Branched-Chain Amino Acids: For More Than Muscles

Branched-chain amino acids, also known as BCAAs, are nutrients that the body obtains from proteins found in food. The words “branched-chain” in the name refers to the chemical structure of these amino acids.

These nutrients are considered to be essential and are commonly found in meat, dairy products, and legumes.

The three BCAAs:

• Leucine
• Isoleucine
• Valine

Branched-chain amino acids stimulate the building of protein in muscle and possibly reduce muscle breakdown. While they are most commonly used for muscle growth and performance, these amino acids have other benefits for the body.

Benefits For Muscles:

• One of the most popular uses of BCAAs is to increase muscle growth. Leucine activates a certain pathway in the body that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, which is the process of building muscle. It should be noted that while BCAAs can increase muscle protein synthesis, they need other essential amino acids, such as those found in whey protein or other complete protein sources, for maximum efficiency.
• Another benefit of branched-chain amino acids is helping to decrease muscle soreness after a workout. Many people experience muscle soreness for up to two days after workout, especially after a new exercise routine. Researchers believe that this delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is due to the result of tiny tears in the muscles after exercise. Studies show that branched-chain amino acids aid in decreasing muscle damage, which may help reduce the length and severity of DOMS. Experts recommend supplementing your diet with BCAAs before exercise in order to increase recovery time.
• Similar to how branched-chain amino acids may help decrease muscle soreness from exercise, they may also help reduce fatigue. The rate at which people experience exhaustion due to exercise depends on exercise intensity, environmental conditions, and most importantly your nutrition and fitness level. The muscles in your body use BCAA during When blood levels of BCAAs decline, levels of the essential amino acid tryptophan in your brain increase. Many people are familiar with tryptophan being found in turkey. In your brain, tryptophan is converted to serotonin, which is thought to contribute to the development of fatigue during exercise.

Other Benefits of BCAAs in Your Body:

While Branched-Chain Amino Acids are primarily beneficial for muscles in the body, they also play a role in the health of your liver. BCAA supplementation may benefit people with liver disease.

In a 2017 study, published in the journal Medicine, participants with advanced liver cirrhosis, a condition where scar tissue gradually replaces healthy liver cells, either consumed a diet high in BCAAs daily or based their diet without BCAAs.

Over a period of two years, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) test scores improved significantly among participants who consumed BCAAs, compared with those who did not. Researchers concluded that long-term BCAA supplementation has beneficial effects in people with advanced liver cirrhosis.

Foods High in BCAAs:

• meat, poultry, and fish
• eggs
• dairy products, such as milk and cheese
• nuts and seeds
• soy products, such as tofu and tempeh
• legumes, including beans, peas, and lentils

How Nova Vita Can Help:

Nova Vita offers BCAA booster shots specifically designed to deliver all of the benefits that these nutrients can offer the body. Delivered via an intramuscular shot, these amino acids can get right to work aiding in protein synthesis and maintaining proper BCAA blood levels to avoid delayed onset muscle soreness.

To further increase the effectiveness of our BCAA booster shot, we offer two intravenous infusions. Our Perform Drip sends an infusion of multivitamins, amino acids, and electrolytes into the bloodstream to help remove lactic acid and rehydrate the body. Athletes of all skill levels will benefit from the boost in energy, enhanced endurance, and easier recovery.

For more information about BCAA booster shots or to schedule an appointment for an infusion to take your exercise routine to the next level, give us a call at 512-387-5920, 512-200-7311 or you can schedule an appointment online.