Behind essential amino acid supplementation

Before we begin, we would like to clarify something - Branched chain amino acids are ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS (EAAs). In fact, the BCAAs are just 3 of the 9 EAAs. But please note, an EAA supplement should contain an abundance of BCAAs, otherwise it is not a full spectrum EAA supplement.

If you are interested in how to get the most out of EAA and BCAA supplements, listen on as we explain the science behind essential amino acids as performance enhancing agents.
We will talk about the follow:

• What are the EAAs?
• So why have a standalone BCAA supplement?
• What makes BCAAs so “special”?
• BCAAs and Brain Function
• Immune Function
• Muscle Recovery and Muscle Wasting
• If you want to maximize building
• When is the best time to take BCAAs and EAAs?

References:

1. Curzon G, Friedel J, & Knott PJ (1973). The effect of fatty acids on the binding of tryptophan to plasma protein. Nature242, 198-200.
2. Blomstrand E (2006). A role for branched-chain amino acids in reducing central fatigue. J Nutr136, 544S-547S.
3. Blomstrand E, Hassmen P, Ek S, Ekblom B, & Newsholme EA (1997). Influence of ingesting a solution of branched-chain amino acids on perceived exertion during exercise. Acta Physiol Scand159, 41-49.
4. Calder PC. Branched-chain amino acids and immunity. J Nutr. 2006 Jan;136(1 Suppl):288S-93S
5. Shimomura Y, Yamamoto Y, Bajotto G, Sato J, Murakami T, Shimomura N, Kobayashi H, & Mawatari K (2006). Nutraceutical effects of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal muscle. J Nutr136, 529S-532S.
6. Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, & Kohnke R (2006). Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. J Nutr136, 269S-273
7. Jackman SR, Witard OC, Philp A, Wallis GA, Baar K, Tipton KD. Branched-Chain Amino Acid Ingestion Stimulates Muscle Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis following Resistance Exercise in Humans. Frontiers in Physiology. 2017;8:390;
8. Tipton K. D., Rasmussen B. B., Miller S. L., Wolf S. E., Owens-Stovall S. K., Petrini B. E., et al. Timing of amino acid-carbohydrate ingestion alters anabolic response of muscle to resistance exercise. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 281, E197–E206; 2001;