In this week’s podcast, we discuss the similarities and differences between taking a BCAA supplement or an essential amino acid supplement.
BCAA stands for branch chain amino acids and consists of three amino acids: Leucine, Valine and Isoleucine. The star of the show however is leucine, because this is the amino acid that is responsible for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. MPS is the way our body becomes bigger and stronger in response to exercise. So stimulating MPS is a good thing! However, stimulating MPS without having all the essential amino acid present is not an effective way to add muscle and take advantage of leucine anabolic properties.
An essential amino acid supplement will contain all of the BCAA’s as well as methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, lysine, histidine and arginine. These amino acids are considered essential because you have to acquire them from your diet. Our bodies are unable to synthesize them by themselves.
Since an essential amino acid supplement contains the anabolic amino acid leucine, it can take advantage of its ability to stimulate MPS. On top of that, it provides all of the other amino acids needed to build new muscle therefore allowing for optimal MPS as well as muscle building. Therefore, in almost every situation it is a good idea to take essential amino acids over a BCAA supplement. To learn more about amino acids and why an essential amino acid supplement can be a good addition to your supplement regimen, listen to this week’s podcast.
Links To Studies Mentioned
Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality?
