Branched Chain Amino Acids

There are 3 important Branched Chain Amino Acids


Leucine
Isoleucine
Valine

These 3 amino acids are naturally occurring molecules in the body, they make up 1/3 of skeletal muscles(amino acids are the basic units of proteins) and are important for protein synthesis.

There is no need to take amino acid supplements as they're available in a well balanced diet(they're found in protein based foods), but for athletes or people performing high intensity workouts, Amino Acid supplement can be beneficial.

Branched Chain Amino Acids assist in maintaining muscular strength, muscle tissue repair and stamina. The Amino Acids help enhance protein synthesis in muscle and liver cells.

The best recommended dose - 2 - 5g daily

Adverse Effects of Amino Acid Supplements

Consuming Amino Acid supplements can cause adverse effects in the body, an overdose of the supplement can cause the Amino Acids to compete for transport carriers. As a result, one of the amino acids can limit the uptake of another form of amino acid and therefore limit its ability to be transported throughout the body.

To help clarify, imagine if a person(Amino Acid 1) got onto a train and blocked the door entrance, therefore preventing another person(Amino Acid 2) to board the train and forced onto the sideline and not available to travel to other parts of a city(the body)

Amino Acids can also lead to disturbances in the digestive tract and cause an excess of water to accumulate inside the lumen -- which can lead to Diarrhea.

*NOTE - Diarrhea occurs when the Long Intestine cannot absorb water from the stools as it travels through the intestine to the rectum. It can lead to dehydration.