BCAA as a food supplement

BCAA supplements offer many benefits for athletes. For example, they can support muscle growth, help reduce fatigue, preserve muscle mass, and improve post-workout recovery. Get your energy fix with these essential amino acids!

BCAAs: what are they?

BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids , are a specific group of 3 essential amino acids : leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids are called "essential" because the body cannot produce them on its own: they must therefore be obtained through diet or supplements. BCAA supplements are particularly popular among sportsmen and athletes due to their key role in muscle growth, recovery, and reducing fatigue . Unlike other amino acids, BCAAs are directly metabolized in the muscles, where they can be used as an energy source during intense exercise. Leucine, in particular, is known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, thereby promoting tissue growth and repair.

Athletes: the benefits of BCAA as a dietary supplement

Support for muscle growth

Leucine, one of the main components of BCAAs, is particularly important for muscle protein synthesis . This process is essential for muscle growth and repair after intense training. Taking BCAAs as a sports supplement could therefore help stimulate this process, contributing to better recovery and faster muscle growth.

Reduction of muscle fatigue

During prolonged or intense exercise, blood levels of BCAAs decrease, which may be linked to an increase in serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that can cause a feeling of fatigue. By taking BCAAs as a dietary supplement, it may be possible to maintain stable levels of these amino acids in the blood, with the aim of delaying the feeling of fatigue and allowing athletes to train for longer.

Preservation of muscle mass

When dieting or exercising for long periods of time, the body may start to use muscle protein as an energy source, leading to a loss of muscle mass. BCAAs, especially as a dietary supplement, can help prevent this muscle breakdown by providing an alternative energy source.

Improved post-workout recovery

After exercise, muscles are in the repair phase, and BCAAs may play a role in reducing the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) that athletes often experience. By reducing this soreness, supplementing with BCAAs may help athletes return to training more quickly, making their exercise program more consistent and effective.

What to take BCAAs with?

BCAAs can be taken with water or a non-caffeinated beverage, ideally around training to maximize their absorption. To improve effectiveness, they can be combined with fast carbohydrates , which help transport amino acids to the muscles, or with electrolytes to support hydration.