Products
BCAA are commercially available as dietary supplements in the form of capsules and powder, among others.
Structure and properties
BCAA stands for Branched-Chain Amino Acids, which are the branched-chain amino acids. These are:
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Valine
The BCAA are aliphatic and hydrophobic and belong to the essential amino acids, which means that they are not formed by the body itself and must be ingested with food. BCAA are found, for example, in meat, dairy products and whey protein.
Effects
BCAA are important components of the muscles and, unlike other amino acids, can also be oxidized in the muscle. On the one hand, they serve as a source of energy and on the other hand, they promote protein synthesis (anabolic effect). Leucine in particular is associated with muscle building and inhibition of breakdown. BCAA are said to promote athletic performance, counteract fatigue and facilitate regeneration.
Indications for use
As a dietary supplement, for sports and muscle building and maintenance.
