Yamamoto® Nutrition's BCAA Powder 8:1:1 is a supplement consisting of 100% branched-chain amino acids obtained by plant fermentation. These amino acids, also known as BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), are three of the essential amino acids that our bodies are unable to synthesise in the amounts required to meet our needs, and must therefore be taken in through food. These BCAAs are among the EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) our body uses to produce proteins.
The formula is enriched with vitamin B1, which supports energy metabolism, and vitamin B6, which helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue, and promotes the maintenance of normal protein and glycogen metabolism.
BCAA Powder 8:1:1 is characterised by an l-leucine, l-isoleucine and l-valine ratio of 8:1:1 and therefore has a higher content of leucine, an amino acid that is fundamental for protein synthesis. The main characteristics of these 3 amino acids are as follows:
-Leucine: occurs naturally in milk, corn, chicken and eggs. It plays an important role at the muscular level, and is an alternative source of energy during intense sports activities.
-Isoleucine: is found mainly in corn, potatoes, chicken, eggs, peanuts, bresaola and lamb. It is closely linked to glucose requirements (as a matter of fact, it is referred to as a glucogenic and ketogenic amino acid), prevents structural protein catabolism and promotes recovery after prolonged exertion.
-Valine: is found in high quantities in egg white powder, soy protein, spirulina algae and dairy products. It plays several important roles, particularly in tissue reconstruction.
BCAAs are among the dietary supplements that are most popular with athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts in general. These amino acids are essential for muscle protein synthesis and the repair of muscle tissue damaged by exercise.
BCAAs make up approximately 35% of the essential amino acids present in muscle proteins and are particularly crucial for the maintenance and growth of lean muscle mass. In addition, BCAA supplements can help reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance during physical activity.
One of the main benefits of taking BCAA supplements is their ability to increase muscle protein synthesis, particularly through leucine, which appears to be the most important amino acid for stimulating muscle protein synthesis by activating a metabolic pathway known as mTOR.
BCAAs also have a peculiar metabolism, instead of being metabolised in the liver, they pass directly to the muscle tissue where they are metabolised by the enzyme BCAA amino-transferase. All three branched-chain amino acids are able to stimulate insulin production, but without being glucogenic, which makes them particularly interesting for the supplement market,on account of the benefits of insulin peaks after physical activity.
What are branched-chain amino acid supplements for?
Branched-chain amino acids have three main functions: they are used for protein synthesis where, together with the other 17 alpha-amino acids, they are the “building blocks” that make up proteins, they are used for energy purposes and act as signalling molecules.
