BCAA's - What's the point?

Christine_72

I'm receiving a free bottle of BCAA's in my next protein powder order, but am unsure if i should bother taking them or not.

The only exercise i do is walking, no weight lifting. I think i have read that bcaa's tend to make people retain water, I'm already a "water hoarder", i don't need to add more to the mix.

My question is, will they provide any benefits? I don't want to take pills just for the sake of it.

AnvilHead

If your protein intake is adequate, there is no point whatsoever to taking BCAAs.

For further: https://examine.com/supplements/branched-chain-amino-acids/

Christine_72

Thanks @AnvilHead . Once again, your link answered all of my questions

Gallowmere1984

No point, other than Kool-Aide flavored powder that is useless without the other aminos backing it.

Tacklewasher

It's about the same point as AAA, but you need to live in BC to be part of it. I'm not a member as I have new vehicles and haven't needed a tow in decades.

Oh, not what you were asking?

jennybearlv

I tried BCAA's and didn't notice any difference. Creatine along with weight lifting has worked well for me and coffee seems to add a nice boost to my cardio activities, but that's it. Nothing else I've tried has ever made one bit of difference.

Christine_72

Tacklewasher wrote: »

It's about the same point as AAA, but you need to live in BC to be part of it. I'm not a member as I have new vehicles and haven't needed a tow in decades.

Oh, not what you were asking?

Haha I was a member for years and never used them, they're called RAA here. A couple months after not renewing, my car broke down (10 minutes from home) in 40 c heat on Christmas day on the way to my families house who live 90 minutes away! That was one expensive taxi ride :sad:

cwolfman13

Christine_72 wrote: »

I'm receiving a free bottle of BCAA's in my next protein powder order, but am unsure if i should bother taking them or not.

The only exercise i do is walking, no weight lifting. I think i have read that bcaa's tend to make people retain water, I'm already a "water hoarder", i don't need to add more to the mix.

My question is, will they provide any benefits? I don't want to take pills just for the sake of it.

I think you're thinking of creatine.

Christine_72

cwolfman13 wrote: »

Christine_72 wrote: »

I'm receiving a free bottle of BCAA's in my next protein powder order, but am unsure if i should bother taking them or not.

The only exercise i do is walking, no weight lifting. I think i have read that bcaa's tend to make people retain water, I'm already a "water hoarder", i don't need to add more to the mix.

My question is, will they provide any benefits? I don't want to take pills just for the sake of it.

I think you're thinking of creatine.

oops yep, yep you're right. So many supplements out there, it's hard to keep track!

Djproulx

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has experience with BCAAs as a supplement taken before or during endurance activities. There seems to be some possible benefits, such as support for fat oxidation and a corresponding reduction in glucose utilization, but I haven't done as much reading on this as I should. (The link provided referenced some minor impacts) Any endurance junkies have an opinion to share on BCAAs?

Katiebear_81

Not much experience here (just started using a protein powder with them included). I thought some of the benefit was less soreness after?

rckc1

Katiebear_81 wrote: »

Not much experience here (just started using a protein powder with them included). I thought some of the benefit was less soreness after?

I heard that too. Not true?

quiksylver296

I just starting taking them regularly (two weeks in) to personally test and see if I noticed any difference. My trainer kept pushing me to use them, especially during competitions, so I bought a tub.

From a powerlifter perspective - I actually have worse DOMS this week than I have had in a long time. My workouts are between 75-120 minutes four times a week. I feel like I've powered through the workouts better. Maybe I have more DOMS because I'm hitting the workouts harder?

I'm usually really tired in the gym by Friday, so I want to see how I feel this Friday. If I'm not dragging my tail into the gym, the assisting-in-recovery part may be true. Here's hoping!

cyndit1

Endurance athlete and I take BCAAs after each workout (run, spin or weights). I like them and I find that I do have better recovery since taking them. might be all in my head though.

trigden1991

They're free and highly unlikely to have any negative effects so I'd take them if I were you.

bonoeuf

I use BCAA as a recovery drink after cycling over an hour long. Helps with reducing muscle fatigue and has me ready for another ride quicker than I was without them.

mlsh1969

Christine_72 wrote: »

I'm receiving a free bottle of BCAA's in my next protein powder order, but am unsure if i should bother taking them or not.

The only exercise i do is walking, no weight lifting. I think i have read that bcaa's tend to make people retain water, I'm already a "water hoarder", i don't need to add more to the mix.

My question is, will they provide any benefits? I don't want to take pills just for the sake of it.

Good question, l was curious about this too