BCAA - Not Just for Physically Active Individuals

Isoleucine is an organic chemical compound that belongs to the group of exogenous amino acids. It is also the isomer of leucine, an amino acid already described by me. Together with valine, they form a complex. It occurs in virtually every type of protein, including sperm proteins, hemoglobin and casein. By analyzing natural products, isoleucine is present in fish, meat and dairy products, nuts, beans, almonds, lentils, and sesame. The leucine isomer primarily participates in the protein synthesis process that occurs in the liver and muscle tissue. It is stronger than valine and weaker than its precursor, leucine. Together with the other two amino acids that form the BCAA complex, isoleucine contributes to inhibiting harmful catabolic reactions and stimulating regenerative processes. Despite the lack of empirical evidence, it is assumed that isoleucine is involved in the glucose absorption and transformation cycle into natural energy for the body. This explains its participation in the regulation of blood sugar levels. In addition, it accelerates wound healing, is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin, and supports the regeneration of tissues, muscle fibers, skin, and nails. It is also classified as one of the essential elements for the production of hemoglobin. The health role of exogenous amino acids has found application in the treatment of numerous ailments.

Isoleucine represents a potent solution in our dietary regimen if we aspire to elevate our body's glucose consumption. The recommended daily dosage, to be ingested during or post meal, ranges from 2 to 5 grams.

An insufficiency of isoleucine is detected in individuals with a protein deficiency in their diet. Symptoms of inadequate isoleucine intake include apathy, headache, depression, confusion, dizziness, and fatigue. An excess of isoleucine can result in a decrease in the level of another amino acid, tyrosine, which can lead to a drop in dopamine levels, causing mood deterioration and even the development of depression. Other symptoms of excessive isoleucine intake include: - hypertension, - indigestion, - facial flushing, - fatigue, - increased urination, which can lead to loss of nutrients. Supplementation with isoleucine is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and adolescents. Isoleucine is also contraindicated in patients with liver disease and Parkinson's disease.

Numerous investigations have been detected that confirm the health-promoting role of BCAA amino acids. Despite their common treatment as a typical supplement for athletes, they often find application in the therapy of various ailments. The aim of a study conducted by Cangiano was to mitigate the anorexia present in most cancer patients. Over the course of one week, the research group was supplied with a dose of 14.4 g BCAA three times a day.

In comparison to the control group, the consumption of exogenous amino acids in patients who were administered them noticeably increased. This outcome was attained by limiting the brain's uptake of tryptophan. Consequently, the production of serotonin was reduced, resulting in heightened hunger. Richardson's experiment validated the utility of exogenous amino acids in treating late dyskinesia. Over the course of 14 days, patients ingested a dosage of 209 mg/kg m. c. three times daily. The outcomes confirm a substantial decrease in the frequency of involuntary movements in patients and did not cause any adverse side effects. Valine is the last amino acid that forms the BCAA complex. Abbreviated as 'V', it is also an exogenous organic chemical compound with an aliphatic nature. Apart from conventional amino acid supplements, it is frequently found in carbohydrate-protein supplements and peri-workout stacks. Natural sources of valine include poultry products, fish and seafood, eggs, cheeses, sesame, lentils, soy, walnuts, and marine algae such as spirulina. I have previously mentioned some of these products and their benefits in my earlier articles. Valine, like the other components of EAA/BCAA complexes, is responsible for post-exercise recovery of the body burdened with physical exertion. Its anti-catabolic activity shields muscle cells from breakdown caused by undesired acidification of the body and motivates the body to synthesize proteins. Valine is also employed in the synthesis of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Valine, alongside its 'partners', maintains the glucose level in the blood, positively impacting the body's natural energy production. Its supplementation aids in the regulation of: - metabolism, - hormonal balance, - nervous system operation, - immune system functioning. In most cases, valine is taken in the form of a mixture of branched-chain amino acids, hence the daily dose of the preparation will be similar to that of the remaining compounds. The serving should contain between 2 and 5 g and is taken up to three times a day.

Valine deficiency is particularly prevalent in individuals who suffer from malnutrition, follow high-protein diets, or elimination diets during food allergies. Consequences of this amino acid deficiency include: insomnia, lack of appetite, myoclonus (muscle twitching), excessive touch sensitivity, weight loss. Why can a high-protein diet lead to valine deficiency? Valine plays a crucial role in protein metabolism and the transport of nitrogen from the liver to other body tissues. In this way, it helps protect this detoxifying organ not only from diseases but also from the effects of toxic substances such as alcohol or drugs. An excess of valine can manifest itself through skin tingling (paresthesia), hypoglycemia, impairment of kidney and liver function.

The significant role is also played by perceptual disorders in the form of hallucinations and illusions. A vast number of studies on the EAA and BCAA complex confirm the effectiveness of these amino acids not only by athletes. An example is the experience of patients with affective disorders taking a constant dose of branched-chain amino acids for a week. The daily dose of the preparation was 60 g. After seven days of studies, the results confirmed a significant reduction in the symptoms of this disease. Another example may be the Peitz experiment in people with phenylketone exuria. Using magnetic resonance, an attempt was made to demonstrate correlations between the content of phenylalanine and the action of exogenous amino acids. Patients took phenylalanine both individually and in combination with the compounds under study. Researchers noted a significant inhibition of the increase in the content of this compound after the consumption of phenylalanine together with BCAA.