Branch Chain Amino AcidsÂ
What is a BCAA
Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that include Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. These specific amino acids are crucial for muscle recovery and repair, especially after intense workouts. Unlike other amino acid supplements, BCAAs are quickly absorbed and can be used immediately by muscles, making them a go-to for those serious about performance and muscle growth.
What do BCAA Amino Acids Do
If you’re wondering, "what are BCAAs" or "what do BCAA amino acids do," these supplements are designed to support muscle repair, reduce soreness, and improve endurance. Whether you're looking for a Bcaa supplement to enhance protein synthesis or simply boost your workout recovery, FIT Nutrition has you covered. Explore our Amino Acids and BCAAs collections to find the best products for your fitness goals.
Discover BCAA Supplements at FIT Nutrition
We stock top-quality BCAA supplements from trusted brands like EHP Labs, Naked Harvest, Gen Tec, and ATP Science. For more guidance on choosing the right product, check out our blogs Best BCAA Australia and Best BCAA for Women. Visit us in-store or online to explore our full range of amino acid supplements and find the perfect fit for your recovery needs!
BCAA Supplement FAQs
What are BCAA supplements?
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) refer to a group of 3 essential amino acids that cannot be produced by your body alone. They are the only three amino acids to have a chain that branches off to one side, and it is essential that you get them from your diet.
The 3 BCAAs are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine (Petre, A. 2021).
What are the ingredients in BCAA supplements?
The 3 BCAAs are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. They are primarily found in food sources like meat, poultry, fish, beans and lentils, dairy items, eggs, nuts and seeds (Petre, A. 2021).
What are the benefits of BCAA supplements?
Supplementing with BCAAs offers a range of benefits, with one of the most popular attributes being its ability to increase muscle growth. BCAAs can help to decrease muscle soreness after training, reduce exercise fatigue during sessions, and can prevent muscle breakdown (Van De Walle, G. 2022).
How do BCAA supplements help with muscle growth?
Leucine activates specific pathways within the body that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, which refers to the process of making muscle. BCAAs can help you build muscle, but your muscles also need all of the essential amino acids for the best results (Van De Walle, G. 2022).
How do BCAA supplements help with exercise performance?
BCAAs can support your exercise performance by helping to reduce your physical and mental fatigue while you train. BCAAs can enhance metabolism, promote cell proliferation and improve exercise performance (Dong-Hee, K et al. 2013).
How do BCAA supplements help with recovery from exercise?
BCAAs support muscle recovery by decreasing muscle soreness after training. They can reduce muscle damage and may reduce the length and severity of DOMS. BCAAs can also prevent muscle breakdown and may reduce fatigue during training (Van De Walle, G. 2022).
What are the side effects of BCAA supplements?
BCAAs should be safe when consumed in doses of up to 12 grams daily for up to 2 years. Potential side effects might include fatigue or coordination issues. They may also cause stomach problems like nausea, diarrhea, and bloating (WebMD).
Who should take BCAA supplements?
If you experience fatigue while you’re training and want to boost your exercise performance and muscle growth, BCAA supplements may help you improve your results. To decrease muscle soreness and muscle breakdown and to promote muscle growth, adding BCAAs to your stack can is another way to improve your results.
Who should not take BCAA supplements?
While BCAA supplements are typically safe, there are situations where taking BCAA may not be appropriate. To stay on the safe side, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid consuming BCAA supplements. Children should avoid supplementing with BCAAs.
BCAAs may also affect people with diabetes, branched-chain ketoaciduria, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may want to take caution when consuming BCAAs (WebMD).
When should BCAA supplements be taken?
BCAAs are versatile supplements that can be taken before, during, and after training.
What is the recommended dosage of BCAA supplements?
The recommended dosage of all 3 BCAAs combined is up to 20 grams. This is with a balanced ratio of Leucine and Isoleucine (Frank, K et al. 2022).
How often should I take BCAA supplements?
The best time to take BCAAs is before, during, or after your workout. If you are trying to build muscle, you can take them in the morning and before bed. You should follow the instructions on the nutritional panel and follow the listed dosage (Petre, A. 2021).
What are the best BCAA supplements?
If you’re looking for an effective BCAA formula, BCAA Boostby Optimum Nutrition is a refreshing formula that contains 8g of BCAAs, alongside electrolytes and 1g of L-Citrulline. This formula contains zero calories and can contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.