What is BCAA?

jennifermaxine
jennifermaxine Posts: 11
in Health and Weight Loss
My diet consists of eating clean and lean. Exercise is moderate. I've been reading a lot of bodybuilding/fitness mags .. and I see adds for BCAA. I have no idea what it is. What is it? Do you use it? Do you like it? Who would need or want to use it? Thanks!

Replies

  • 42kgirl
    42kgirl Posts: 692 Member
    I know it's branch chain amino acids, but I'd like more info as well.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    BCAAs are indeed Branch Chain Amino Acids. Some weight lifters supplement with them they are a component of protein. Most non body building fitness lifters do not use them as they are expensive and the dosage is fairly high. Many bodybuilder do. BCAA's are contained in some dose in protein foods and protein shakes is a small dose.
  • epmck11
    epmck11 Posts: 159 Member
    I do Lean Gains (www.leangains.com) -- an intermittent fasting program -- and I often train in a fasted state. BCAAs are supposed to help preserve muscles while exercising, especially if done while fasting. They also are supposed to help with muscle recovery. I don't seem as fatigued when I work out with them, even though I often haven't consumed any calories for up to 16 hours prior to lifting.It's hard to say for sure if they work, but they haven't hurt since I've tried them, they taste pretty good and it's something to sip on while working out, and I don't find them that expensive if you buy them online.

    (P.S. Anyone should feel free to add me, I'm new to the site and looking for new friends!)
  • jennifermaxine
    jennifermaxine Posts: 11
    I do Lean Gains (www.leangains.com) -- an intermittent fasting program -- and I often train in a fasted state. BCAAs are supposed to help preserve muscles while exercising, especially if done while fasting. They also are supposed to help with muscle recovery. I don't seem as fatigued when I work out with them, even though I often haven't consumed any calories for up to 16 hours prior to lifting.It's hard to say for sure if they work, but they haven't hurt since I've tried them, they taste pretty good and it's something to sip on while working out, and I don't find them that expensive if you buy them online.

    (P.S. Anyone should feel free to add me, I'm new to the site and looking for new friends!)



    Do they make you jittery??

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