BCAA

Background/Objectives: Studies have reported an increased risk of type 2 diabetes among people with higher protein intake. Moreover, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are reported to be positively associated with insulin resistance (IR). However, it is not understood whether elevated levels of BCAA are causal to IR development, or if higher BCAA are a marker of IR. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of long-term protein and carbohydrate supplementation on plasma BCAA levels, and the relationship between plasma BCAA and IR in postmenopausal women. Methods: Stored samples and data from 84 postmenopausal women who participated in a protein supplementation trial (SPOON) were included. Exclusion criteria consisted of protein intakes less than 0.6 g/kg or greater than 1.0 g/kg, a body mass index (BMI) greater than 32 kg/m2 or less than 19 kg/m2 diseases, and conditions and medications known to impact musculoskeletal health. Subjects were randomized to a whey protein (PRO: n = 38) or maltodextrin supplement (CHO: n = 46) for 18 months. Plasma BCAA, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and body composition were analyzed at baseline and 18 months. Results: At baseline, there were no significant associations between plasma BCAA and IR. There were also no significant changes in plasma BCAA or IR by study arm. However, there was a significant positive association between plasma BCAA and IR in both groups at 18 months (CHO: r = 0.35, p = 0.02; PRO: r = 0.35, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Findings from this study warrant future research to examine other diet and lifestyle factors that may mediate the relationship between circulating BCAA and IR in postmenopausal women.

Cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are global health challenges. In cancer patients, CVDs is the second leading cause of death following disease progression. There are few specialized services for cardio-oncology patients worldwide currently. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids and promote protein synthesis and energy homeostasis. The disruption of BCAAs metabolism facilitates the development of cancer and CVDs while the benefit of BCAAs supplement is full of controversy. In this review, we summarized BCAA-related studies in cardiometabolism, cancer and chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and provided our perspectives on the roles of BCAAs in cardio-oncology research. We find that supplementation of BCAAs presents protective effects in cardiometabolic diseases, while the influence on cancer is intricate and varies across different types. Large-scale clinical studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of BCAA intake and its impact on different disease stages. BCAAs have potential to mitigate chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity such as doxorubicin (DOX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Continued research is still essential to understand the precise mechanisms, determine optimal usage, and assess the effectiveness of BCAAs supplement.

Background: Sustainable, dual-action ergogenic strategies are underexplored; most products target a single pathway and rarely upcycle seafood sidestreams. We therefore tested an upcycled formulation combining grouper bone hydrolysate and Undaria pinnatifida extract (GU) for ergogenic and microbiota effects in mice. We tested the ergogenic and microbiota modulating effects of GU in mice versus a vehicle and a BCAA control. Methods: GU was prepared via enzymatic hydrolysis of marine by-products and administered to male ICR mice for 4 weeks. Mice were divided into five groups (n = 7/group), receiving a vehicle control, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplement, or GU at three dose levels (1X, 2X, 3X) based on human-equivalent conversion. Exercise performance was assessed via grip strength and treadmill tests. Biochemical markers of fatigue, body composition, and safety indicators were also analyzed. Gut microbiota was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing and constrained principal coordinates analysis (CPCoA). Results: Four weeks of GU supplementation significantly enhanced exercise performance [(treadmill time ↑ Δ = 10.2–11.7 min versus vehicle (q ≤ 0.0002), grip strength ↑ Δ = 40.4–48.5 g (q ≤ 0.05)] and lean body mass [FFM ↑ at GU-1X (Δ = +0.80%, q = 0.0123)], surpassing the commercial BCAA control. Biochemical analyses indicated reduced exercise-induced lactate accumulation [(post-exercise lactate ↓ Δ = −2.71/−2.18 mmol·L−1, q = 0.0006)]. Gut microbiota profiling revealed distinct shifts in community composition in GU-treated groups, notably with an increased abundance of beneficial taxa such as Lactobacillus and Muribaculum. These alterations reflect the prebiotic activity of seaweed-derived polysaccharides, promoting a healthier gut microbial profile. Notably, GU improved metabolic markers (aspartate aminotransferase, [AST]; lactate dehydrogenase, [LDH]) without inducing toxicity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that GU functions as a dual-action supplemen

Purpose: The present study uses healthy human volunteers to examine the insulinotropic action of L-carnitine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) after energy intake.Methods: A total of 39 young, healthy human volunteers were assigned to receive oral doses of either L-carnitine alone (L group, n=10) or L-carnitine combined with a single or long-term continuous dose of BCAAs. Controls (C group, n=16) received none of these. L-carnitine was administered orally at 1,000 mg/d for 14 days, and BCAA was administered orally either once just before exercise (L+SB group, n=6), or every day for 14 days (L+CB group, n=7) until 2 days before the experiment. After overnight fasting, 200 kcal of glucose and oral nutritional supplement were administered to prevent hypoglycemia. Blood glucose, free-fatty acid, and serum insulin levels were measured to examine the insulinotropic action before and after exercise.Results: Blood glucose and serum insulin levels in the L group were significantly lower than those in the C group. While the serum insulin levels were higher after energy administration than those in the fasting state in all groups, these were significantly higher in the L+SB group and in the L+CB group compared with those in the L group. The insulinotropic action after energy intake remained even after the repeated administration of BCAA discontinued 2 days before the experi¬ment and even after serum BCAA levels remained the same.Conclusion: While the insulinotropic action appeared after a single dose of BCAA, it was also potentiated by long-term repeated oral administration of BCAA.

Aims: The purpose of this review was to examine how five commonly used supplements, including creatine, citrulline, L-arginine, beta-alanine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), affect physical performance and kidney health. These compounds are widely consumed in the context of athletic training, yet their long-term safety with respect to renal function remains insufficiently defined. Methodology: Relevant literature published between 1990 and 2024 was identified using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The selection included studies describing the physiological effects and potential renal impact of each supplement. State of Knowledge: Analysis of the available research suggests that creatine does not impair kidney function in healthy individuals. Citrulline is considered metabolically safe and may support renal health in specific contexts, although elevated concentrations in patients with reduced kidney function could indicate metabolic imbalance. L-arginine may be beneficial in acute clinical settings but shows potentially harmful effects when used long term, especially in older or chronically ill individuals. Beta-alanine has demonstrated safety and antioxidant properties that could protect kidney cells. In contrast, high or prolonged intake of BCAAs may contribute to insulin resistance and worsen renal outcomes in people with diabetes or hereditary kidney disorders. Conclusions: When used appropriately by healthy individuals, these supplements are generally safe for kidney function. However, individual health status, dosage, and duration of use can significantly affect renal outcomes. BCAA supplementation, in particular, should be approached with caution in at-risk populations. More long-term studies are needed to fully assess the renal safety of these compounds in both athletic and clinical settings.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental conditions influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Here, we show that nutrients—an important environmental factor—can modulate synaptic proteomes, reconfigure neural ensembles, and improve social behaviors in ASD mouse genetic models. We analyzed Tbr1+/− mice, a well-established model of ASD, using proteomic approaches and in vivo calcium imaging. Synaptic and metabolic proteomes were found to be sensitive to Tbr1 haploinsufficiency. Our results also revealed that Tbr1 haploinsufficiency promotes hyperactivation and hyperconnectivity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons, enhancing the activity correlation between individual neurons and their corresponding ensembles. Zinc, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), and serine—all nutrients known to regulate synapse formation and activity—were then combined into supplement cocktails and administered to Tbr1+/− mice. This treatment altered synaptic and metabolic proteomes and normalized the activity and connectivity of the BLA in Tbr1+/− mice during social interactions. We further show that although a low dose of individual nutrients did not alter social behaviors, treatment with supplement cocktails containing low-dose individual nutrients improved social behaviors and associative memory of Tbr1+/− mice, implying a synergistic effect of combining low-dose zinc, BCAA, and serine. Moreover, the supplement cocktails also improved social behaviors in Nf1+/− and Cttnbp2+/M120I mice, two additional ASD mouse models. Thus, our findings reveal aberrant neural connectivity in the BLA of Tbr1+/− mice and indicate that dietary supplementation with zinc, BCAA, and/or serine offers a safe and accessible approach to mitigate neural connectivity and social behaviors across multiple ASD models.

It has long been postulated that dietary restriction is beneficial for ensuring longevity and extending the health span of mammals, including humans. In particular, a reduction in protein consumption has been shown to be specifically linked to the beneficial effect of dietary restriction on metabolic disorders, presumably by reducing the activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC) 1 and the reciprocal activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin pathways. Although it is widely used as a dietary supplement to delay the aging process in humans, recent evidence suggests that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) might be a major cause of the deteriorating effect of a protein diet on aging and related disorders. In this review, we delineate the regulation of metabolic pathways for BCAAs at the tissue-specific level and summarize recent findings regarding the role of BCAAs in the control of metabolic health and disease in mammals. This review article illustrates the function of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs - essential nutrients we get from food) and how they’re processed in our bodies, in relation to health and illness. BCAAs are connected to aging processes and metabolic health - the body’s way of converting food into energy. Recent studies found that reducing BCAA intake can improve the health and lifespan of rodents. Similar studies were also conducted by using different animal models, like yeast, flies, rodents, and primates. It also emphasized the potential influence of BCAAs on human disease and aging metabolic processes. The review article concluded that BCAAs and their processing are vital for metabolic health and lifespan, and more research is needed to understand their effect on human health. Further studies on BCAAs could be important for creating diet plans and treatments for metabolic issues and aging-related diseases. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the

Javanese goat and Garut sheep hair contain α-keratin, a protein that can be broken by hydrolysis to produce simpler amino acids. Feather waste generates millions of tons of α-keratin biomass originating from animal slaughterhouses, thereby raising health concerns. The utilization of acid hydrolysis is considered to be more cost-effective compared to enzymatic hydrolysis, and it provides a broader range of amino acid cleavage sites compared to enzymes, which exhibit specific cleavage. This study aimed to isolate amino acids from Javanese goat and Garut sheep hair through acid hydrolysis. The methods included hair sample preparation, acid hydrolysis used 6 M HCL at 110°C, reflux isolation, amino acid separation based on isoelectric pH 4.9 –5.4, functional groups analysis using FTIR, and analysis of amino acid content by HPLC methods. The results showed that the yield produced after isolation on Javanese goat hair samples was 0.92% and Garut sheep hair 0.32%, respectively. The FTIR spectrum showed amino acid functional groups in both samples, including carboxyl (COOH), amine (C-N primer), (C-S disulfide), and amide I (-CONH2). Successful breakdown of α-keratin proteins into simpler amino acids was achieved for Javanese goat and Garut sheep hair. Amino acid analysis of Javanese goat hair isolates revealed the presence of aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamate, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, histidine, lysine, and arginine amino acids, respectively. The highest content was isoleucine at 0.60% w/w. In conclusion, the isolated amino acids from Javanese goat hair can be used as a halal supplement that serves as nutrition in the body.

Studies suggest that inducing gut microbiota changes may alter both muscle physiology and cognitive behaviour. Gut microbiota may play a role in both anabolic resistance of older muscle, and cognition. In this placebo controlled double blinded randomised controlled trial of 36 twin pairs (72 individuals), aged ≥60, each twin pair are block randomised to receive either placebo or prebiotic daily for 12 weeks. Resistance exercise and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation is prescribed to all participants. Outcomes are physical function and cognition. The trial is carried out remotely using video visits, online questionnaires and cognitive testing, and posting of equipment and biological samples. The prebiotic supplement is well tolerated and results in a changed gut microbiome [e.g., increased relative Bifidobacterium abundance]. There is no significant difference between prebiotic and placebo for the primary outcome of chair rise time (β = 0.579; 95% CI −1.080-2.239 p = 0.494). The prebiotic improves cognition (factor score versus placebo (β = −0.482; 95% CI,−0.813, −0.141; p = 0.014)). Our results demonstrate that cheap and readily available gut microbiome interventions may improve cognition in our ageing population. We illustrate the feasibility of remotely delivered trials for older people, which could reduce under-representation of older people in clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04309292. Here, the authors present the results of the PROMOTe trial, reporting improved cognition with prebiotic vs placebo in twins over 60 years old, probing that remote trials are feasible in older adults, and suggesting that the gut microbiota may represent a therapeutic target for age-associated morbidity.

Study purpose. To investigate type of supplement and amount of supplement used as well as the perceived effect and needs of boxers. Materials and methods. This research is a survey conducted from December 2022 to January 2023. The instrument used a questionnaire (google form).Boxers have 2 criteria, namely: 1) are still active as athletes and 2) have been champions at the provincial level with a total of 155 boxers, 116 male boxers and 39 female boxers. Results. 74 boxers used more than 1 type of supplement (48%), 81 boxers used only 1 type of supplement (52%). Type of supplement, Creatine 23 boxers (8.1%). Whey Protein 14 boxers (4.9%), Fat Burner 93 boxers (32.9%). BCAA 26 boxers (9.2%). Amino 12 boxers (4.2%). Multivitamins and minerals 114 boxers (40.7%). The effect felt, 22 boxers felt effect is "very low" (14.21%), 40 boxers felt effect is “low” (25.80%), 53 boxers felt effect is "enough" (34.19%), 14 boxers felt effect is “high” (9.03%), 26 boxers felt effect is “very high” (16.77%). The need to use supplements, namely 7 boxers need supplements is "very low" (4.54%), 13 boxers need supplements is “low” (8.38%). 52 boxers need supplements is “enough” (33.54%). 44 boxers need supplements is "high" (28.38%). 39 boxers need supplements is "very high" (25.16%). Conclusion. Multivitamins and minerals and fat burners are popular supplements used by boxers because of their convenience and more beneficial benefits. However, boxers are still less concerned about how to use supplements. It is evident from the results that show that many boxers feel in the categories of "enough", "low" and "very low" in the use of supplements but boxers think that the use of supplements is really needed. Further research is expected, to determine the amount and type of supplement recommended specifically for boxing athletes.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are three of the nine indispensable amino acids, and are frequently consumed as a dietary supplement by athletes and recreationally active individuals alike. The popularity of BCAA supplements is largely predicated on the notion that they can stimulate rates of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and suppress rates of muscle protein breakdown (MPB), the combination of which promotes a net anabolic response in skeletal muscle. To date, several studies have shown that BCAA (particularly leucine) increase the phosphorylation status of key proteins within the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway involved in the regulation of translation initiation in human muscle. Early research in humans demonstrated that BCAA provision reduced indices of whole-body and MPB; however, there was no stimulatory effect of BCAA on MPS. In contrast, recent work has demonstrated that BCAA intake can stimulate postprandial MPS rates at rest and can further increase MPS rates during recovery after a bout of resistance exercise. The purpose of this evidence-based narrative review is to critically appraise the available research pertaining to studies examining the effects of BCAA on MPS, MPB, and associated molecular signalling responses in humans. Overall, BCAA can activate molecular pathways that regulate translation initiation, reduce indices of whole-body and MPB, and transiently stimulate MPS rates. However, the stimulatory effect of BCAA on MPS rates is less than the response observed following ingestion of a complete protein source providing the full complement of indispensable amino acids.

A pre-workout supplement’s (PWS; 200 mg caffeine, 3.3 g creatine monohydrate, 3.2 g β-alanine, 6 g citrulline malate and 5 g branched chained amino acid (BCAA) per dose) acute effects on the alactic (jumping, sprinting, agility), lactic (Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test, RAST) and aerobic performance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, Yo-Yo IRL1 VO2max) of well-trained basketball players was investigated in this double-blind placebo-controlled study. Thirty players (age 18–31 years, height 166–195 cm, weight 70.2–116.7 kg, body fat 10.6–26.4%) were allocated to pre-workout (PWS, n = 15) or placebo (PL, n = 15) groups. Half of the participants in each group performed the evaluations without PWS or PL, while the rest consumed PWS or PL 30 min before the assessments (1st trial) and vice versa (2nd trial). Significant improvements in counter-movement jump (CMJ) (PWS: 4.3 ± 2.1%; PL: 1.2 ± 1.0%), agility (PWS: −2.9 ± 1.8%; PL: 1.8 ± 1.7%), RAST average (PWS: 18.3 ± 9.1%; PL: −2.2 ± 2.0%), minimum power (PWS: 13.7 ± 8.9%; PL: −7.5 ± 5.9%), and fatigue index (PWS: −25.0 ± 0.9%; PL: −4.6 ± 0.6%) were observed in the PWS group vs. the PL group (p < 0.05). No differences were found regarding sprinting, aerobic performance, and blood lactate concentrations. Thus, although players’ alactic and lactic anaerobic performance could be improved, peak power, sprinting and aerobic performance are not.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a disease featured by early menopause before 40 years of age, accompanied by an elevation of follicle‐stimulating hormone. Though POI affects many aspects of women's health, its major causes remain unknown. Many clinical studies have shown that POI patients are generally underweight, indicating a potential correlation between POI and metabolic disorders. To understand the pathogenesis of POI, we performed metabolomics analysis on serum and identified branch‐chain amino acid (BCAA) insufficiency‐related metabolic disorders in two independent cohorts from two clinics. A low BCAA diet phenotypically reproduced the metabolic, endocrine, ovarian, and reproductive changes of POI in young C57BL/6J mice. A mechanism study revealed that the BCAA insufficiency‐induced POI is associated with abnormal activation of the ceramide‐reactive oxygen species (ROS) axis and consequent impairment of ovarian granulosa cell function. Significantly, the dietary supplement of BCAA prevented the development of ROS‐induced POI in female mice. The results of this pathogenic study will lead to the development of specific therapies for POI.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic dysfunction for which effective interventions are lacking. To investigate the effects of resistant starch (RS) as a microbiota-directed dietary supplement for NAFLD treatment, we coupled a 4-month randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in individuals with NAFLD (ChiCTR-IOR-15007519) with metagenomics and metabolomics analysis. Relative to the control (n = 97), the RS intervention (n = 99) resulted in a 9.08% absolute reduction of intrahepatic triglyceride content (IHTC), which was 5.89% after adjusting for weight loss. Serum branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and gut microbial species, in particular Bacteroides stercoris, significantly correlated with IHTC and liver enzymes and were reduced by RS. Multi-omics integrative analyses revealed the interplay among gut microbiota changes, BCAA availability, and hepatic steatosis, with causality supported by fecal microbiota transplantation and monocolonization in mice. Thus, RS dietary supplementation might be a strategy for managing NAFLD by altering gut microbiota composition and functionality.

BCAAs alone stimulate muscle protein synthesis but maximal response requires all EAAs.

BCAA supplementation reduces indices of muscle damage and accelerates recovery.

BCAA supplementation improves nutritional status and quality of life in liver cirrhosis.