MST - BCAA 1000 (90 Tablets)

What are BCAAs?
Proteins consist of amino acids, which are divided into different groups according to their chemical structure. The protein-forming amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine have branched side chains, which is why they are called branched chain amino acids. The abbreviation BCAA ( branched chain amino acids ) is often used. BCAAs are essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own, so they must be taken with food.

Where are BCAAs located in the body?
The largest store of branched chain amino acids is found in skeletal muscle, where they are mainly present in muscle proteins. BCAAs are found in animal proteins in a ratio of 2:1:1 (leucine : isoleucine : valine). Also, the concentration of BCAA in blood plasma is high compared to other amino acids (except glutamine). Because of their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, BCAAs are also found in the brain.

How do BCAAs get into the muscles?
BCAAs are absorbed in the intestines through the intestinal mucosa. In the bloodstream, they go directly to target tissues as free amino acids, rather than being processed or rebuilt in the liver like other amino acids. About 70% of the increase in free amino acids in the blood after a meal is due to BCAAs. Once in the target tissues, they perform essential metabolic functions.

BCAA in sports
Many scientific studies show that BCAAs can stimulate muscle growth and inhibit muscle breakdown, which is why BCAAs are especially popular in strength training and bodybuilding. Research shows that BCAAs stimulate muscle growth by increasing the amount of glutamine in the muscles, which the body interprets as a signal to build more muscle mass. Muscle breakdown is inhibited through the use of branched-chain keto acids (a byproduct of amino acid metabolism) that result from the breakdown of BCAAs.

In endurance sports, BCAAs may also be beneficial, as they appear to reduce fatigue during muscle activity. The brain neurotransmitter serotonin is associated with fatigue processes during exercise. Serotonin in the brain is formed from tryptophan, which competes with BCAA for access to the brain. When BCAAs are high in the blood, they are taken up in the brain instead of tryptophan, thus inhibiting serotonin production. Lower serotonin levels, according to this theory, also mean less fatigue.

What are the other benefits of BCAA?
Intense training, especially at the beginning when the muscles are weaker, can put stress on the bones, tendons and joints. Fortunately, it appears that the muscle protection provided by BCAAs is not limited to just inhibiting muscle breakdown. BCAAs can also help prevent muscle soreness and damage, as shown in a study of untrained young men who performed 90 minutes of endurance exercise.

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