Effect of the BCAA

Only if all three of the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine are supplied together can there be an effective potential for muscle building and the prevention of muscle loss. If they are supplied individually, an imbalance can occur that would lead to a breakdown of protein synthesis. Supplementation of BCAA is particularly useful for training, as it can increase the intensity of training.

During training, depending on the intensity, the muscles tire after a certain time until no more power can be delivered. By taking BCAA directly after training, it is prevented that muscle mass is reduced in favour of the formation of new sugar! The amino acids leucine, valine and isoleucine have different effects: Leucine is involved in the production of sugar (glucose), therefore it can be useful to take leucine in the form of food supplements, especially in low-carbohydrate diets.

Valine stimulates insulin secretion. This regulates the blood sugar level and accelerates the absorption of amino acids into the muscles and liver. (Anabolic effect is increased) Isoleucine stimulates insulin production in the pancreas and ensures that the body’s natural nitrogen balance is maintained.

This effect is particularly important in the formation of new tissue and enables healthy growth, especially in children and young people. This effect of BCAA can also be helpful in disorders with increased protein breakdown (such as tumour diseases). In chronic liver diseases, too, care must be taken to ensure an adequate supply of BCAA, as the branched-chain amino acids can prevent the transfer of various (brain-toxic) substances into the brain (via the blood–brain barrier).

BCAAs also have an effect on the brain. For example, the reaction time can be shortened by supplementation. In addition, brain performance is increased and the brain tires more slowly.

BCAAs can also have an effect when dieting. This is because during a diet, the body is not supplied with enough nutrients, so the body burns carbohydrates and fat to produce energy, but amino acids are also needed for energy supply. On the one hand, the effect is that BCAA stimulate and optimise muscle growth or muscle protein synthesis.

On the other hand, the protein breakdown during a diet is reduced and more energy can be provided during endurance performances. However, the effect of the BCAA also depends on how they are supplied. Taking BCAA during a diet ensures that additional muscle mass is not also broken down during fat loss.

It therefore slows down the catabolic effect t and maintains muscle mass in the body. Since the amino acid leucine in particular is broken down during a diet, a sufficient intake of leucine can serve the body as a source of energy and valuable muscle protein is spared. This is also known as an anti-catabolic effect (gentle on the metabolism).