Branched Chain Amino Acid Supplement

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A branched chain amino acid supplement (BCAA) may be used by bodybuilders to decrease fatigue and increase alertness, as well as by liver patients under the direction of their physician.

Branched chain amino acids are so named because of their appearance. When drawn out in their chemical configuration, they look like a tree limb with numerous small branches coming off them. Scientists first identified these amino acids in the 1940’s. Numerous experiments with rats and other animals demonstrated a noticeable improvement in muscle mass in mammals taking these amino acid supplements.

During very strenuous exercise, such as weight lifting, body building and similar exercises, the body can enter what is called a catabolic state. This means that not enough energy is available, so the body begins breaking down muscle tissue. Taking a branched chain amino acid supplement may prevent this and speed recovery time as well as muscle development.

Researchers have identified just three branched chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Each performs different functions in the body.

Leucine, the first of the three identified branched chain amino acids, is thought to prevent muscle loss and decrease appetite. It’s one of the eight amino acids that cannot be made in the human body. The only way to get enough leucine for your needs is to eat foods containing leucine. Fortunately, leucine is found in many foods. Sources of leucine include meat, chicken, pork, fish, peanuts, almonds, soy, eggs, chickpeas, lentils and milk.

Isoleucine, the second of the three branched chain amino acids, also cannot be made by the human body. Isoleucine helps muscles recover quickly after a strenuous workshop. Like its cousins leucine and valine, it also helps build and repair muscle tissue. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and blood clotting. You can find plenty of isoleucine in such foods as cottage cheese, fish, meat, poultry and peanuts.

The last of the three amino acids found in a branched chain amino acid supplement is valine. Valine also helps build and repair muscle tissue, but it has the unique effect of balancing nitrogen levels in the body. Food sources of valine include beef, chicken, pork, grains, peanuts and mushrooms.

Many bodybuilders and serious athletes take branched chain amino acid supplements to ward off fatigue and build strong muscles. Consider the following facts before taking these supplements.

Doctors caution patients with several medical conditions against taking these supplements. If you have any of the following disease, talk to your doctor before taking branched chain amino acid supplements.

• Kidney disease of any kind
• Impaired kidney function or only one kidney
• High blood pressure
• Disease affecting blood vessels
• “Maple Syrup Urine Disease”, a condition in which the body can’t metabolize leucine, isoleucine and valine.

You should also exercise caution when taking supplements with prescription medications. Many medications and supplements can cause negative reactions.

Allergic reactions to branched chain amino acid supplements are rare, but can occur. Usually they occur because of a dye or preservative in the supplement formula, rather than amino acids themselves. Symptoms of such a reaction include rashes, weakness, swelling, vomiting and dizziness. Seek medical attention and stop taking the supplement immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

It’s possible to overdo any supplement, and some people have been known to overdose on branched chain amino acid supplements. Symptoms of too much of these amino acids include a crawling sensation on the skin (usually indicates too much valine). Taking a balance BCAA supplement can prevent too much valine. Always follow the manufacturer's directions and dose information.

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