Why are BCAAs beneficial?
BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) comprise of 1/3 of muscle tissue and are the first amino acids to be catabolized due to intense exercise. Therefore, dietary BCAA supplementation is particularly important for hard-training individuals looking to maximize their muscle gains. The body requires higher amounts of branched chain amino acids during and following exercise as they are taken up directly by the skeletal muscles versus first being metabolized through the liver, like other amino acids. Low BCAA levels contribute to fatigue and they should be replaced in one-hour or less following exercise or participation in a competitive event.
