BCAA
Benefits of BCAA
- Exercise
- Muscle protein synthesis
- Muscle
- Food sources: Protein-rich plant foods such as soya and tofu, lentils, chickpeas, beans, quinoa, nuts and seeds.
What is BCAA?
Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are essential amino acids, which means the body can't make them, so they need to come from food. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and BCAA play a key role in how the body builds and repairs muscle.
What does the research say about BCAA?
BCAA have been widely studied in the context of exercise, training and recovery, and during periods of calorie restriction. Leucine in particular activates the pathways involved in muscle protein synthesis, the process of building new muscle protein. This makes BCAA of interest to athletes, active people and anyone thinking about their muscles as they age.
Why it's in Creatine & BCAA
Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids involved in muscle protein metabolism and energy production.
Muscle protein synthesis (MPS): BCAA — particularly leucine — activate mTORC1, triggering muscle protein synthesis. BCAA alone produce a limited anabolic effect because all essential amino acids (EAAs) are required for complete protein synthesis.1
Muscle recovery and soreness: Systematic review and meta-analysis show BCAA reduce muscle soreness and CK levels after exercise-induced muscle damage. Effects are strongest when taken before or immediately after exercise for more than 10 days.2
Older adults and sarcopenia: Meta-analysis shows modest improvements in muscle mass and strength. Benefits enhanced when combined with resistance exercise and adequate protein intake.3
Inflammation and repair: Animal data suggest BCAA may aid muscle repair by modulating macrophage activity and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10).4
Creatine
Creatine is a simple, effective way to enhance physical performance.
Hemp Protein
Provides essential amino acids to support growth and maintenance of muscle mass and supports normal bone health.
L-Taurine
An amino acid, which are used by the body for energy production and to help balance fluids, salts and minerals.
Pea Protein
Provides essential amino acids to support growth and maintenance of muscle mass and supports normal bone health.
Potassium
Providing the all-important electrolytes potassium and chloride, which maintain fluid balance in our body’s cells.
Pumpkin Seed Protein
Provides essential amino acids to support growth and maintenance of muscle mass and supports normal bone health.
Sodium
Sourced from the foothills of the Himalayan mountains and providing sodium, Himalayan Pink Salt is one of the cleanest and purest forms of salt, high in trace minerals and free from pollution from microplastics that many sea salts contain.
