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
NatMed Pro 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
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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-histidine
- L-isoleucine
- L-lysine
- L-methionine
- L-phenylalanine
- L-threonine
- L-tryptophan
- L-glutamine 1 g
- Sodium chloride (Salt)
- Potassium chloride
- Calcium citrate
- Magnesium sulphate
- Ananas comosus (Bromelain) 25 mg
- Natural flavours
- Citric acid monohydrate
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Polyphenolic fulvic minerals 10 mg
- Tart cherry extract 250 mg
- Curcuma longa 50 mg
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Per 37 g:
- L-leucine 1.68 g
- L-valine 450 mg
- Glutamine 2.22 g
- Lysine hydrochloride 451.03 mg equiv. lysine 361 mg
- L-isoleucine 450 mg
- L-phenylalanine 200 mg
- L-threonine 200 mg
- Cysteine hydrochloride 45 mg equiv. cysteine 31.04 mg
- L-methionine 120 mg
- L-tyrosine 112.5 mg
- Histidine hydrochloride 185.25 mg equiv. l-histidine 150 mg
- L-aspartic acid 111 mg
- L-proline 111 mg
- L-serine 27.75 mg
- Glycine 27.75 mg
- L-alanine 27.75 mg
- Taurine 11 mg
- Levocarnitine tartrate (L-carnitine) 10.99 mg equiv. levocarnitine 7.5 mg
- Potassium citrate 402.6 mg equiv. potassium 145.74 mg
- Magnesium citrate 167.09 mg equiv. magnesium 27 mg
- Magnesium glycerophosphate 49.99 mg equiv. magnesium 6.25 mg
- Calcium phosphate 62.64 mg equiv. calcium 25 mg
- Calcium glycerophosphate 393.27 mg equiv. calcium 75 mg
- Ferrous fumarate 45.6 mg equiv. iron 1.5 mg
- Manganese sulphate monohydrate 1.02 g equiv. manganese 330 µg
- Zinc sulphate monohydrate 5.74 mg equiv. zinc 2.08 mg
- Selenomethionine 28.64 µg equiv. selenium 11.54 µg
- Copper sulfate pentahydrate 656.27 µg equiv. copper 167 µg
- Molybdenum trioxide 12 µg equiv. molybdenum 8 µg
- Chromic chloride hexahydrate 46.95 µg equiv. chromium 9.16 µg
- Chromium picolinate 30.89 µg equiv. chromium 3.84 µg
- Potassium iodide 22.25 µg equiv. iodine 17 µg
- Borax 2.2 mg equiv. boron 250 µg
- Choline bitartrate 80.84 mg equiv. choline 33.25 mg
- Sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C) 22.5 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 20 mg
- dl-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate 10 mg equiv. vitamin E 10 IU
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 3.25 mg
- Retinol palmitate 418.58 µg equiv. vitamin A 767 IU
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 790 µg equiv. pyridoxine 650 µg
- Cholecalciferol 1.65 µg equiv. vitamin D3 66 IU
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 500 µg
- Thiamine nitrate (Vitamin B1) 616.83 µg equiv. thiamine 500 µg
- Folic acid 31.27 µg
- Biotin 50 µg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 3.53 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 3.25 mg
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) 10 µg
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 2 µg
- Glucose monohydrate (Dextrose) 12.5 g
- Sunflower lecithin 250 mg
- Levomefolate glucosamine (Activated folate) 8 µg equiv. levomefolic acid 4.5 µg
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (powder) (MCT) 3 g
Practitioner product
Per 35.2 g:
- L-leucine 1.67 g
- L-valine 450 mg
- L-glutamine 2.22 g
- Lysine hydrochloride 451.02 mg equiv. l-lysine 361 mg
- L-isoleucine 450 mg
- L-phenylalanine 200 mg
- L-threonine 200 mg
- Cysteine hydrochloride 180.82 mg equiv. cysteine 139 mg
- L-methionine 120 mg
- L-tyrosine 112.5 mg
- Histidine hydrochloride 185.22 mg equiv. l-histidine 150 mg
- L-aspartic acid 111 mg
- L-proline 111 mg
- L-serine 27.75 mg
- L-alanine 27.75 mg
- Glycine 27.75 mg
- Taurine 11 mg
- Zinc sulphate monohydrate 5.7 mg equiv. zinc 2.08 mg
- Sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C) 22.5 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 20 mg
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate 10.5 mg equiv. vitamin E 10 IU
- Retinol palmitate (Vitamin A) 462 µg equiv. vitamin A 252 µg equiv. vitamin A 833.33 IU
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 2 µg
- Carnitine tartrate 10.99 mg equiv. l-carnitine 7.5 mg
- Potassium citrate 402.65 mg equiv. potassium 145.75 mg
- Magnesium citrate 166.67 mg equiv. magnesium 26.99 mg
- Ferrous fumarate 4.6 mg equiv. iron 1.5 mg
- Manganese sulphate monohydrate 10.14 mg equiv. manganese 0.33 mg
- Selenomethionine 28.59 µg equiv. selenium 11.54 µg
- Copper sulfate pentahydrate 654.7 µg equiv. copper 167 µg
- Molybdenum trioxide 10.56 µg equiv. molybdenum 8 µg
- Chromium picolinate 105.6 µg equiv. chromium 13 µg
- Potassium iodide 22 µg equiv. iodine 17 µg
- Borax 2.20 mg equiv. boron 250 µg
- Choline bitartrate 80.89 mg equiv. choline 33.25 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 3.25 mg
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 771 µg equiv. pyridoxine 650 µg
- Cholecalciferol 1.65 µg equiv. vitamin D3 66 IU
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 500 µg
- Thiamine nitrate (Vitamin B1) 616 µg equiv. thiamine 500 µg
- Folic acid 31.27 µg
- Levomefolate glucosamine (Activated folate) 8.34 µg equiv. levomefolic acid 4.5 µg
- Biotin 50 µg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 3.55 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 3.25 mg
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) 10 µg
- Glucose monohydrate 12.5 g
- Sunflower lecithin 250 mg
- Magnesium glycerophosphate 50.12 mg equiv. magnesium 6.27 mg
- Calcium glycerophosphate 392.73 mg equiv. calcium 75.01 mg
- Calcium phosphate 62.62 mg equiv. calcium 24.99 mg
Practitioner product
Per 7.2 g (Fruit Punch):
- L-leucine 240 mg
- L-valine 240 mg
- Sodium chondroitin sulphate (bovine) 120 mg equiv. chondroitin sulphate 108 mg
- L-glycine 1.75 g
- Glucosamine hydrochloride 600 mg equiv. glucosamine 498 mg
- Glucosamine sulphate potassium chloride 600 mg equiv. potassium 155 mg equiv. glucosamine 354.7 mg
- Lysine hydrochloride 720 mg
- Creatine monohydrate 600 mg
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 600 mg
- Citrus bioflavonoids extract 396 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 36 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 33 mg
- Zinc amino acid chelate 30 mg equiv. zinc 6 mg
- Copper gluconate 4.6 mg equiv. copper 600 µg
- Selenomethionine 130 µg equiv. selenium 52.2 µg
- Borax 19.4 mg equiv. boron 2.23 mg
Practitioner product
Per 1.19 g (Grape):
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Per 10 g (Blood Orange):
200 g Blood Orange
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Per 7 g (Lemonade):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- Schisandra chinensis ext. equiv. dry 2.5 g
- L-isoleucine
- 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
420 g Lemonade
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Per 30 g (Creamy Vanilla):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- Pea protein isolate
- Vaccinium corymbosum powder
- Rubus idaeus powder
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
- Natural flavours
- Linum usitatissimum (seed) (Flaxseed)
- Plantago ovata (husk) (Psyllium)
- Sunflower seed
- Quinoa powder
- Amaranth powder
- L-isoleucine
- L-glutamine
- Levocarnitine (L-carnitine)
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Fagopyrum esculentum powder
1 kg Creamy Vanilla
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Per 35 g (Vanilla Fudge):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- Oryza sativa (Brown rice)
- Vicia faba (Fava bean protein)
- Pumpkin seed protein
- Cannabis sativa (seed)
- L-glutamine
- Acacia sp. (fibre)
- L-glycine
- L-threonine
- L-arginine
- L-isoleucine
- Natural flavours
- Malus (powder) (Apple)
- Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk fruit)
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (powder) (MCT)
- Xanthan gum
- Eleutherococcus senticosus
- Coffea canephora
- Camellia sinensis
- Magnesium citrate
- Zinc gluconate
- Ferrous fumarate
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt
- Laminaria digitara (Kelp)
- Ananas comosus (Bromelain)
- Carica papaya (Papain)
- Vitamin D
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla bean extract) 17.5 mg
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Per 30 g (Passionfruit):
- L-leucine
- L-valine
- Hydrolysed pea protein
- L-alanine
- Glycine
- L-isoleucine
- L-proline
- L-phenylalanine
- L-tyrosine
- L-serine
- L-threonine
- L-methionine
- L-arginine
- L-histidine
- L-lysine
- L-aspartic acid
- L-glutamic acid
- L-tryptophan
- L-cysteine
- Natural flavours
- Cichorium intybus (root) (Chicory)
- Acacia sp. (gum)
- Coconut water powder
- Medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
- Potassium citrate
- Magnesium citrate
- Sodium chloride (Salt)
- Calcium citrate
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Thaumatin
- Beta-carotene
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
$59.95
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Per 33 g (Banana Ice-Cream):
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Per 48 g:
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Soy lecithin
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa powder)
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (powder) (MCT)
- Calcium phosphate dibasic
- Flavour
- Magnesium citrate
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Calcium citrate
- Zinc gluconate
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Beta-carotene carotenoids (Vitamin A)
- Chromium chloride
- Ferrous fumarate
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Sodium selenite
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Biotin
- Potassium iodide
- Sodium molybdate
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Copper sulfate
- Manganese citrate
- Cholecalciferol
- Folic acid
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
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Per 48 g:
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Flavour
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (powder) (MCT)
- Calcium phosphate dibasic
- Magnesium citrate
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Calcium citrate
- Zinc gluconate
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Beta-carotene carotenoids (Vitamin A)
- Chromium chloride
- Ferrous fumarate
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Copper sulfate
- Magnesium citrate
- Cholecalciferol
- Folic acid
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Sodium selenite
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Biotin
- Potassium iodide
- Sodium molybdate
- Soy lecithin
- Stevia rebaubiana
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Per 30 g (Choc Sea Salt):
- Pea protein isolate
- Pumpkin powder
- Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon)
- Cannabis sativa (seed) powder
- Schizochytrium sp. (Chromista algae oil)
- d-alpha-Tocopherol
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (powder) (MCT)
- Amylase enzyme 3840 µg
- Protease 960 µg
- Lactase 640 µg
- Lipase 160 µg
- Cellulase 32 µg
- Flavour
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt
- Theobroma cacao
- Stevia rebaubiana
900 g Choc Sea Salt
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RRP: $85.95$70.91Save: 17%
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Per 30 g (Chocolate):
- Egg albumen powder
- Natural flavours
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Theobroma cacao
900 g Chocolate
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