BCAA to increase muscle mass: the study analyzes the anabolic effect

Discover the true effects of the supplement when it comes to hypertrophy

BCAAs or branched-chain amino acids, which stands for branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. Although these amino acids perform opposite functions in the body, research conducted by a quartet of researchers at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada, demonstrated the inferiority of BCAAs for stimulating muscle anabolism.

See the inferiority of BCAAs for stimulating muscle anabolism

The purpose of this experiment was to critically review available research relating to studies examining the effects of BCAAs on MPS (muscle protein synthesis), MPB (muscle protein degradation), and associated molecular signaling responses in humans. humans.

This group of scholars initially stated that the fame of BCAAs is focused on stimulating MPS rates and quenching MPB rates, i.e. a combination that gives a net anabolic response in skeletal muscle.

Subsequently, this team pointed out that first human research demonstrated that BCAA administration reduced whole-body and MPB indices, which also had no stimulatory effect of BCAAs on PMS.

Findings that represented a “contrast” to recent studies, which cited BCAA intake to stimulate resting postprandial MPS rates and increase recovery MPS rates following resistance exercise.

Overall, this group stated that BCAAs can activate molecular pathways that regulate translation initiation, reduce whole body indices, MPB, and transiently increase MPS rates.

The difference is that once again they concluded that BCAAs are inferior in stimulating muscle anabolism compared to complete protein sources, for example whey protein, which contains all the useful amino acids.

The expert’s comment

“BCAAs are a subset of essential amino acids and only three amino acids are present in their concentration: valine, leucine and isoleucine. Naturally, they play a specific role in muscle building and recovery after exercise. However, a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources is essential to ensure that the body has all the essential amino acids needed to maintain proper health and functioning,” he says in an exclusive interview with Sport Life, nutritionist Vanessa Costa.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.