BCAA

The phrase branched-chain amino acids or BCAA is sometimes used to refer to the amino acids having aliphatic side-chains that are non-linear. These are leucine, isoleucine and valine. The combination of these three essential amino acids makes up approximately 1/3 of skeletal muscle in the human body, and plays an important role in protein synthesis. BCAA’s are currently used clinically to aid in the recovery of burn victims, as well as for supplementation for strength athletes.


amino acid /ami·no ac·id/ (ah-me´no) one of a class of organic compounds containing the amino (NH2) and the carboxyl (COOH) groups; they occur naturally in plant and animal tissue and form the chief constituents of protein.

branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
essential amino acids the nine α-amino acids that cannot be synthesized by humans but must be obtained from the diet.
nonessential amino acids the eleven α-amino acids that can be synthesized by humans and are not specifically required in the diet.