exercise after muscle glycogen depletion. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 51(1), 82-88.
Howatson, G., Hoad, M., Goodall, S., Tallent, J., Bell, P. G., & French, D. N. (2012). Exercise-induced muscle damage is reduced in resistance-trained males by branched chain amino acids: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1), 20.
Kainulainen, H., Hulmi, J. J., & Kujala, U. M. (2013). Potential role of branched-chain amino acid catabolism in regulating fat oxidation. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 41(4), 194-200.
Kephart, W. C., Wachs, T. D., Mac Thompson, R., Mobley, C. B., Fox, C. D., McDonald, J. R., … & Pascoe, D. D. (2016). Ten weeks of branched-chain amino acid supplementation improves select performance and immunological variables in trained cyclists. Amino Acids, 48(3), 779-789.
Kim, D. H., Kim, S. H., Jeong, W. S., & Lee, H. Y. (2013). Effect of BCAA intake during endurance exercises on fatigue substances, muscle damage substances, and energy metabolism substances. Journal of Exercise Nutrition and Biochemistry, 17(4), 169-180.
Matsumoto, K., Takashige, K. O. B. A., Hamada, K., Tsujimoto, H., & Mitsuzono, R. (2009). Branched-chain amino acid supplementation increases the lactate threshold during an incremental exercise test in trained individuals. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 55(1), 52-58.
Newsholme, E. A., & Blomstrand, E. (2006). Branched-chain amino acids and central fatigue. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(1), 274S-276S.
Norton, L. E., & Layman, D. K. (2006). Leucine regulates translation initiation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle after exercise. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(2), 533S-537S.
Schena, F., Guerrini, F., Tregnaghi, P., & Kayser, B. (1992). Branched-chain amino acid supplementation during trekking at high altitude. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, 65(5), 394-398.
Shimomura, Y., Murakami, T., Nakai, N., Nagasaki, M., & Harris, R. A. (2004). Exercise promotes BCAA catabolism: effects of BCAA supplementation on skeletal muscle during exercise. The Journal of Nutrition, 134(6), 1583S-1587S.
Shimomura, Y., Yamamoto, Y., Bajotto, G., Sato, J., Murakami, T., Shimomura, N., … & Mawatari, K. (2006). Nutraceutical effects of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal muscle. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(2), 529S-532S.
Shimomura, Y., Inaguma, A., Watanabe, S., Yamamoto, Y., Muramatsu, Y., Bajotto, G., … & Mawatari, K. (2010). Branched-chain amino acid supplementation before squat exercise and delayed-onset muscle soreness. International Journal of Sport Nutrition, 20(3), 236.
Zhang, S., Zeng, X., Ren, M., Mao, X., & Qiao, S. (2017). Novel metabolic and physiological functions of branched chain amino acids: a review. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 8(1), 10.