What Are Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)? Other Names: Acide Isovalérique de Leucine, BCAAs, Isoleucine Ethyl Ester HCl

What are Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are essential nutrients that the body obtains from proteins found in food, particularly meat, dairy products, and legumes. The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids are unique because they are primarily metabolized in the muscle rather than the liver, which gives them a distinct role in muscle metabolism and energy production. Other names include: Acide Isovalérique de Leucine, Acides Aminés à Chaîne Ramifiée, Acides Aminés Ramifiés, Aminoacidos Con Cadenas Laterales Ramificadas, BCAA, BCAAs, Branched-Chain Amino Acid, Branched Chain Amino Acid, Branched Chain Amino Acid Therapy, Branched Chain Amino Acids, Isoleucine, Isoleucine Ethyl Ester HCl, Leucine, Leucine Ethyl Ester HCl, Leucine Isovaleric Acid, Leucine Methyl Ester HCl, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Leucine Pyroglutamate, L-Valine, N-Acetyl Leucine, N-Acétyl Leucine, Valine, 2-amino-3-methylvaleric acid, 2-amino-4-methylvaleric acid, 2-amino-3-methylbutanoic acid.

Role in Muscle Metabolism

BCAAs play a crucial role in muscle protein synthesis and energy production during exercise. They are known to enhance muscle growth and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. For instance, a study demonstrated that BCAA supplementation improved muscle mass and strength in sarcopenic patients with liver cirrhosis, highlighting their potential in muscle health management2.

Impact on Liver Health

BCAAs have been extensively studied for their benefits in liver health, particularly in patients with liver cirrhosis. Long-term supplementation with BCAAs has been shown to improve liver function and reduce complications associated with cirrhosis. For example, a Korean nationwide study found that BCAA supplementation significantly improved liver function scores and event-free survival in patients with advanced liver disease1. Another study confirmed that BCAA supplementation during radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma improved biochemical profiles and liver function6.

Influence on Metabolic Health

BCAAs are also implicated in metabolic health, particularly in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Elevated levels of BCAAs are associated with insulin resistance and T2D. A study found that reducing dietary BCAAs improved insulin sensitivity and modified gut microbiome composition in patients with T2D3. Similarly, another study showed that a BCAA-restricted diet significantly reduced circulating BCAA levels and marginally improved insulin resistance in healthy individuals9.

Cardiovascular Health

The relationship between BCAAs and cardiovascular health is an emerging area of research. Elevated BCAA levels have been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, particularly in obese youth. A study found that BCAA levels correlated with inflammatory markers and other novel biomarkers of CVD, suggesting a potential link between BCAAs, obesity, T2D, and CVD4.

Protective Effects Against Cardiac Injury

BCAAs have shown protective effects against cardiac injury, particularly ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Research indicates that BCAA treatment can reduce infarct size and improve cell viability in myocardial I/R injury models, with the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) playing a significant role in this protective effect5.

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Uses of Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)

Improvement in Muscle Mass and Strength

BCAA supplementation significantly improves muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in sarcopenic patients with liver cirrhosis1.

BCAAs are partly effective in improving dynamic repetitive muscle functions in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis5.

Liver Function and Disease Management

Long-term BCAA supplementation can improve liver function and reduce major complications in patients with advanced liver disease2.

BCAAs alleviate hepatic steatosis and liver injury in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by suppressing fatty acid synthase gene expression and protein levels3.

BCAA supplementation helps in maintaining liver function and improving prognostic markers in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis1 7 10.

Cardiac Protection

BCAAs exhibit a protective effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury in the heart, primarily through the activation of the mTOR pathway4.

Metabolic Health in Dairy Cows

BCAA supplementation in dairy cows increases milk production, improves energy-related metabolites, and reduces hyperketonemia events during the postpartum period6 8.

Insulin Sensitivity and Diabetes Management

Short-term dietary reduction of BCAAs decreases postprandial insulin secretion and improves white adipose tissue metabolism and gut microbiome composition in type 2 diabetes patients9.

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Adverse Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)

Impact on Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity

BCAA supplementation did not impair glucose metabolism in obese, prediabetic subjects, but it significantly elevated plasma interleukin 1β, an inflammatory marker1.

Short-term dietary reduction of BCAAs decreased postprandial insulin secretion and improved white adipose tissue metabolism and gut microbiome composition in type 2 diabetes patients5.

BCAA therapy did not have adverse effects on glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity in patients with chronic hepatitis C and insulin resistance7.

Inflammatory Response

Elevated concentrations of BCAAs are associated with increased inflammatory markers, which are predictors of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease9.

Muscle and Protein Metabolism

BCAA supplementation increased creatine kinase levels, indicating potential muscle damage during exercise4.

BCAA intake did not influence protein metabolism during exercise but had a protein-sparing effect during recovery8.

Effects on Growth and Energy Balance

In pigs, BCAA supplementation temporarily annulled the adverse effects of very-low protein diets on growth, linked with alterations in energy balance and gut microbiome profile2.

Neuropsychological Effects

BCAA supplementation may improve depressive symptoms in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes, although the difference between groups was not significant3.

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How has Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Improvement in Liver Function and Survival in Cirrhosis Patients

BCAA supplementation significantly improves muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in sarcopenic patients with liver cirrhosis, leading to fewer cirrhotic-related complications and better survival rates1 2 4 6.

Long-term BCAA supplementation enhances serum albumin levels and quality of life in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, reducing the incidence of liver-related events and hospital admissions2 4 6.

Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity

BCAA supplementation has shown mixed results in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. While some studies indicate no significant changes in glucose metabolism parameters, others suggest potential benefits in specific patient subgroups with marked insulin resistance3 7 9.

Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury

BCAA supplementation may aid in the recovery of patients in a vegetative or minimally conscious state following traumatic brain injury, as evidenced by significant improvements in the Disability Rating Scale scores5.

Heart Failure and Hypoalbuminemia

In heart failure patients with hypoalbuminemia, BCAA supplementation increases serum albumin levels and decreases cardiothoracic ratio, indicating improved clinical outcomes8.

Post-Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BCAA supplementation post-radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma helps maintain liver function, reduces intrahepatic recurrence rates, and lowers the incidence of complications, contributing to better overall patient outcomes10.

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Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) Mechanisms of Action

Protein Synthesis and Muscle Metabolism

BCAAs are crucial for protein synthesis and muscle metabolism, particularly during recovery after exercise, where they exhibit a protein-sparing effect by either stimulating protein synthesis or reducing protein degradation7.

Liver Function and Disease

BCAA supplementation can alleviate hepatic steatosis and liver injury in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by suppressing fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene expression and protein levels1.

Long-term BCAA supplementation improves muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in sarcopenic patients with liver cirrhosis, and reduces cirrhotic-related complications3 6.

Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Metabolism

Short-term dietary reduction of BCAAs decreases postprandial insulin secretion and improves white adipose tissue metabolism and gut microbiome composition in type 2 diabetes patients2.

Elevated levels of circulating BCAAs are associated with insulin resistance and metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, due to defects in BCAA catabolic pathways5 8.

Cardioprotection

BCAA treatment exhibits a protective effect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway, which is crucial for the preconditioning effect4.

Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease

Elevated BCAA levels are linked to inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in obese youth, suggesting a potential role of BCAAs as biomarkers for these conditions8.

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Common Complaints Associated with Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) Use

Insulin Resistance and Glycemic Control Issues

Elevated levels of BCAAs are associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D)3 7 8.

Short-term dietary reduction of BCAAs can decrease postprandial insulin secretion and improve white adipose tissue metabolism3.

Potential for Increased Circulating BCAAs

High levels of circulating BCAAs are linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and insulin resistance7 8.

Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Complaints

BCAA supplementation can lead to changes in gut microbiome composition, which may have gastrointestinal implications3.

In some cases, BCAA supplementation did not significantly affect skeletal muscle mass or glycemic control, which might be a concern for users expecting these benefits2.

Inflammation and Cardiovascular Concerns

Elevated BCAA levels are correlated with inflammatory markers and nontraditional biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD)7.

Liver Function and Hepatic Encephalopathy

Low plasma levels of BCAAs are associated with hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis patients, and supplementation can modify amino acid profiles beneficially9.

BCAA supplementation can improve liver function and reduce complications in advanced liver disease, but the long-term safety and metabolic efficacy need further evaluation6.

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The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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