Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Revisiting Their Role in Sport and Health
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly leucine, are essential amino acids recognized for their significant roles in muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle catabolism, and supporting metabolic health. This review explores the biochemistry, metabolism, and signaling pathways of BCAAs, emp...
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| Format: | Article |
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Kazimierz Wielki University
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Education, Health and Sport |
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| Online Access: | https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57148 |
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| author | Aleksandra Kajtel Anna Skowronek Martyna Piekarska Katarzyna Dąbek Michał Ochwat Maria Sudoł Gabriela Mierzwa |
| author_facet | Aleksandra Kajtel Anna Skowronek Martyna Piekarska Katarzyna Dąbek Michał Ochwat Maria Sudoł Gabriela Mierzwa |
| author_sort | Aleksandra Kajtel |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly leucine, are essential amino acids recognized for their significant roles in muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle catabolism, and supporting metabolic health. This review explores the biochemistry, metabolism, and signaling pathways of BCAAs, emphasizing their potential therapeutic applications in conditions like sarcopenia, liver cirrhosis, and cachexia. BCAA metabolism primarily occurs in skeletal muscle and liver, with leucine activating key signaling pathways like mTORC1, promoting muscle growth and reducing protein breakdown. Clinical studies demonstrate the potential benefits of BCAA supplementation, particularly when combined with resistance exercise, in improving muscle quality and functional outcomes. However, effects on broader physical performance markers, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic profiles remain inconsistent. Safety data indicates leucine is well-tolerated at dosages up to 0.53 g/kg/day, but optimal dosages and timing require further study. Despite promising findings, the efficacy of BCAA supplementation is context-dependent, highlighting the need for longer trials and research targeting specific populations, including the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Future research should focus on personalized protocols, the safety of long-term use, and combining BCAA supplementation with other interventions to maximize therapeutic potential. This article aims to revisit the biochemistry, therapeutic applications, and safety of BCAA supplementation, highlighting its potential in muscle preservation and metabolic health while identifying gaps for future research. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2b91eb3b74de43fa8d08be19d8088c28 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2391-8306 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Kazimierz Wielki University |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Education, Health and Sport |
| spelling | doaj-art-2b91eb3b74de43fa8d08be19d8088c282025-01-09T08:16:41ZengKazimierz Wielki UniversityJournal of Education, Health and Sport2391-83062025-01-017710.12775/JEHS.2025.77.57148Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Revisiting Their Role in Sport and HealthAleksandra Kajtel0https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2576-1209Anna Skowronek1https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8567-6695Martyna Piekarska2https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0698-3307Katarzyna Dąbek3https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2592-0148Michał Ochwat4https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1225-5519Maria Sudoł5https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7204-3097Gabriela Mierzwa6https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5548-2316The University Hospital in Kraków, Macieja Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 KrakówThe University Hospital in Kraków, Macieja Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688 KrakówIndependent Public Health Care Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Kraków, Kronikarza Galla 25, 30-053 KrakówCountry Hospital in Strzyżów, 700-lecia 1, 38-100 StrzyżówIndependent Public Health Care Facility No. 1 in Rzeszów, Czackiego 3, 35-051 Rzeszów5 Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic SPZOZ, Wrocławska 1-3, 30-901 KrakówNowodworskie Medical Center, Miodowa 2, 05-100 Nowy Dwór MazowieckiBranched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly leucine, are essential amino acids recognized for their significant roles in muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle catabolism, and supporting metabolic health. This review explores the biochemistry, metabolism, and signaling pathways of BCAAs, emphasizing their potential therapeutic applications in conditions like sarcopenia, liver cirrhosis, and cachexia. BCAA metabolism primarily occurs in skeletal muscle and liver, with leucine activating key signaling pathways like mTORC1, promoting muscle growth and reducing protein breakdown. Clinical studies demonstrate the potential benefits of BCAA supplementation, particularly when combined with resistance exercise, in improving muscle quality and functional outcomes. However, effects on broader physical performance markers, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic profiles remain inconsistent. Safety data indicates leucine is well-tolerated at dosages up to 0.53 g/kg/day, but optimal dosages and timing require further study. Despite promising findings, the efficacy of BCAA supplementation is context-dependent, highlighting the need for longer trials and research targeting specific populations, including the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Future research should focus on personalized protocols, the safety of long-term use, and combining BCAA supplementation with other interventions to maximize therapeutic potential. This article aims to revisit the biochemistry, therapeutic applications, and safety of BCAA supplementation, highlighting its potential in muscle preservation and metabolic health while identifying gaps for future research.https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57148branched chain amino acidsleucinesupplementationmuscle protein synthesissarcopeniafrailty syndrome |
| spellingShingle | Aleksandra Kajtel Anna Skowronek Martyna Piekarska Katarzyna Dąbek Michał Ochwat Maria Sudoł Gabriela Mierzwa Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Revisiting Their Role in Sport and Health Journal of Education, Health and Sport branched chain amino acids leucine supplementation muscle protein synthesis sarcopenia frailty syndrome |
| title | Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Revisiting Their Role in Sport and Health |
| title_full | Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Revisiting Their Role in Sport and Health |
| title_fullStr | Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Revisiting Their Role in Sport and Health |
| title_full_unstemmed | Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Revisiting Their Role in Sport and Health |
| title_short | Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Revisiting Their Role in Sport and Health |
| title_sort | branched chain amino acids bcaas revisiting their role in sport and health |
| topic | branched chain amino acids leucine supplementation muscle protein synthesis sarcopenia frailty syndrome |
| url | https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57148 |
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