Role of Amino Acids

Of all the amino acids, medical studies have shown that leucine, valine, and isoleucine, collectively referred to as branched-chain amino acids, are the most crucial in optimal muscle growth, increased energy levels, and enhanced athletic performance. Branched-chain amino acid supplements are essential nutrients that the body obtains from proteins found in food, especially meat, dairy products, and legumes. They include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Branched-chain refers to the chemical structure of these amino acids. People use branched-chain amino acids for medicine. Basically, essential amino acids are never produced by the human body. You must acquire them from complete protein food sources such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products and legumes like quinoa; or combination of incomplete vegetable sources. On the other hand, non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body from vitamins and other amino acids.

Because branch chain amino acid supplements are so important to muscle tissue, and because they help maintain blood sugar levels, it’s important to get enough to support your workouts. Consuming a carbohydrate, protein, and amino acid beverage during and after training can induce an insulin response, which helps transport branch chain amino supplements into cells. However, availability of leucine is more important than insulin. Within the muscle cell there’s one particular regulatory pathway for protein synthesis that’s stimulated by insulin, but dependent on leucine. In other words, protein synthesis and hence muscle rebuilding depends on how much leucine is available. And since BCAA levels decline with exercise, it makes sense to supplement with them during and/or after workouts

Very few of the studies out there have looked at what happens when you give branch chain amino acid supplements to people who are already eating enough protein. The study that looked at the effect of branch chain amino acid supplements on the testosterone: cortisol ratio actually excluded subjects who were eating more than 0.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight per day. People can’t assume that the results will apply to people who are already consuming “adequate” amounts of protein. Unlike other bodybuilding supplements that flood the market, branch chain amino supplements are relatively safer to take on a continuous basis as they are metabolized by muscle tissues and not the liver. There are no common negative side effects for BCAAs when taken as directed. The most important consideration when buying branch chain amino supplements play several other roles in your body too.

Your body can use them as building blocks for protein and muscle. They may also be involved in regulating your blood sugar levels by preserving liver and muscle sugar stores and stimulating your cells to take in sugar from your bloodstream. Moreover, branch chain amino supplements may help reduce the fatigue you feel during exercise by reducing the production of serotonin in your brain. Choose a product which is developed by a reputable brand.

Never go for cheaper, lesser known brands because you want the good stuff, and we’ve all heard the news reports lately about shady supplement companies. Stick to the big and safe brands, and you’ll be building big muscles of your own.