Branch Chain Amino Acids

Branch Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) is the name given to three of the nine essential amino acids needed to make protein i.e. leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are called branch chain because their structure has a branch off the main trunk of the molecule. The combination of these three essential amino acids makes up approximately one third of skeletal muscle in the human body. As we all know, proteins plays a big role in supplying the bodies with the energy required, it is always advisable to make sure that our bodies contain a good amount of it. Branch chain amino acids are required by the body in order to maintain its health by giving us the nutrients that we need for energy.

There are two different types of amino acids i.e. the essential and the non essential ones. Essential amino acids are the ones that are required by the body but the body is not able to produce them naturally and so they are derived from different sources. Non essential amino acids are the ones that are produced by our bodies. Branch Chain Amino Acids falls under the essential amino acids and this means that we have to get them from other sources. Sources for this type of essential amino acids are vegetables and other foods that are rich in protein. Supplementations of BCAA’s are of essential importance to athletes due to their ability to alleviate any deficiencies that the body alone cannot produce. BCAA's have also been known in reducing fatigue in both anaerobic and endurance sports. It has also been noted that leucine may be the most critical BCAA because of its anti-catabolic properties and vital role in protein synthesis.

Leucine is the most effective when it comes to insulin secretion from the pancreas as it is the most readily iodized branch chain amino acids. It also aids in the growth of hormone production as well as lowering the blood sugar levels. In conjunction with the other two branch amino acids, leucine promotes the healing of the bones, muscle tissue, the skin and is often recommended for patients recovering from surgery. Food sources for leucine include whole meat, soy flour, nuts, beans and brown rice.

Isoleucine is needed for hemoglobin formation. It also stabilizes and regulates the blood sugar and energy levels. When combined with the other two branch amino acids, they do increase the endurance and aid in the repair of healing of the muscle tissue making them an important tool for athletics. Isoleucine deficiency can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of hypoglycemia. Isoleucine can be found in foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, meat, rye, almonds, cashews, chickpeas, lentils, soy protein and most seeds.

Valine aids in muscle metabolism, maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in the body as well as repairing the muscle tissue. It is also helpful in treating gallbladder and liver diseases. Valine is also good for correcting severe amino acid deficiency which can be cause by drug addiction. Excessive high level of valine can lead to symptoms such as a crawling sensation in the skin and possibly cause hallucinations. Branch Chain Amino Acids are also currently used clinically to aid in the recovery of burn victims, and because the metabolic breakdown is accelerated when an individual is afflicted with a wasting disease such as cancer, AIDS, or end-stage kidney failure, BCAA along with glutamine and medium-chain triglycerides are often used by progressive surgeons as intravenous support for their critically ill patients.