1,2,3 Many physiological processes related to bodybuilding, from energy, recovery, muscle hypertrophy, to strength gains, are linked to amino acids.
5,6Even more confusing is the fact that some amino acids become conditionally essential, meaning they are not normally required in the diet but must be supplied exogenously to specific populations that do not synthesize them in adequate amounts. The amounts required also depend on the age and health of the individual, so it is hard to make general statements about the dietary requirement for some amino acids. The branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine are classified among the essential amino acids. They are very important for active individuals, bodybuilders, and professional athletes since they influence various aspects of muscle metabolism. The “branched chain” designation refers to their unique chemical structure. The combination of these three BCAAs makes up approximately 1/3 of skeletal muscle in the human body.10 The largest amounts of BCAAs can be found in dairy (e.g., milk, whey, and casein), red meat, and eggs. Although they are present in all foods containing protein, supplementing your diet with additional BCAAs provides a definite advantage.
2 The body uses the BCAAs during exercise to maintain energy and make glucose. After an acute bout of resistance exercise, oxidation continues. Although protein synthesis in skeletal muscle is elevated after exercise, so is protein degradation. In the absence of nutrition, the body will remain in negative nitrogen balance, meaning catabolism (i.e., protein break down) exceeds anabolism (i.e., protein synthesis). Consuming BCAAs before or after exercise can reduce protein breakdown, increase protein synthesis, and stimulate the release of insulin.13,14 Current research has demonstrated that BCAAs may block what is called delayed-onset muscle soreness following intense training. BCAAs have also been shown to have a positive effect on mood and mental function in endurance athletes. Although limited, research supports the idea that the BCAAs can decrease serotonin in the brain (serotonin can cause a sense of tiredness), thereby lowering mental fatigue and maintaining mental acuteness during prolonged endurance exercise.1
10 Through phosphyorylaton of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor ), a key regulator of cell growth and protein synthesis, leucine, along with the other two BCAAs, transforms the body into a muscle-building machine. Bodybuilders, athletes, weekend warriors who weight train regularly, and endurance athletes who regularly compete in aerobic events such as running, cycling, or swimming will benefit from BCAA supplementation. Supplementation of BCAAs will help meet the increased demand the body requires under times of stress. Numerous studies have shown that BCAAs can enhance energy levels, build muscle, and speed recovery under a variety of metabolic conditions. Aside from playing an important role in protein synthesis, the BCAAs provide extra energy during heavy lifting, help spare muscle tissue, and fight mental brain drain as you battle through a workout. BCAAs can be taken at anytime during the day, preferably on an empty stomach to avoid competition for absorption with other amino acids; however, the most beneficial times to take the BCAAs are directly before or just after training. Currently, it is difficult to provide an exact dose of BCAAs per kg body weight that influences muscle growth and prevents breakdown.
FAQs A: BCAA Softgels offer 500 mg of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine (250 mg), isoleucine (125 mg) and valine (125 mg) per softgel.
Q: How do I take BCAA Softgels?