BCAAs have been around for decades and have become one of the most talked about supplements on the market. For many, they are a cornerstone supplement, especially as part of a complete amino acid formula. The biggest reason is because of their role in protein synthesis. Yet BCAAs do more than that. With that in mind, here are the Top 4 Reasons You Should Be Using BCAAs. 

The Basics Of BCAAs

There are actually quite a few categories of amino acids. For our purposes here, the BCAAs and the rest of the 20 (some sources put the number at 21 or 22) aminos that make up protein are called proteinogenic amino acids. These aminos form the building blocks of protein. There are also non-proteinogenic amino acids, which are not involved in the synthesis of protein. There are approximately 140 of these, and they include GABA, L-Citrulline, and L-Carnitine. 

Branched Chain Amino Acids consist of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine. They are part of the 9 Essential Amino Acids, which must come from diet and supplements. We know how important L-Leucine is, and we know the BCAAs should be taken with all the EAAs for the best results. (1, 2, 3, 4)

The Top 4 Reasons You Should Be Using BCAAs

Reason # 1 - BCAAs Digest Quickly

BCAAs are free-form amino acids. That means they absorb quickly and increase plasma amino acid levels within minutes after you consume them. They bypass the liver and go directly to the muscles. Think about that for a minute - you can switch into a metabolically positive environment within mere minutes. Protein from food needs to be digested before plasma amino acid levels increase. This can take hours. Not to mention drinking a BCAA supplement like All Day You May is often easier and more convenient than sitting down to a meal, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. 

Reason # 2 - BCAAs Have Very Few Calories

Usually, you don’t think about the calories you’re saving by using BCAAs. In general, amino acids provide roughly the same 4 calories per gram as other protein sources. However, BCAAs are a good low-calorie option because a typical dose is typically around 6 grams. You would have to consume quite a bit of protein foods to reach that dose of BCAAs. Also, many protein foods contain carbohydrates and fats, which means more calories than you might want. This makes a big difference if you’re on a cutting cycle. 

Reason # 3- BCAAs Are Anti-Catabolic

The concept of anti-catabolic supplements was originally introduced in the early 90s. BCAAs and protein in general are anti-catabolic because they prevent muscle protein breakdown. That’s important both during a workout because you can offset the natural catabolic effect of training. Yet it’s during those times you might not think that BCAAs are important. Using All Day You May as an example, let’s say you’re working a long day and have been forced to skip a few meals. You’re trending toward catabolism. For those 5%ers leading active lives, this can happen a lot. For some people, it can be an almost daily occurrence. That’s where the anti-catabolic benefits of BCAAs, and the other aminos, can make a huge difference. (5)

Reason # 4 - Yes, They Stimulate Protein Synthesis

No doubt this is the biggest reason to use BCAAs as part of a total amino acid supplement like All Day You May. A lot has been said about the importance of protein synthesis, and we’re not going to retread that information here. Suffice it to say, you should base your entire training program around optimal protein synthesis stimulation. This means your supplement and nutrition plan, and how you design your routine. (6, 7)

All Day You May & Drink Sleep Grow

Most information about protein synthesis centers around L-Leucine, and rightfully so. Yet, many of the remaining aminos play a supporting role, making them indispensable. So when you use a complete amino formula like All Day You May, you are using the most effective amino formula available. Of course, you have your choice of formulas: All Day You May, All Day You May Natty, or All Day You May Caffeinated. Finally, Drink Sleep Grow is a natural sleep aid but it’s also a source of a unique form of Leucine - Active TR L-Leucine. This time-released form extends protein synthesis for hours, so the time you spend asleep becomes even more anabolically effective. Isn’t it time you stocked up on these innovative 5% Nutrition supplements? Order yours today!

References:

1. What is the Difference Between Proteinogenic and Non-proteinogenic Amino Acids | Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms
2. Stipanuk, M. H. (2007). Leucine and protein synthesis: mTOR and beyond. Nutrition reviews, 65 (3), 122-129.
3. Mittleman, K. D., Ricci, M. R., & Bailey, S. P. (1998). Branched-chain amino acids prolong exercise during heat stress in men and women. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 30 (1), 83-91.
4. Amino acid - Wikipedia
5. Wolfe RR; “Effects of amino acid intake on anabolic processes”; Can J Appl Physiol. 2001; 26 Suppl:S220-7; Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11897897
6. Wolfe, RR; “Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality?”; J Int Soc Sports Nutr; 14(1):30; 2017;  Retrieved from https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0184-9
7.  https://examine.com/supplements/leucine/