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Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)
(BCAA)
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| Introduction |
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| Branched chained amino acids (BCAAs) is a title that refers to three substances; leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Together, they make up approximately one-third of the protein in muscles and are therefore important for building and maintaining muscles. In times of intense exercise or exertion, muscles are especially in need of BCAAs.(1, 2)
Generally speaking, BCAA supplementation is used most frequently by body builders and athletes undergoing intense exercise. However, some research suggests that BCAAs may play a supportive role in treating some health conditions.
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| Reported Uses |
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For athletes, BCAA supplementation prior to exercise may boost muscle performance and improve recovery after periods of intense workouts.(3)
While there is little indication that supplementation with BCAAs produce significant results in healthy individuals, there are a number of targeted clinical uses. First, BCAAs may support liver health in patients with liver disease.(4, 5) Also, patients suffering from amytrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALA, may show improvement after using BCAAs.(6) Third, BCAAs may help support health and recovery in patients who have experienced trauma, extreme physical stress, kidney failure, and burns.(7) Finally, BCAAs may aid in recovery after surgery.(8)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| Branched chain amino acid products vary widely in their composition, ranging from 200-300mg of each BCAA daily to 2-5 grams of each daily. |
150mg of each daily. |
Tablets, capsules, and powders. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
Excessive use of this dietary supplement may interfere with neurotransmitters that help maintain moods and emotional state.(9)
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Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
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Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 De Lorenzo A, Petroni ML, Masala S, et al. Effect of acute and chronic branched-chain amino acids on energy metabolism and muscle performance. Diabetes Nutr Metab. Oct2003;16(5-6):291-7.
View Abstract
2 Karlsson HK, Nilsson PA, Nilsson J, Chibalin AV, Zierath JR, Blomstrand E. Branched-chain amino acids increase p70S6k phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle after resistance exercise. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. Jul2004;287(1):E1-7.
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3 Schena F, et al. Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation During Trekking at High Altitude. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 1992;65:394-98.
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4 Bernardini P, et al. Amino Acid Imbalance and Hepatic Encephalopathy. Annu Rev Nutr. 1982;2:419-54.
5 Poon RT, Yu WC, Fan ST, Wong J. Long-term oral branched chain amino acids in patients undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomized trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. Apr2004;19(7):779-88.
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6 Plaitakis A, et al. Pilot Trial of Branched-chain Aminoacids in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Lancet. May1988; 1(8593):1015-18.
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7 Sax HC, et al. Clinical Use of Branched-chain Amino Acids in Liver Disease, Sepsis, Trauma, and Burns. Arch Surg. Mar1986;121(3):358-66.
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8 Braverman ER. The Healing Nutrients Within. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc. 1997;339.
9 Lucca A, et al. Neutral Amino Acid Availability in Two Major Psychiatric Disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatryu. Jul1995;19(4):615-26.
View Abstract
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