Bcaa TABS

Yamamoto Nutrition BCAA TABS is a matrix consisting of 100% branched-chain amino acids, obtained by plant fermentation, with a 2:1:1 ratio. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are 3 amino acids that belong to the essential amino acids group, i.e. those that the human body in unable to synthesise in sufficient quantities to meet its needs, and which must therefore necessarily be taken in via the diet. It is important to remember that BCAAs are essential amino acids (EAAs), and that amino acids are the organic molecules our body uses to form proteins.

The formula is also enriched with vitamin B1, which promotes normal energy metabolism, and vitamin B6, which helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue, and promotes the maintenance of normal protein and glycogen metabolism.

BCAA TABS contains l-leucine, l-isoleucine and l-valine with ratio of 2:1:1, making its composition very similar to that found naturally in skeletal muscle. The main characteristics of these 3 amino acids are as follows:

• Leucine: occurs naturally in milk, corn, chicken and eggs. It plays an important role at the muscular level, and is an alternative source of energy during intense sports activities.
• Isoleucine: is found mainly in corn, potatoes, chicken, eggs, peanuts, bresaola and lamb. It is closely linked to glucose requirements (as a matter of fact, it is referred to as a glucogenic and ketogenic amino acid), prevents structural protein catabolism and promotes recovery after prolonged exertion.
• Valine**: is found in high quantities in egg white powder, soy protein, spirulina algae and dairy products. It plays several important roles, particularly in tissue reconstruction.

BCAAs are among the food supplements that are most popular with athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts in general. These amino acids are essential for muscle protein synthesis and the repair of muscle tissue damaged by exercise.

They account for approximately 35% of the essential amino acids in muscle protein and are particularly important for the maintenance and growth of lean muscle mass. In addition, BCAAs can help reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance during physical activity.

One of the main benefits of taking BCAA supplements is their ability to increase muscle protein synthesis, and leucine appears to be the most important amino acid for stimulating muscle protein synthesis by activating a metabolic pathway known as mTOR.

In addition to their branched side-chain structure, the other peculiarity of these amino acids lies in their metabolism. As a matter of fact they are the only amino acids that are not metabolised in the liver and pass directly into the muscle tissue, where they are metabolised by the enzyme BCCA amino-transferase, which is not present in the liver.
All three branched-chain amino acids are insulinogenic, but unlike the other amino acids that enable insulin stimulation, they are not glucogenic. This property has attracted the interest of the supplementation market due to the benefits of insulin peaks after exercise.

What are branched-chain amino acid supplements for?

Branched-chain amino acids have three main functions: they are used for protein synthesis where, together with the other 17 alpha-amino acids, they are the “building blocks” that make up proteins, they are used for energy purposes and act as signalling molecules.

Scientific references
Neinast M, Murashige D, Arany Z. Branched Chain Amino Acids. Annu Rev Physiol. 2019;81:139-164. doi:10.1146/annurev-physiol-020518-114455

Kamei Y, Hatazawa Y, Uchitomi R, Yoshimura R, Miura S. Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Function by Amino Acids. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):261. Published 2020 Jan 19. doi:10.3390/nu12010261

Branched-Chain Amino Acid Metabolism E. Harper, R. H. Miller, K. P. Block Annual Review of Nutrition 1984 4:1, 409-454

Brestenský, Matej & Nitrayová, S. & Patras, Peter & Heger, Jaroslav & Nitray, Jozef. (2015). Branched chain amino acids and their importance in nutrition. Journal of Microbiology Biotechnology and Food Sciences. 5. 197-202. 10.15414/jmbfs.2015.5.2.197-202.