What is BCAA?

The phrase branched-chain amino acids or BCAA is sometimes used to refer to the amino acids having aliphatic side-chains that are non-linear. These are leucine, isoleucine and valine.

The combination of these three essential amino acids make up approximately 1/3 of skeletal muscle in the human body, and play an important role in protein synthesis. BCAA’s are currently used clinically to aid in the recovery of burn victims, as well as for supplementation for strength athletes.

Description of Pathway:
The BCAAs affect this metabolic pathway in three different manners. The first manner through which the metabolic pathway is affected is the increased production of insulin. It has been demonstrated that BCAA supplementation in accordance with carbohydrate intake following resistance exercise increases insulin output by 221%, which is much greater than the 66% supplementation without leucine.

Leucine is the most readily oxidized BCAA and therefore the most effective at causing insulin secretion from the pancreas, and stimulating the metabolic pathway. This is important because insulin is the initiating factor that begins the signalling cascade. The second effect is outlined with the red arrows clearly indicating a phosphorylation cascade beginning with the activation of the Ras Rhed and ending with rpS6. The importance of rpS6 is that it induces mRNA translation.

This translation leads to the production of proteins to build muscle. The other side of the pathway indicated by the blue arrow induces the action of eIF4G. This initiation factor causes the binding of mRNA within the ribosome thus providing the initial products needed for translation. This leads down to the final product via protein binding and phosphorylation, resulting in eIF4E which induces mRNA translation which in turn leads to chain elongation, and termination, resulting in net protein growth.

Best used with:
It is best to take BCAA along with whole proteins, such as lean meat or poultry, as well as multiple vitamins and minerals, especially the B group vitamins.

When more may be required:
It has been shown that branched chain amino acids help with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), maintaining muscle strength, while individuals with liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy) may benefit from intravenous administration of BCAA's.

During periods of physical stress, such as intense weight lifting and running, the body can enter a catabolic state – that is a state in which muscle tissue is broken down.

When this happens, supplements of BCAA's – specially leucine and its derivatives ketoisocaproate (KIC) and hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) may be beneficial in reducing protein breakdown, yet do not influence body composition nor enhance exercise performance.

Post-operative use of branched chain amino acids may help reduce muscle loss.

Food sources of branched chain amino acids:
Dairy and red meat are good sources of BCAA's, as well as whey, protein and eggs.

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