Many BCAA supplements claim to increase endurance and support muscle protein synthesis; however, such claims are based on very limited sample sizes. Always read and check the supplement facts panel before purchasing a BCAA product.
Citrulline Malate, found to improve arginine-induced amino acid responses during exercise and promote muscle protein synthesis while decreasing fatigue, is another must in any good BCAA supplement.
However, taking the supplement is not going to bring in the expected results if you have the following misconceptions.
They’re fat burners
Though BCAAs can help reduce muscle breakdown during weight loss, they won’t necessarily help your body to increase fat burning on their own.
To accomplish this, consuming a balanced diet consisting of protein and other amino acids as well as adequate calories may be more beneficial.
BCAAs may help protect muscles against fatigue and injury by inhibiting proteolysis (the breakdown of proteins for energy) without altering insulin levels, making this supplement useful during long workouts or when your carbohydrate stores have become low, as is often the case among athletes.
Amino Acids play an integral part in many bodily processes, from muscle synthesis and the production of hormones and enzymes to maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Amino acids also keep muscles hydrated during exercise sessions to prevent fatigue from overexertion.
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are key building blocks of protein. Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine are essential in stimulating muscle protein synthesis;
BCAAs also increase the recycling of essential amino acids from protein breakdown into muscle protein synthesis for up to 15% increase in muscle protein synthesis.
BCAA Burn is an effective way to maximize gains at the gym and help accelerate fat loss between training sessions. Not only will BCAAs protect muscles while giving you increased energy, but they may also boost metabolism and assist with recovery between workouts.
They’re a weight loss supplement
BCAAs have quickly become a go-to supplement among many gym goers.
Comprised of three essential amino acids that form protein and promote muscle growth through protein synthesis, BCAA supplements have proven effective for decreasing fatigue and increasing workout intensity – making them especially helpful among athletes looking to lose weight and enhance performance.
But it is important to remember that while eating high-protein foods and taking BCAAs may help with weight loss, they should not be the sole means.
If you are overweight or obese, healthy eating and exercise are still your best bet when it comes to losing weight effectively. Always seek medical advice before beginning any weight loss or supplementation program.
Even though high-protein foods and BCAAs can boost metabolism, it’s still important to eat balanced meals and limit junk food.
Furthermore, BCAAs can be toxic in large doses; excessive consumption may damage kidneys and livers and interact negatively with medications or supplements used to manage blood sugar and pressure levels.
Undoubtedly, eating healthily and maintaining muscle mass are the keys to losing weight and maintaining lean mass; however, BCAA supplements may provide additional help if you’re having difficulty with your diet.
They may help build muscle faster while burning off more fat quicker, but don’t view them as “miracle pills” when it comes to weight loss.
They’re a muscle-builder
BCAAs are one of the most beloved supplements in fitness circles.
Found almost everywhere from supplement aisles to results-savvy lifters and athletes’ stacks, these amino acid supplements help stimulate muscle protein synthesis while fighting fatigue; although not directly impactful on muscle growth they can provide an invaluable supplement that boosts efforts by using multiple supplements with diet plans to foster success.
Frontiers in Physiology recently published a study suggesting that BCAA supplements may not be as effective as once believed.
Researchers put 10 trained lifters through an experiment where they consumed either placebo or BCAA drinks before performing one-rep max leg presses and extensions as well as muscle biopsies; after which, their MPS increased, but not nearly as significantly when compared to when similar ratio whey protein shake was consumed instead.
The reason is, that BCAAs don’t contain all the amino acids necessary for muscle growth; even though they’re great at initiating protein synthesis, to build your muscles you must consume all other necessary amino acids as well as daily protein consumption.
They’re a recovery supplement
Many individuals seeking to build muscle and meet fitness goals take BCAA supplements, believing that these will assist with muscle building. Unfortunately, however, they could be misinterpreting the facts.
BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) consist of three amino acids with molecular structures similar to leucine, isoleucine, and valine that have been shown to increase protein synthesis;
however, they cannot replace an entire protein source such as whey protein as per Katsanos & colleagues’ study wherein taking equal amounts of leucine + isoleucine had greater effects than supplementation containing leucine + isoleucine = muscle protein synthesis increases more than taking an equal supplement containing leucine+isoleucine!
BCAAs may stimulate muscle glucose absorption and have some anti-catabolic benefits; they also lower brain serotonin levels, leading to depression, anxiety, insomnia, carb cravings, and attention issues.
Furthermore, BCAAs interfere with our natural production of insulin resulting in decreased output by our bodies.
Additionally, studies that claim BCAAs help ease muscle soreness are generally flawed and funded by supplement companies.
Most compare them with placebo rather than protein sources and contain calories which should be avoided when trying to lose weight; I recommend opting for something like whey protein powder or having a protein-rich meal before your workout rather than BCAAs as alternatives.
Jean Smith is a fitness enthusiast and blogger who focuses on fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She is passionate about assisting people in living healthier lifestyles and is constantly on the lookout for new and creative methods to stay fit and healthy. Her articles are excellent resources for anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.