
Branched-chain amino acids (bcaa)
Scientific names: 2-amino-3-methylvaleric acid, 2-amino-4-methylvaleric acid, 2-amino-3-methylbutanoic acid
Alternate names: Acide Isovalérique de Leucine, Acides Aminés à Chaîne Ramifiée, Acides Aminés Ramifiés, Aminoacidos Con Cadenas Laterales Ramificadas, BCAA, BCAAs, Branched-Chain Amino Acid, Branched Chain Amino Acid, Branched Chain Amino Acid Therapy, Branched Chain Amino Acids, Isoleucine, Isoleucine Ethyl Ester HCl, Leucine, Leucine Ethyl Ester HCl, Leucine Isovaleric Acid, Leucine Methyl Ester HCl, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Leucine Pyroglutamate, L-Valine, N-Acetyl Leucine, N-Acétyl Leucine, Valine
Actions: Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Cardiovascular effect, Enhanced athletic performance and endurance, Neurologic/CNS, Role in protein synthesis
Background
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential nutrients including leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They're found in meat, dairy, and legumes.
BCAAs stimulate the building of protein in muscle and possibly reduce muscle breakdown. The "Branched-chain" refers to the chemical structure of these amino acids.
BCAAs are used for reduced brain function in people with advanced liver disease and for a movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs. They are also commonly used to improve athletic performance, prevent fatigue, reduce muscle breakdown, and other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to support these other uses.
BCAAs stimulate the building of protein in muscle and possibly reduce muscle breakdown. The "Branched-chain" refers to the chemical structure of these amino acids.
BCAAs are used for reduced brain function in people with advanced liver disease and for a movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs. They are also commonly used to improve athletic performance, prevent fatigue, reduce muscle breakdown, and other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to support these other uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: BCAAs are likely safe when used in doses of 12 grams daily for up to 2 years. It might cause some side effects, such as fatigue and loss of coordination. BCAAs should be used cautiously before or during activities that require motor coordination, such as driving. BCAAs might also cause stomach problems, including nausea, diarrhea, and bloating.
Children: BCAAs are likely safe when taken in food amounts. They are possibly safe when taken by children in larger doses for up to 6 months.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig disease): BCAA supplements have been linked with lung failure and higher death rates when used in patients with ALS. If you have ALS, do not use BCAA supplements until more is known.
Branched-chain ketoaciduria: People with this condition can experience seizures and severe delays in mental and physical development when BCAAs are consumed. Don't use BCAAs if you have this condition.
Diabetes: BCAA supplements might affect blood sugar levels. Watch for signs of low or high blood sugar and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and take BCAA supplements.
Surgery: BCAA supplements might affect blood sugar levels, and this might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using BCAA supplements at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if BCAA supplements are safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.Children: BCAAs are likely safe when taken in food amounts. They are possibly safe when taken by children in larger doses for up to 6 months.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig disease): BCAA supplements have been linked with lung failure and higher death rates when used in patients with ALS. If you have ALS, do not use BCAA supplements until more is known.
Branched-chain ketoaciduria: People with this condition can experience seizures and severe delays in mental and physical development when BCAAs are consumed. Don't use BCAAs if you have this condition.
Diabetes: BCAA supplements might affect blood sugar levels. Watch for signs of low or high blood sugar and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and take BCAA supplements.
Surgery: BCAA supplements might affect blood sugar levels, and this might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using BCAA supplements at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Reduced brain function in people with advanced liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). Taking BCAAs by mouth seems to improve liver function in people with poor brain function caused by liver disease.
- A movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia). Taking BCAAs by mouth seems to reduce symptoms of this condition in adults and children taking antipsychotic drugs.
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- Lou Gehrig disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS). Taking BCAAs by mouth is not beneficial in people with ALS. In fact, it might make lung function worse and increase the chance of death in people with this condition.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- Liver cancer. Taking up to 50 grams of BCAAs by mouth twice daily for up to one year does not seem to improve outcomes in people with liver cancer who have had surgery.
Dosing & administration
BCAAs are important nutrients found in protein sources such as meat, dairy, and legumes. It's estimated that adults should consume about 68 mg/kg daily (leucine 34 mg/kg, isoleucine 15 mg/kg, valine 19 mg/kg). But other estimates suggest that adults might actually need 144 mg/kg daily. Recommended amounts for children depend on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Levodopa
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
BCAA supplements can decrease how much levodopa is absorbed by the intestines or brain. By decreasing levodopa absorption, BCAAs can decrease the effects of levodopa.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
BCAA supplements might lower blood sugar levels. Taking BCAAs along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
View all productsPer serve (Grape):
Per 10 g (Tropical):
Per 30 g:
Per serve (Chocolate):
- Egg albumen powder
- Natural flavours
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Theobroma cacao
Per 12 g (Juicy Peach):
- L-leucine 2 g
- L-leucine
- L-valine 1 g
- Total Amino blend Amino9™ 2 g
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine 1 g
- L-isoleucine
- L-histidine
- L-lysine
- L-methionine
- L-phenylalanine
- L-threonine
- L-tryptophan
- L-glutamine 1 g
- NordicCherry™ tart cherry extract (Nordic cherry) 250 mg
- Curcumin (Turmeric) 50 mg equiv. curcuminoids 47.5 mg
- Sodium chloride (Salt)
- Potassium chloride
- Calcium citrate
- Magnesium sulphate
- Ananas comosus (Bromelain) 25 mg
- Polyphenolic fulvic minerals (Cell Charge™) 10 mg
- Natural flavours
- Citric acid monohydrate
- Stevia rebaubiana
Per 35 g:
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine
- Oryza sativa protein (sprout) bio-fermented (Brown rice)
- Golden pea protein (sprout) bio-fermented
- Coconut protein
- Pumpkin seed protein
- Natural flavours
- Acacia sp. (fibre)
- Apple pectin
- Inulin (Dietary fibre)
- Cocoa powder 1.05 g
- L-glutamine
- Sunflower seed extract
- MCT powder
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Arctic sea algae
- Sea Salt
- Protease
- Amylase enzyme
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
- Bacillus coagulans (GBI-30) (GanedenBC30®) 1 billion CFU
- Stevia rebaubiana (Steviol glycosides)
- Cinnamomum spp.
Per 35 g:
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine
- Oryza sativa protein (sprout) bio-fermented (Brown rice)
- Golden pea protein (sprout) bio-fermented
- Coconut protein
- Pumpkin seed protein
- Natural flavours
- Acacia sp. (gum)
- Apple pectin
- Inulin (Dietary fibre)
- MCT powder
- L-glutamine
- Sunflower seed extract
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Arctic sea algae
- Sea Salt
- Protease
- Amylase enzyme
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
- Lucuma
- Vanilla planifolia (bean) 70 mg
- Bacillus coagulans (GBI-30) (GanedenBC30®) 1 billion CFU
- Stevia rebaubiana (Steviol glycosides)
- Cinnamomum spp.
Per 35 g:
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine
- Oryza sativa protein (sprout) bio-fermented (Brown rice)
- Golden pea protein (sprout) bio-fermented
- Coconut protein
- Pumpkin seed protein
- Acacia sp. (gum)
- Apple pectin
- Inulin (Dietary fibre)
- L-glutamine
- MCT powder
- Lucuma 700 mg
- Sunflower seed extract
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Arctic sea algae
- Sea Salt
- Protease
- Amylase enzyme
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt 175 mg
- Bacillus coagulans (GBI-30) (GanedenBC30®) 1 billion CFU
- Stevia rebaubiana (Steviol glycosides)
- Cinnamomum spp.
Per 7 g (Lemonade):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine
- Schisandra chinensis ext. equiv. dry 2.5 g
- L-methionine
- L-threonine
- L-lysine
- L-phenylalanine
- L-histidine
- L-tryptophan
- Calcium citrate
- Magnesium bisglycinate
- Flavour
- Silica - colloidal anhydrous
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Potassium citrate
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P)
- Methylcobalamin (Activated B12)
- Stevia rebaubiana
Per 10 g (Strawberry Lime):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine
- L-glutamine
- Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry) 2 g
- Citrus aurantiifolia (Lime) 1.6 g
- Arctic sea algae
- Sea Salt
- Beta vulgaris (root) powder (Beetroot)
- Quinoa (sprout) powder
- Sunflower seed extract
- Withania somnifera
- Thaumatin
- Natural flavours
Per 10 g (Mixed Berry):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine
- Hydroxyproline
- Hyaluronic acid sodium salt (Sodium hyaluronate)
- Astaxanthin
- Malpighia glabra (fruit) ext.
- L-lysine
- Glutamine
- L-threonine
- Taurine
- DL-phenylalanine
- L-methionine
- L-tryptophan
- L-histidine
- Natural flavours
- Malic acid
- Sunflower lecithin
- Daucus carota
- Hibiscus sabdariffa
- Thaumatin
Per 30 g (Creamy Vanilla):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine
- Pea protein isolate
- Vaccinium corymbosum powder
- Rubus idaeus powder
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Medium chain triglycerides (goMCT®️)
- Natural flavours
- Linum usitatissimum (seed) (Flaxseed)
- Plantago ovata (husk) (Psyllium)
- Sunflower seed
- Quinoa powder
- Amaranth powder
- Buckwheat powder
- L-glutamine
- L-Carnitine
- Stevia rebaubiana
Per 36 g (Chocolate Fudge):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- L-isoleucine
- Oryza sativa (Brown rice)
- Vicia faba (Fava bean protein)
- Pumpkin seed protein
- Cannabis sativa (seed)
- L-glutamine
- L-glycine
- L-threonine
- L-arginine
- Cocoa powder 3.24 g
- Natural flavours
- Malus powder (Apple)
- Acacia sp. (fibre)
- Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk fruit)
- Medium Chain Triglycerides
- Xanthan gum
- Eleutherococcus senticosus
- Coffea canephora
- Camellia sinensis
- Magnesium citrate
- Zinc gluconate
- Ferrous fumarate (Iron)
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt
- Laminaria digitara (Kelp)
- Ananas comosus (Bromelain)
- Carica papaya (Papain)
- Vitamin D
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Per 48 g:
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Soy lecithin
- Cocoa powder
- Medium Chain Triglycerides
- Calcium phosphate dibasic
- Flavour
- Magnesium citrate
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Calcium citrate
- Zinc gluconate
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Beta-carotene (Carotenoids)
- Chromium chloride
- Ferrous fumarate (Iron)
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E)
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Sodium selenite (Selenium)
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Biotin
- Potassium iodide (Iodine)
- Sodium molybdate (Molybdenum)
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Copper sulphate
- Manganese citrate
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
- Folic acid
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
Per 48 g:
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Flavour
- Medium Chain Triglycerides
- Calcium phosphate dibasic
- Magnesium citrate
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Calcium citrate
- Zinc gluconate
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Beta-carotene (Carotenoids)
- Chromium chloride
- Ferrous fumarate (Iron)
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E)
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Copper sulphate
- Magnesium citrate
- Cholecalciferol
- Folic acid
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Sodium selenite (Selenium)
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Biotin
- Potassium iodide (Iodine)
- Sodium molybdate (Molybdenum)
- Soy lecithin
- Stevia rebaubiana (Steviol glycosides)
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This monograph was last reviewed on 20/04/2022 22:16:24 and last updated on 23/10/2020 02:43:03. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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