BCAA & AMINO ACIDS NUTRITION

Leucine is the most anabolic amino acid in the aminogram. It initiates protein synthesis and stimulates insulin release.

Valine and isoleucine support the work of leucine in the muscles by improving energy metabolism.

Branched-chain amino acids are crucial for muscle anabolism and must be present in all proteins we consume, otherwise they cannot be properly assimilated. Without the presence of BCAAs, a protein loses all its biological value and assimilation capacity. This is why whey protein can be considered an exceptional protein: it contains all the amino acids, including a high content of BCAA.

BCAAs in sports nutrition

These 3 amino acids have a decisive place in the supplementation programme of all sportsmen and women, as they help to reduce muscle catabolism by improving and accelerating recovery. BCAAs are found in protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs or fish, in whey protein or casein. Although these 3 amino acids are present in the proteins we consume, it is advisable to consume them in the form of a food supplement to benefit from all the advantages of these exceptional amino acids.

What are the benefits of BCAAs?

CAAs are above all the amino acids of muscle development, due to their ability to initiate protein synthesis, to fight against catabolism, and to delay the onset of fatigue during training sessions. Also, BCAAs improve the synthesis of muscle glycogen, which is essential for supporting anabolism and accelerating the assimilation of proteins by the muscle fibres.

Here are the benefits that can be expected from BCAAs:

• more muscle volume
• better recovery
• more intense training sessions
• better protein synthesis
• they do not cause undesirable side effects

The different types of BCAAs

BCAAs are available in tablet, capsule or powder form, all of which are equally effective. Choose the formula that suits you best. Tablets or capsules are convenient when consumed with a whey or gainer, but the powder has the big advantage of being able to be consumed throughout the workout.

Tablets: they are consumed before and after training.

Powder: used during and after training.

How to use your BCAAs?

BCAAs are essential amino acids that are directly absorbed by the muscles. They are therefore very effective when taken during and after a training session.

Taken during training, BCAAs support effort and improve training performance by reducing physical fatigue. Indeed, these branched-chain amino acids improve muscle glycogen utilisation and are even able, together with leucine, to stimulate insulin secretion. Insulin is a highly anabolic hormone, which transports carbohydrates and amino acids into the muscle cells. By stimulating the secretion of this hormone, BCAAs ensure muscle building.

Taken after training, BCAAs accelerate and enhance the muscle recovery process by stopping muscle catabolism. Recovery can be considered an integral part of training, as it is during this resting phase that muscle fibres rebuild and grow. Knowing how to optimise this decisive period following a training session is the essential condition for hypertrophy, muscle building and improved performance, whatever the physical capacity recruited.

What effects can I expect from BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acid)?

• Better performance in training
• Faster recovery between sets and between sessions
• Better muscle building
• A reduction in aches and pains
• No undesired side effects