Among the nine essential amino acids, there are three amino acids which are known as branched-chain amino acids or BCAA which are particularly useful to the athletes and bodybuilders.

Among the nine essential amino acids, there are three amino acids which are known as branched-chain amino acids or BCAA which are particularly useful to the athletes and bodybuilders. These amino acids are L-Vailine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine. The difference between BCAA and other essential amino acids is that they are metabolized in the muscle, rather than in the liver. 

Recent research has shown that the three BCAAs to be the most valuable among the essential amino acids for heavy training and intense exercise. BCAAs help build muscle and inhibit muscle breakdown, especially during dieting. They also help in increasing athletic endurance and power.

Consumption of vitamins B2, B6 and C along with BCAA helps in optimization of body’s utilization of BCAAs for energy, growth and recovery. Recent studies have shown that BCAAs also have a positive effect on reducing fatigue and help in maintaining plasma levels of BCAAs in the body. Low levels of BCAA in the plasma is an indicator of increased levels of fatigue and reduced markers of physical performance.