Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are naturally occurring substances which are essential for normal growth and development. The three most common BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine and valine.
Physiology
The three branched-chain amino acids are dietary substances that play a variety of biochemical and physiological roles in the body. In addition to their critical role as substrates for protein synthesis, these amino acids are important regulators of a number of cellular functions. The levels of these BCAAs are delicately controlled in the body. Exercise is associated with increased oxidation of BCAA, although they remain as a minor fuel source compared with carbohydrate or fat.
Skeletal muscle is a major site for breakdown of the BCAA. This is one major difference between the BCAAs and the other dietary amino acids which are primarily broken down in the liver or intestine.
When an individual performs exercise, carbohydrates and fats are the first to be broken down. Protein breakdown is not common during regular exercise. Only during extremes of exercise is muscle broken down to generate energy. It is widely believed that once the body is preconditioned with supplements of BCAA, these amino acids in the muscle do contribute to energy production but the exact mechanisms of breakdown is not well understood.
BodyBuilding
Bodybuilders have been seeking the one magic bullet that can increase muscle mass, strength and power. The BCAAs are not anabolic. However, they do increase strength and performance.
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