A wave of new scientific evidence has emerged, outlining the key benefits and the mechanisms by which BCAAs mediate their physiological effects. BCAAs are now recognised as much more than simple building blocks for muscle and exciting new research is helping to realise the full potential of BCAA.
During exercise, cellular glucose levels fall and glycogen stores are depleted as they are hydrolysed to release energy and proteins are catabolised (broken down) as a final measure to meet the energy demands of muscles which can lead to loss of muscle mass.
Whilst most amino acids are metabolised in the liver, BCAAs are primarily oxidised to release energy for contraction in muscle tissue. The muscle specificity of BCAA oxidisation makes BCAAs an essential and effective supplement to fuel muscle contraction, amplify endurance and prevent muscle catabolism. Results show an increased level of BCAA in the blood during and after exercise reflecting a significant increase in BCAA oxidisation during prolonged exercise.
Several studies have established the mechanisms by which BCAAs act as signalling molecules to influence hormone secretion. Experiments in which the blood plasma concentration of hormones was monitored before and following BCAA administration showed that there was an increase was observed in anabolic hormones including growth hormone, testosterone and insulin, whilst there was an observed decrease in the release of the catabolic hormone cortisol. BCAAs not only stimulate growth but actively prevents muscle catabolism
The graph below shows that a carbohydrate, generic protein plus supplementary Leucine (CHO+PRO+leu) caused a higher insulinotropic effect than carbohydrate and protein alone. This proves that BCAA potentiate insulin release through different mechanisms to achieve an effect that is above and beyond the capacity of a generic protein rich supplement.
The effect of BCAA increasing muscle mass is widely accepted – amino acids form the basic building blocks of all proteins which make up the bulk of muscle mass. Whilst it is well understood that a higher intake of amino acids will facilitate muscle growth by providing the raw material for growth, exciting new studies have shown that BCAAs function as signalling molecules to command an increase in muscle mass. Leucine in particular has been shown to be involved in signalling via the mTOR pathway to cause muscle hypertrophy. The graph below shows that the Fraction Synthetic Rate (FSR), which is an indication of the rate of protein synthesis, is higher with supplemented Leucine compared to a generic protein supplement.
Produced by our in-house nutritionists, this product has been formulated using only the highest quality sources to ensure that MEGA AMINOS BCAA delivers results and distinguishes it from competitors. Highly acclaimed and recommended by leading sport science experts for the superior quality and efficacy of MEGA AMINOS BCAA greatly enhances high intensity exercise endurance.
We recommend using the high purity WHEYMAX® Hydrolysed Whey Protein Isolate alongside ZMAC to facilitate rapid muscle recovery and growth.
