Now Branched Chain Amino Acids - 60 Caps

NOW Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's) are 3 essential amino acids which are abundant in muscles. The branched chain amino acids Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine are three of the eight essential amino acids that the human body must receive in food. These amino acids cannot be synthesized in the liver.

What are Amino Acids?

As the building blocks of protein, amino acids are vital to health. Next to water, amino acids in the form of proteins make up the greatest portion of our body weight. They comprise tendons, muscles and ligaments; organs and glands; hair and nails; important bodily fluids, and are a necessary part of every cell in the body.

Proteins are composed of amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds. When we eat protein the body must break these bonds in the digestive tract. Then single amino acids, or amino acids in short chains, are absorbed into the body, where they are reassembled into whatever substance the body needs. There are over 20 amino acids, separated into two categories essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be manufactured by your body, hence, it is essential that you obtain them from your diet. Non-essential amino acids can be manufactured by your body, however, your body must have the right combination of essential amino acids and supporting nutrients to optimize healthy protein maintenance, so supplementation may be desirable.

Why Supplement with BCAA's?

BCAAs act as a fuel source for the muscle because they are the only amino acids that are broken down directly in muscle tissue. They prevent the muscle breakdown that normally occurs during strenuous exercise, resulting in increased endurance and muscle strength. Other tissues that the BCAAs help to repair are the bones and skin. BCAAs regulate blood sugar by producing glycogen, the storage form of sugar in muscle tissue. Leucine increases the production of growth hormone. Growth hormone is sometimes referred to as the fountain of youth because it keeps the body "young" by repairing and building tissue. Levels of growth hormone naturally decline as we age and increasing growth hormone levels protect against the development of age related conditions. Leucine, and the other BCAAs, can be supplemented for the following conditions: muscle wasting, recovery from surgery, broken bones, skin diseases and can be used to improve muscle growth during exercise.

Amino Acid Supplementation vs Protein

The benefit to using amino acid supplements over protein is that the amino acids are easier for the body to absorb. There are a large variety of amino acid supplements and amino acid processing techniques. In general, look for amino acid supplements prefaced by the letter L (such as L-arginine). These are more similar to the amino acids in the body than are amino acid supplements prefaced by the letter D. Amino acid supplements are available as tablets, powder, liquid and capsules.The quality of amino acid supplements is apparent in their price. Higher quality formulas use superior processing techniques, have the amino acids in proper ratios for optimal absorption and avoid adding binders and fillers. Here are some of the more common processing techniques and types of amino complexes:

Free-Form Free form amino acids do not have to be digested. They are absorbed through the small intestine, into bloodstream and become quickly available to muscle or other tissues. They help to prevent muscle breakdown. They tend to be more expensive as a supplement.

Di-Tripeptides - Two or three molecule amino acids that are quickly digested and absorbed. May significantly increase the amount of amino acids that the muscle takes in because of the slightly slower rate of intake. These supplements are costly and not widely available.