Branched chain amino acid

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Branched chain amino acids or BCAAs are a group of amino acids often sold as nutritional supplements. The three branched chain amino acids are valine, leucine and isoleucine.[1]

Potential uses

Theory

Evidence

Limited studies of BCAA supplementation have shown BCAAs reduce pain from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) caused by excessive muscle use in untrained healthy adults, BCAA supplementation reduced muscle damage during both muscle overuse and endurance exercise.[2][3] However, DOMS occurs is healthy people and is not the same as post-exertional malaise.

Clinicians

Risks and side effects

Clinical trials of increased dietary BCAAs or BCAA supplements have not been carried out in ME/CFS patients. Risks, safety, side effects and potential benefits are unknown.

Costs and availability

Learn more

See also

References

  1. van der Poll, MCG; Luiking, YC; Dejong, CHC; Soeters, PB (September 2, 2009). "Amino Acids". In Caballero, Benjamin (ed.). Guide to Nutritional Supplements. Oxford, UK: Academic Press. pp. 7–8. ISBN 978-0-12-375661-9.
  2. Shimomura, Yoshiharu; Inaguma, Asami; Watanabe, Satoko; Yamamoto, Yuko; Muramatsu, Yuji; Bajotto, Gustavo; Sato, Juichi; Shimomura, Noriko; Kobayashi, Hisamine; Mawatari, Kazunori (June 1, 2010). "Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation Before Squat Exercise and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness". International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 20 (3): 236–244. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.20.3.236. ISSN 1543-2742.
  3. Greer, Beau Kjerulf; Woodard, John L.; White, Jim P.; Arguello, Eric M.; Haymes, Emily M. (December 1, 2007). "Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation and Indicators of Muscle Damage after Endurance Exercise". International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 17 (6): 595–607. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.17.6.595. ISSN 1543-2742.