Many people are aware of the importance of amino acids in bodily metabolism and protein absorption, but there are a group of these acids known as “branched chain amino acids” or BCAA that are getting a lot of attention.

This is because the BCAAs provide some amazing benefits to athletes trying to develop larger muscle mass and also remain energized throughout their workout routines. It is a scientific fact that the central nervous system does experience some strain during a long workout, which causes fatigue and a declining performance. BCAA has been shown to moderate the effects of fatigue on the CNS, while simultaneously sustaining muscle growth and repair.

Interestingly enough, it isn’t just athletes who benefit from a daily supplement of BCAAs, many cancer patients and diabetics yield great benefits from them as well. For instance, BCAA supplements given to active cancer patients have shown a remarkable improvement in their appetite (even while in the very middles of chemotherapy treatments known to reduce or eliminate appetite). 

Patients with Lou Gehrig’s disease are also encouraged to supplement their daily diets with BCAA as well because the degeneration of the nerves and muscles caused by the illness has been seen to be slowed measurably by the proteins.

How do you take BCAA? It is available in easy to swallow capsules and most dosages are recommended at between one thousand two hundred and three thousand milligrams per day (divided into three separate doses taken between meals).

Are there any side effects or concerns with a BCAA supplement? To date there have been no known adverse reactions or health risks associated with the addition of the supplement to the daily diet, but if it is being added for therapeutic rather than athletic reasons, it may be best to consult first with the regular physician to ensure no conflicts with existing treatments or medications.