Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)
| Name/Weight | Volume | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) 250g |
700cc | $13.75 | |
Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) 500g |
1340cc | $25.00 | |
Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) 1kg |
2610cc | $45.00 | |
Branch Chain Amino Acids 300x 450mg Capsules |
750cc | $24.25 | |
Branch Chain Amino Acids 600x 450mg Capsules |
750cc | $43.75 | |
Branch Chain Amino Acids 1200x 450mg Capsules |
2800cc | $79.00 |
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What Are Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)?
BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) - L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine - are undoubtedly the single most important group of amino acids for just about anyone, from world champion athletes to regular people. The body uses these to promote healing of injured tissues, to speed up recovery, and to protect against muscle tissue breakdown (catabolism) during exercise. BCAAs are one third of all the protein in muscles, therefore extremely important for developing and building muscles. Studies have shown BCAA to be helpful in other areas as well, due to what each ingredient does in its own right. For example, Leucine is necessary for wound recovery to skin and bones as well as helps protect muscles, Valine helps promote or maintain nitrogen balance (essential for muscular development), and Isoleucine helps boost energy and is necessary for forming hemoglobin.The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are composed of the three essential amino acids l-leucine, l-isoleucine and l-valine. 'Branched chain' refers to their chemical structure, which sets them apart from other amino acids. In humans, about 15-25% of total protein intake is BCAA's, and dairy products are particularly high in them. BCAA's make up 35-40% of the essential amino acids in body protein and 14% of the total amino acids in skeletal muscle. Branched-chain amino acids are considered essential amino acids because human beings cannot survive unless these amino acids are present in the diet.
Leucine is obtained by the hydrolysis of protein by pancreatic enzymes during digestion and necessary for optimal growth in infants and children and for the maintenance of nitrogen balance in adults. Valine contributes to the structure of proteins into which it has been incorporated by the tendency of its side chain to participate in hydrophobic interactions. Isoleucine is used in the body to produce biochemical compounds that help in energy production. BCAA's are metabolized directly in the muscle. This unique quality means that they are very anabolic (they build muscle) and very anti-catabolic (they stop muscle breakdown). BCAA supplementation is used most frequently by body builders and athletes undergoing intense exercise.
Dairy products and red meat contain the greatest amounts of BCAAs. Whey protein and egg protein supplements are other sources of BCAAs. Isoleucine is found in most food sources and is particularly high in many meats, fish, and cheeses. Leucine is found primarily in high quality protein foods such as beans, brewer's yeast, brown rice bran, caseinate, and corn. Food sources of valine include soy flour, cottage cheese, fish, grains, mushrooms and peanuts, meats, and vegetables.
What Are Branch Chain Amino Acids used for?
Supplementing with BCAAs can feed your body so that it doesn’t eat your own tissue. Aside from being required by the body, BCAAs can also be used to regenerate the skin of burn victims, because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue, and to help treat kidney failure and liver disease as well. The combination of these three essential amino acids - L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine makes up approximately 33% of skeletal muscle in the human body, and plays an important role in protein synthesis. BCAAs are currently used primarily for supplementation among strength athletes because it promotes protein synthesis in muscle. When taken during training, BCAAs have been shown to increase both growth hormone (GH) and insulin, thus increasing anabolism and anti-catabolism. Also, unlike other amino acids, BCAAs are used to provide energy and they have been shown to decrease post-workout soreness, which translates to faster recovery times even after intense and grueling trainings.Branched-chain amino acids may be helpful in a minority of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Branched-chain amino acids may improve encephalopathy symptoms in some by decreasing the accumulation of these false neurotransmitters and perhaps other substances involved in the encephalopathy. BCAAs serve as important fuel sources for skeletal muscle during periods of metabolic stress. BCAAs are needed for the maintenance of muscle tissue and appear to preserve muscle stores of glycogen. BCAAs also help prevent muscle protein breakdown during exercise.
BCAAs have an effect on all protein metabolism and during periods of stress are required by the body in larger amounts than any other amino acid. BCAAs may help build muscle during and following exercise by decreasing protein breakdown and increasing protein synthesis. BCAA supplementation may also improve mood and the performance of difficult tasks following exercise. BCAAs have been used in medicine as part of the treatment for some forms of liver disease and following surgery and chronic illness to improve healing and recovery.
Isoleucine is necessary for the optimal growth of infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. Isoleucine is needed for hemoglobin formation and also helps to maintain regular energy levels. It is turned into muscle tissue after entering the body and being metabolized. Isoleucine is important for stabilizing and regulating blood sugar and energy levels and is required through the diet as it cannot be produced by our bodies. Leucine is necessary for the optimal growth of infants and for the nitrogen balance in adults. Leucine lowers elevated blood sugar levels and is necessary in promoting the healing of bones, skin, and muscle tissue. Leucine is a direct-acting nutrient signal that regulates protein synthesis in adipose tissue. In skeletal muscle, leucine stimulates protein synthesis through multiple independent mechanisms. Valine is helpful in synthesis of glucose in liver especially during anaerobic activities (activities without proper amount of oxygen intake).
Who uses Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)?
Since BCAAs are so crucial for the proper functioning of muscle tissue, they are very popular with endurance athletes, body builders, and others looking to simply stay healthy. BCAAs are metabolized in the muscle as opposed to the liver, and because of this many body builders and athletes use BCAA supplements while undergoing intense exercise. Even light exercise can cause BCAAs levels to drop quickly which leads to muscle breakdown (catabolism), fatigue, and a drop in testosterone levels. If you are in a building phase in any exercise routine or if you train for long periods of time, BCAAs are a good choice for you to ensure you do not use or burn the muscle you’ve worked so hard to build to get the energy you require in your strenuous activities.How Pure is Your Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)?
Our product is assayed at 99.6% pure as measured by HPLC standardized testing methods. Since this is a 2:1:1 blend of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine respectively, a 500 gram or 1.1 pound purebulk product will contain 250 grams of L-Leucine, 125 grams of L-Isoleucine and 125 grams of L-Valine. Our product does not contain any fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. The best way to get your necessary supply of branch chain amino acids is by supplementation. Although there are many protein supplements that have a good portion of branch chain amino acids, you might be better off purchasing a standalone BCAA supplement too because most of them do not disclose the exact dosage of BCAAs in their products for proprietary reasons.What are some of the common effects of Branch Chain Amino Acids?
Numerous studies have shown that athletes who used BCAAs during tests developed increased muscle growth and strength, higher energy levels, and improved muscle power output. BCAAs are essential to place the body in an anabolic or muscle building state, and in the process it helps in the maintenance of cells and tissues by optimizing post-workout recovery to avoid muscle degeneration.What is the daily suggested or recommended dose of Branch Chain Amino Acids?
Suggested doses for BCAA generally doses are anywhere from 5 to 20 grams per day. Most performance athletes that take BCAA take between 10 and 20 grams per day. By consulting the green bulk density table below you'll notice that 2 level tablespoons of BCAA will weigh approximately 12 grams. At 12 grams per day 1 kilogram of BCAA should be enough for 83 days. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Branch Chain Amino Acids here. One and one-half grams of powder taken thrice daily should be just enough to provide the body with an adequate supply of available amino acids to aid in bulking up.As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.
Precautions and Potential side effects of Branch Chain Amino Acids
It has been reported that some experience fatigue, skin sensitivity or headaches. As with any medication or supplement, it is advised to consult your physician before starting any regimen if you have a serious illness or if you’re under any medication, even if there are no known interactions. It may be necessary to take BCAAs in lower doses for individuals with kidney or liver disease.The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
BCAA Caps/BCAA Capsules: How does BCAA taste and how should I take it?
Branch Chain Amino Acids powder is a white powder that is grainy and has a slight bitter taste. An easy way to take bulk BCAA powder is to blend your usual dose in a thick fruit puree such as banana, orange juice, and your regular whey or protein supplement. Post-workout is one of the most important times to fuel your body with BCAAs because it feeds them directly to your starving muscles. BCAA is completely insoluble. In keeping with a regular dose for those that are not heavy bodybuilders, 1 level tablespoon equals 5866 milligrams (mg), which is the equivalent of 5.8 grams. Mix two level tablespoons for a total of 11 grams into a thick shake, smoothie, protein supplement or other drink approximately 30 minutes before any workout.In its powder form BCAA is relatively simple to stir into a small glass of juice or water and drink. Alternatively it can be sprinkled on your food prior to consuming it, e.g. oats, etc. Depending on whether you have a sensitive stomach taking your dose with food may help some individuals combat feelings of nausea that may accompany larger doses. For doses larger than about 400mg BCAA in its powder form will likely be too bitter for most individuals to tolerate regardless of whether it is taken with juice or food. Encapsulation OR BCAA Caps/BCAA Capsules for doses larger than 400mg may therefore the best option for taste sensitive people.
Therefore, if you find that the bitter taste of BCAA is objectionable for you in its bulk powder form you might want to consider taking your dose filled within a double ought (00) capsule. We do sell 450mg BCAA Caps on our website and you may want to consider this product instead of the bulk powder if you are not prepared to encapsulate this product yourself.
Branch Chain Amino Acids are used in the following Proprietary Formulas
A few brands include N.O. Shotgun and N.O. Synthesize both from VPX, M-Stak from Universal, Xpand from Dymatize, Super Pump 250 from Gaspari, ON Instantized BCAA 5000 Powder from Optimum Nutrition, Biotest BCAA, SciVation Xtend, and Max Potency BCAAReferences & Further Research
Influence of ingesting a solution of branched-chain amino acids on plasma and muscle concentrations of amino acids during prolonged submaximalOn two occasions, seven male endurance-trained cyclists performed sustained exhaustive exercise with reduced muscle glycogen stores. During exercise, the subjects were supplied in random order with an aqueous solution of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) or flavored water (placebo). Ingestion of BCAA caused the concentration of these amino acids to increase by 135% in the plasma and by 57% in muscle tissue during exercise, whereas in the placebo trial there was no change or a slight decrease in the concentration in plasma and a decrease of 18% in the muscleThere was a smaller decrease in the muscle glutamate concentration during exercise in the BCAA trial (32% versus 47% in the placebo trial; p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in the muscle glycogen concentration during exercise in the placebo trial, whereas only a small decrease was found in the BCAA trial. This might indicate that an increased supply of BCAA has a sparing effect on muscle glycogen degradation during exercise.
Branched-chain amino acids augment ammonia metabolism while attenuating protein breakdown during exercise
In this study, five men exercised the knee extensor muscles of one leg for 60 with and without (control) an oral supplement (77 mg/kg) of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). BCAA supplementation resulted in a doubling of the arterial BCAA levels before exercise. Overall data from these trials suggest that BCAA supplementation results in significantly greater muscle NH3 production during exercise. Furthermore, the increased intramuscular and arterial BCAA levels before and during exercise result in a suppression of endogenous muscle protein breakdown during exercise.
