2:1:1 Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)

What is 2:1:1 BCAA’s?

BCAA or branched chain amino acids are the smallest sub particle of protein. They are often referred to as the building blocks of protein. They are a chemical chain of the amino acids Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. This particular blend is a ratio of 2 leucine, 1 isoleucine, 1 valine amino acids. Amino acids are essential in the body and are produced naturally. Most hard training athletes bodies are deficient in BCAA thus supplementing can allow greater rates of protein synthesis and delayed fatigue. When the body undergoes physical stress BCAAs can be used as an alternate fuel source to fuel protein synthesis and delay fatigue. By allowing the body to stay in a positive nitrogen balance and continue protein synthesis BCAAs are best known for keeping the body in an anabolic state (muscle building). When taken around times of training BCAAs can be essential to keeping protein synthesis going and the body in a fueled state.

How to take 2:1:1 BCAA’s?

BCAA’s can be taken at a dose of 5g (1 rounded teaspoon) any time of the day to keep the body in an anabolic state. There are varying ways to dose BCAA’s but many users have reported best results when taking 5-10g preworkout, and 5-10g postworkout. This dose seems to be most effective for heavy weight training. Another theory is taking 10-15g of BCAA’s during the workout and sipping on them in a shake with dextrose to keep the glycogen levels in the body up as well as anabolism. Taking BCAA’s Pre/Post workout seems to be most efficient and easy to dose.

What to stack it with?

BCAA’s can be stacked with creatine monodyrate, protein powder, L-glutamine, and many other recovery supplements. It is best stacked at a dose of 10g BCAA’s + 5g Creatine + 5g glutamine taken post workout. BCAA’s are best taken 10-20 minutes before any other supplements because they have a tendency to beat out other supplements to the receptor sites. So if taking BCAA’s and other supplements one should wait 10-20 minutes between taking there BCAA’s and other supplements to allow for optimal absorption.

Benefits?

Muscle Building- BCAA’s are often regarded as one of the most potent muscle maintenance supplements. They maintain muscle tissue and keep the body anabolic by allowing protein synthesis to occur at a higher rate. They serve as an alternate fuel source for the muscles to use thus they can reduce muscle fatigue and allow for harder training and better recovery. BCAA’s stop catabolism post workout so it allows your body to build more muscle while limiting muscle breakdown.

Fat Loss- BCAA’s are excellent for dieting or cardiovascular activity. They allow your body to be in a calorie restricted state yet still maintain muscle mass. They are virtually calorie free and can be taken pre cardio to ensure muscle protein levels stay high and valuable muscle tissue is safeguarded by having BCAA’s as an alternate fuel source.

General Health- For general health BCAA’s are necessary for the body and new research is being done on there efficacy for increasing markers of liver, heart, and plasma level counts. Research shows that BCAA’s can be beneficial to many organs in the body including aiding in glucose metabolism, alleviating muscle pain, reducing muscular inflammation, and reducing liver damage after disease.

*Warnings: If you are currently pregnant or nursing, consult a physician prior to using this product. Keep out of reach of children.

**Allergen Warnings: This product does not contain nuts, shell fish, yeast, gluten, lactose, or soy. This product is manufactured in a facility that handles milk products, soy, and peanuts.