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BCAA

Branched-Chain Amino Acids

Nutrition

Short definition

Branched-chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, valine.

Full definition

BCAA are three essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) metabolized in muscle; leucine is the key activator of mTOR and muscle-protein synthesis. Supplementation helps, but effects are limited when protein intake is adequate.

Examples

5 g BCAA pre-workout to reduce catabolism.

Related terms

Amino Acids Protein Creatine Hypertrophy