BCAA Force
Branch Chain Amino Acids
FORM: 120 Capsules
There has been a lot of research over
the years performed on the metabolism, muscle growth and use of
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and
L-Valine to regulate them. BCAAs make up a considerable portion
of muscle tissue, and are 'essential' amino acids because the
body cannot make them itself; they have to be taken in as a
food, converted to, or taken in a supplemental format. There are
many applications for these amino acids; they have even been
used in hospitals to help patients recover from post surgical
trauma. Athletes from all over the world have also come to
depend on the ability of BCAAs to help prevent the muscle
wasting that is known to be associated with the trauma that
comes from heavy exercise. This is why they are so useful; they
re-establish systemic balance and help to restore muscle tissue
back to its super compensated pre-stress state.
Exercise and stress in general takes a big toll on the body over
time. Working out is a stress that is far and above what the
body is used to dealing with, and since in some circles BCAAs
are known as the 'stress amino acids', they may help the body
recuperate faster and maintain balance. When the body is under a
lot of stress its need for protein goes up, and this has a
direct effect on protein metabolism and the prevention of
catabolism or what is more commonly known as muscle breakdown.
So, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the breakdown of
muscle to the point where the athlete becomes over trained, or
the individual becomes over stressed and starts to develop
pathological symptoms. The goal of athletes and the public in
general is to be able to increase the body's adaptive
capabilities, to grow get or stay healthy and to compensate for
the stress. The tissue sparing capabilities of BCAAs is well
documented, and if you have ever seen someone that is under a
constant amount of stress, they will look emaciated and drawn.
An advantage of taking BCAAs is to help prevent muscle wasting,
and they do this because they are very rapidly absorbed during
digestion and go directly to the muscle tissue where they are
needed.
BCAAs have also been shown to increase the production of
insulin, which increases the uptake of blood sugar and other
amino acids, this also enhances protein synthesis and decreases
recuperation times. And since BCAAs are metabolized differently
than other amino acids, and are broken down in the muscle and
not the liver; when stored sources of sugar are depleted in the
muscle these amino acids are available to assist in a number of
systemic reactions that are needed for energy and growth. All
three BCAAs have to be available at the same time to ensure
maximum utilization and should be taken on an empty stomach, due
to the fact that they actively compete with other amino acids
for uptake and utilization.
REFERENCES:
- Blomstrand E, Ek S, Newsholme EA. Influence of ingesting a
solution of branched-chain amino acids on plasma and muscle
concentrations of amino acids during prolonged submaximal
exercise. Nutrition 1996; 12:485-90.
- MacLean DA, Graham TE, Saltin B. Branched-chain amino acids
augment ammonia metabolism while attenuating protein breakdown
during exercise. Am J Physiol 1994; 267:E1010-22
- Kelly GS. Sports nutrition: a review of selected nutritional
supplements for bodybuilders and strength athletes. Med Rev
1997; 2:184-201.
- Kato M, Miwa Y, Tajika M, et al. Preferential use of
branched-chain amino acids as an energy substrate in patients
with liver cirrhosis. Intern Med 1998;37:429-34.
- Soreide E, Skeie B, Kirvela O, et al. Branched-chain amino
acid in chronic renal failure patients: respiratory and sleep
effects. Kidney Int 1991; 40:539-43
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