BCAA – How It Works

By now, it had been established by research that BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) is one very important supplementary nutrient in intensive physical fitness programs like body-building and athletic activities for building muscles.

Researches had supported that the use of these supplements had been useful in gaining skeletal muscles. Likewise, it had also been proven that it aids in maintaining the mass on a calorie-deficit diets. At present, they are most helpful to those body-building competitors who want their physiques lean enough. BCAA

Characteristics

In essence, this is a group of essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) comprising 35% of the body’s muscle protein. They are classified as essential although they have to be obtained from outside sources for the body to be able to use them.

They come from natural food but today they are manufactured by big nutrition companies in the most scientific and stringent ways. For the most part, they are part of the large group that makes building blocks of proteins for the body.

Power source

These branched-chain amino acids help in preserving glycogen stores, the main fuel source for the muscles. In addition, they also aid in minimizing the breakdown of proteins that happens mostly in intense workout sessions at the gym.   

In the course of the workouts, these branched-chain amino acids literally fuel the skeletal muscles. As supplement, they help the body preserve its glycogen store. Since the glycogen is the primary source of fuel for the muscles, it has now a reliable source of energy to tap into in the workout process.

With this, the body is kept from breaking down muscle proteins for energy use.  It is beneficial in two ways: it helps sustain the muscles and it protects them. For the body-builder, the increased energy is translated into more reps (repetitions) in their routines.

Benefits

The branched chain amino acids stimulate the muscle-protein synthesis. This is the metabolic process when the body creates new muscle protein.

With increased consumption, the body gets more benefits.  For one, it decreases of the protein breakdown pathway. They also help decrease the expression of several complexes involved in protein breakdown.

With the increase of the synthesis coupled with the decrease in breakdowns, there is muscle gain as a result (or at least maintaining the same). When the synthesis rate equals that of the breakdown, there is no gain or loss in muscles. If the synthesis is higher than the breakdown, there is muscle growth.

Recovery

These amino acids also help in enhancing the recovery of the muscle proteins after an intense workout. This is true especially when there is also carbs in the consumption. (The leucine in the compound is the main performer.)

The nutrient has a role in regulating genetic signaling pathways involved in muscle protein synthesis. In the chain, the mixes usually have higher ratio of leucine to isoleucine and valine.

BCAA can also help in getting more intense workout. During the routines, serotonin levels can rise and makes you feel fatigued and unable to push harder. The branched chain amino acids reduce the serotonin. This allows you to work harder and longer.