Why this article?
We often mention the supplements we use and sometimes we get asked we therefore use them. So, over the next few weeks we thought we’d run through the supplements we use and why. First of all we start with BCAA or Branch Chain Amino Acids.
Ok, What are they?
To quote wiki they are “Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) is an amino acid having aliphatic side-chains with a branch (a carbon atom bound to more than two other carbon atoms). Among the proteinogenic amino acids, there are three BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine and valine.
The BCAAs are among the nine essential amino acids for humans, accounting for 35% of the essential amino acids in muscle proteins and 40% of the preformed amino acids required by mammals.”
Great, what do they do?
It’s well established that branched chain amino acids (particularly leucine) stimulate protein synthesis, and might do so to a greater extent than a normal protein on its own.
BCAAs also increase synthesis of the cellular setup for carrying out the process of protein synthesis. BCAAs not only increase the speed of protein synthesis, but they also increase the cell’s ability and so capacity for protein synthesis! More protein synthesis equals greater muscle size, when sufficient stress is placed on skeletal muscle.
BCAAs also work by reducing the rate of protein breakdown from skeletal muscle. They do this by decreasing the activity protein breakdown pathway components, and also by decreasing the expression of several systems that are involved in muscle breakdown.
So far so good – aren’t they expensive? Isn’t whey just as good?
Some say that simply whey is as effective.
BCAAs found in whey are peptide-bound to other amino acids, so to be effective/used, must broken down via digestion and then taken into the bloodstream. This takes several hours for all the amino acids to be liberated and absorbed into the bloodstream.
BCAA however is in a form that does not need the same digestion. It is in a body ready form – and are far more quickly ingested into the blood stream. Thus any damage from training can be more rapidly repaired. In short, it allows greater protein synthesis because the body can pull it into the system and begin working on it much much quicker.
Heck, even 5 grams or so of BCAA will peak amino acid levels in the blood MORE than 30g of whey. Think of it – (although not directly comparable for overall muscle building purposes) 15-20g of BCAA is worth almost 100g of whey and far less digestion needed.
Wow, I like that! Anything else? Do they Burn Fat?
Because they are great for increasing protein synthesis, this will therefore decrease the breakdown of muscle protein on a restricted diet and also greatly reduce perceived exertion in training, allowing you to train longer and harder while energy deficient.
BCAA’s have an effect on both insulin sensitivity and also they interact with the brain, via serotonin, which lowers the cravings and hunger signals given. Also, dieting reduces anabolic signaling as one diets and BCAA’s reverse this decline to a degree.
Basically, this means BCAA’s make you less hungry, burn more calories, gives you more perceived energy and direct the energy you do use to fat and away from muscle protein . Not bad hey?
So, where do I get them from?
Well, Team Wild have recently opened a supplement website called www.supplement-bargains.com. We only offer a small selection of the best brands at the lowest prices. If you go to the webpage Supplement Bargains – BCAA/Amino’s you will see our range of supplements.
We also are sponsored by the amazing retailer www.prozis.com. They offer a HUGE ranger of sports supplements at incredibly low prices and we do recommend them fully.
