BCAA's Worth IT?

[floridalife]

Ok guys and Girls Vote:

Have you seen psotive muscle gains that you can directly relate to the daily consumption of BCAA's?

Thanks

 

[Graphite]

depends on how much you take and how you use them and for what goals.

 

[ErikZ]

please develope your answer graphite!

 

[Graphite]

Well I started megadosing BCAA's+G about a week ago at 30grams at day. I noticed more muscle fullness (in my chest and triceps) and I'm cutting at the same time with liquiclen so yeah I haven't noticed any muscle loss at all! I've been getting good recovery time after hard training. Its worth it if you have the money to mega dose it. Its known to be effective at lower dosings but to achieve "gains" you would have to mega dose it.

Now with gaining pure muscle I'm not sure because I am cutting at the same time so it makes it quite difficult so I couldn't answer that. From the logs I read it helps with good recovery which leads to good development. I'm not sure by mega dosing BCAA's will DIRECTLY inhibit muscle gains but its possible. No doubt.

 

[EL GAUCHO]

Are we talking about the tablet form of Amino's?

 

[Graphite]

Are we talking about the tablet form of Amino's?

IMO, Powdered form of amino's are way more cost effecient and better quality.

 

[ErikZ]

Which brand do you recommend? I saw ON's BCAA 5000 Powder in it was not cheap

 

[Phosphate bond]

Just be careful with the dosage. If you take too much relative to how much you break down dopamine levels will drop in the brain and you'll get a prolactin increase. BCAAS compete with tyrosine, tryptopha, and histidine for entry into the brain.

I do think they work well for cutting (especially with exercise volume). Leucine as a standalone anabolic has not been shown to maintain elevated rates of protein synthesis if given in chronically high dosage. Aim just to replace the loses.

 

[EL GAUCHO]

Don't we get enough of these if we're supplementing with Protein powders, 2-3 times a day?

 

[Graphite]

I believe the amino acids in protein powders take longer to break down thats why you supplement pure bcaa's so they are ready to be broken down and to repair muscles. I may be wrong though.

 

[floridalife]

Ttt

 

[Lifterforlife]

Just be careful with the dosage. If you take too much relative to how much you break down dopamine levels will drop in the brain and you'll get a prolactin increase. BCAAS compete with tyrosine, tryptopha, and histidine for entry into the brain.

I do think they work well for cutting (especially with exercise volume). Leucine as a standalone anabolic has not been shown to maintain elevated rates of protein synthesis if given in chronically high dosage. Aim just to replace the loses.

Good post...I think BCAA's exert their best benefit when calories are at a premiun(restricted).

 

[White Tiger]

If you take in enough protein you do not need extra branch chain amminos.

 

[EL GAUCHO]

Thats what I was thinking....ideas anyone?

 

[SugarJay0126]

As someone already mentioned, the Aminos found in protein powder take more time to digest or "work". I for one take the Twinlab version by the teaspoon before and after my workout. I can tell alittle bit of a mass gain, but the main difference is an increase in vascularity due to the L-Arginine improving blood flow. When I took the pill version with every meal is when I could tell a difference in mass. I gained quite a bit of mass on the pill form. -Jay

 

[timtim]

waste of money. if your getting the right foods in they serve little purpose. i too believed in them for awhile. a member on this board is going for their nutrition phd, i asked him about it. he gave me the answer i just posted.

 

[tab1]

Supplement with BCAA's 20-30 mins after workout. This is not a product your going to really see results with if your not eating clean, etc.

 

[Lifterforlife]

As someone already mentioned, the Aminos found in protein powder take more time to digest or "work". I for one take the Twinlab version by the teaspoon before and after my workout. I can tell alittle bit of a mass gain, but the main difference is an increase in vascularity due to the L-Arginine improving blood flow. When I took the pill version with every meal is when I could tell a difference in mass. I gained quite a bit of mass on the pill form. -Jay

First off L arginine is not a BCAA.

And second, what you are referring to as more time to "work" is peptide bonded and free form.

BCAA's are metabolized directly in the muscle unlike EAA's.

 

[SugarJay0126]

First off L arginine is not a BCAA.

And second, what you are referring to as more time to "work" is peptide bonded and free form.

BCAA's are metabolized directly in the muscle unlike EAA's.

Never said L-Arginine WAS a BCAA, just the reason for vascularity when taken with BCAA's such as Twinlab. But thanks for the other info. -Jay

 

[Lifterforlife]

Never said L-Arginine WAS a BCAA, just the reason for vascularity when taken with BCAA's such as Twinlab. But thanks for the other info. -Jay

Glad to have you on the board.

 

[javaguru]

I don't think there is a point to taking supplemental BCAA's unless it's immediately before or during your workout.I use a dextrose and BCAA shake that I sip on during my workout. If you're consuming typical bodybuilding levels of protein you're getting enough throughout the rest of the day.

 

[Lifterforlife]

Again, BCAA's shine their brightest when calorie restricted...i.e...dieting. Metabolized directly in the muscle, so very easily burnt for fuel. Supplying exogenous BCAA's at this time of reduced calories can be very muscle sparing.

 

[IncredibleHoss]

I'm currently using Scivation's Xtend and have actually noticed new growth and recovery. One of the big reasons I believe is the Leucine. The price isn't to bad and I got it shipped pretty quickly from bodybuilding.com.
I use 5 scoops pre/during and 5 more scoops right after my last rep.

*The scooper is small so i just put in 5 scoops along with water and bring it around with me.

 

[Lifterforlife]

I'm currently using Scivation's Xtend and have actually noticed new growth and recovery. One of the big reasons I believe is the Leucine. The price isn't to bad and I got it shipped pretty quickly from bodybuilding.com.
I use 5 scoops pre/during and 5 more scoops right after my last rep.

*The scooper is small so i just put in 5 scoops along with water and bring it around with me.

The watermelon is killer in taste, isn't it?

 

[gjohnson5]

I believe the amino acids in protein powders take longer to break down thats why you supplement pure bcaa's so they are ready to be broken down and to repair muscles. I may be wrong though.

The problem with amino acids in general is that they denature in stomach acid. This is why you want them to be resistant to stomach acid and to be broken down by enzymes in the stomach and small intestines so that the pure amino acids go into your blood stream for your recovery. An amino acid that has a somewhat longer digestive time is a good thing

 

[IncredibleHoss]

The watermelon is killer in taste, isn't it?

Yeah i don't mind it. I just take it in gulps after my last rep.

I am not a grape fan so im thinking of passing on grape. Have you tried it?

 

[rocuhfella07]

I take 15g's before, 15g during and 15g post-workout with a diluted powdered Gatorade solution. I have found it helps with recovery and keeping me looking "full."

I order the powdered BCAA's from Bulk Nutrition. That is the cheapest way for me to go.

 

[fogg88]

The problem with amino acids in general is that they denature in stomach acid. This is why you want them to be resistant to stomach acid and to be broken down by enzymes in the stomach and small intestines so that the pure amino acids go into your blood stream for your recovery. An amino acid that has a somewhat longer digestive time is a good thing

Amino acids don't denature. Protein (strings of AA's in specific sequences and conformations) denature. ...basic biochem.

 

[Lifterforlife]

The problem with amino acids in general is that they denature in stomach acid. This is why you want them to be resistant to stomach acid and to be broken down by enzymes in the stomach and small intestines so that the pure amino acids go into your blood stream for your recovery. An amino acid that has a somewhat longer digestive time is a good thing

We are talking BCAA's here...metabolized directly in the muscle.

 

[Lifterforlife]

Yeah i don't mind it. I just take it in gulps after my last rep.

I am not a grape fan so im thinking of passing on grape. Have you tried it?

Yeah, the grape was the first one out, before the watermelon. It is very good, they did a great job masking the taste. Almost like grape kool aid. But I am partial to the watermelon.

I also use the Extreme Formulations ICE brand, has extra glutamine added. Fruit punch.

 

[Lifterforlife]

I take 15g's before, 15g during and 15g post-workout with a diluted powdered Gatorade solution. I have found it helps with recovery and keeping me looking "full."

I order the powdered BCAA's from Bulk Nutrition. That is the cheapest way for me to go.

The thing about the pure powders is they don't contain B6. Pretty essential for absorbtion.

 

[mikefear]

Free BCAA's are extremely more effective than those coupled in your typical whey protein powder

 

[Cauliflower Ear]

huh yeah...i just use...fuckin whey...when results slow i wil probably get some

 

[Lextasy]

Taking Animal nitro, before and after workouts, BCAA's i get enough of in protein. The thought has crossed my mind to get some powder...

 

[gjohnson5]

Well , Ill look into it further

Amino acids don't denature. Protein (strings of AA's in specific sequences and conformations) denature. ...basic biochem.

 

[Neo22]

I'm currently using Scivation's Xtend and have actually noticed new growth and recovery. One of the big reasons I believe is the Leucine. The price isn't to bad and I got it shipped pretty quickly from bodybuilding.com.
I use 5 scoops pre/during and 5 more scoops right after my last rep.

*The scooper is small so i just put in 5 scoops along with water and bring it around with me.

how can you prove that you had new muscle growth from the bcaa's in question?

 

[ZKaudio]

life saver if you are veg.

 

[icon0561]

For how cheap BCAA's are its deffinatly worth the making sure ive got all my bases covered. IMO its the same as a multi vitamin.

 

[ksa]

leucine is the important in bcaa others are like the rest of the EAA
u dont need to take them separatly

 

[truckdaddy]

I like em, after work out and before bed.

 

[msam76]

I have seen a difference since starting to use the BCAA by Beverly International. Good stuff.

 

[needtogetaas]

I have seen a difference since starting to use the BCAA by Beverly International. Good stuff.

your killing me girl....custom caps has same dame good bcaa's and we also have the new Ethyl Ester powder witch is much more effective then reg bcaa's
Custom Capsule’s bcaa Ethyl Ester powder is 100% powder containing all three branched-chain amino acids (bcaa’s) in the popular and potent form of ethyl esterification. L-Leucine ethyl ester HCl, L-isoleucine ethyl ester HCl, and L-valine ethyl ester HCl are provided in a traditional 2:1:1 ratio. This formula provides all of the benefits of bcaa’s with an added boost thanks to the increased bioavailability of ethyl esters.

http://www.customcapsule.com/index.html

 

[mobro]

your killing me girl....custom caps has same dame good bcaa's and we also have the new Ethyl Ester powder witch is much more effective then reg bcaa's
Custom Capsule’s bcaa Ethyl Ester powder is 100% powder containing all three branched-chain amino acids (bcaa’s) in the popular and potent form of ethyl esterification. L-Leucine ethyl ester HCl, L-isoleucine ethyl ester HCl, and L-valine ethyl ester HCl are provided in a traditional 2:1:1 ratio. This formula provides all of the benefits of bcaa’s with an added boost thanks to the increased bioavailability of ethyl esters.

http://www.customcapsule.com/index.html

Pretty cool. But what about the price and the amounts available? How do they stack up?

 

[needtogetaas]

Pretty cool. But what about the price and the amounts available? How do they stack up?

dame good bro check them out....

 

[truckdaddy]

i like the lime flavored BCAA mix from CC.

 

[Y_lifter]

I mix in a few of these before and after workouts with a carb and creatine, just to lessen the calorie intake from whey.

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-1126

 

[td1111]

How do you guys make your unflavored BCAA powder not taste like ass?

 

[ksa]

^^^Black Star Labs Watermelon Flavor System, splenda, crystal light, liquid

sucralose, ......etc.

 

[ksa]

your killing me girl....custom caps has same dame good bcaa's and we also have the new Ethyl Ester powder witch is much more effective then reg bcaa's
Custom Capsule’s bcaa Ethyl Ester powder is 100% powder containing all three branched-chain amino acids (bcaa’s) in the popular and potent form of ethyl esterification. L-Leucine ethyl ester HCl, L-isoleucine ethyl ester HCl, and L-valine ethyl ester HCl are provided in a traditional 2:1:1 ratio. This formula provides all of the benefits of bcaa’s with an added boost thanks to the increased bioavailability of ethyl esters.

http://www.customcapsule.com/index.html

The Q is how many grams of BCAA in 100 grams of BCAA Ethyl Ester?

 

[chaos13]

if you have the extra money to spend on them. then sure, why not

 

[SouthernLord]

How do you guys make your unflavored BCAA powder not taste like ass?

Generic Crystal Lite or order some flavored from the various bulk powder/custom formulation companies.

I have took up to 100 grams a day of powdered BCAA and notice improved recovery and muscle fullness. I take 15 grams with 5 grams creatine every morning before breakfast and 30-45 grams pre-peri-post workout. They are too cheap not to take. I def will look into the CC esterified BCAA. They sound like the shizzle.

 

[the_alcatraz]

BCAA, or branched chain amino acids are essential for muscle growth. I use them all the time. But if you have a good overall amino acid supplement and take it regularily, you dnt have to take BCAAs. Ex of a good amino acid supplement: ON's Supperior Amino Acid 2222.

 

[The Ladies Choice]

The thing about the pure powders is they don't contain B6. Pretty essential for absorbtion.

Another pearl of wisdom among the BS posts that will go unnoticed.

Lifterforlife, we salute you!

 

[slamminshaun]

Another pearl of wisdom among the BS posts that will go unnoticed.

Lifterforlife, we salute you!

I actually picked up some BCAA's today and used the info in his post. Thanks!

 

[truckdaddy]

your killing me girl....custom caps has same dame good bcaa's and we also have the new Ethyl Ester powder witch is much more effective then reg bcaa's
Custom Capsule’s bcaa Ethyl Ester powder is 100% powder containing all three branched-chain amino acids (bcaa’s) in the popular and potent form of ethyl esterification. L-Leucine ethyl ester HCl, L-isoleucine ethyl ester HCl, and L-valine ethyl ester HCl are provided in a traditional 2:1:1 ratio. This formula provides all of the benefits of bcaa’s with an added boost thanks to the increased bioavailability of ethyl esters.

http://www.customcapsule.com/index.html

the ethyl ester bcaas are hard for me to take....even capped, they tast and hurt my stomach.

 

[silverskyline]

Ok so it all came down to if you are eatting right and a lot you dont necessarly need them but for the price why not take them all fuckin day long.

fair enough well my order was already on the way so we shal see.

good convo good pole

Silver

 

[the_alcatraz]

Ok so it all came down to if you are eatting right and a lot you dont necessarly need them but for the price why not take them all fuckin day long.

fair enough well my order was already on the way so we shal see.

good convo good pole

Silver

Good luck to you.

 

[bba2]

BCAA's good if your doing extreme dieting. if not you get plenty from your protein sources.

 

[the_alcatraz]

i've switched from regular aminos to just bcaas

 

[floridalife]

Still to this day I swear by them, I think they are an amazing and important part of your battle plan. I am off and have been for quite some time and feel BCAA's give me quite an avantage. I take Dymatize Super Amino 4800mg atleast twice a day. Comes in a big bottle of 500 Caplets, or 125 servings. Popping those 8 caps a day alone gives me almost 10g of protein.

 

[cobracock1979]

Yes they work and are necessary for maximum gains, fact

 

[rikishi]

BCAAs, if they do not build muscle (which I think they do) at least at the bare minimum preserve muscle and keep you anabolic during workouts and especially during cardio.

BCAAs are GOOD.

 

[gjohnson5]

Well , Ill look into it further

Aaah, I agree now
When you say denature , you're talking about cleaving of peptide bonds ,and free form amino acids have no peptide bonds...

ANyway BCAA's are majorly overrated
It is a fact that carbohydrates are protein sparing. Having said this , eating a meal with sufficient carbs and protein preworkout will alleviate the need for swallowing drinks in the workout

L-Leucine is also inulinogenic which means it will spike insulin and is a good means of inducing ketosis. However due to the absorption rate , you would have to sip the BCAA drink throught the workout in order for it's purpose to be lived through the workout. A better bet would be brown rice or whole wheat pasta 2hours of so before hand which should start the assimilation of proteins and carbohydrates into the blood stream during the workout.

If one is cutting , then I can see why one would go this route. Overrall , I think BCAA are majorly overrated

 

[cobracock1979]

Definately useful on keto

 

[packerfann]

Okaay, I am waiting for my BCAA to be delivered. I also take about 44 grams of protein powder daily and eat a lot of lean meats and tuna, how many grams of BCAA should I take?

 

[cal62887]

I workout in the AM. Sometimes even fasted. Although this isn't optimal it's what I have to do to get a workout in since my schedule is so hectic.

Having said that BCAAs have helped me a TON even while bulking. I mix Xtend with some CytoMax and 2 grams of BA.

 

[solrosenberg]

after reading all of this, I am still confused about bcaa's. More info please.

 

[Primordial Performance]

after reading all of this, I am still confused about bcaa's. More info please.

Read this -

Instantized Branched-Chain Amino Acid

-Eric

 

[Nelson Montana]

A good protein powder has BCAA's so they aren't essential.

HOWEVER...

If you use enough (up to 20 grams a day) they really can make a difference. BCAA's are a very overlooked supplement. They are expensive though. If you're going to use them, make the investment to use enough, or don't bother.

It's kinda like Primo. If you can only afford 100 mgs a week, it's a waste. You'll get nothing out of it. But at 500 mgs a week...wow.

 

[NOLOGY77]

I am taking ON BCAA pills directly after workout toghether with some glutamine+creatine+whey. I find it they help on recovery also as when i trained hard they help me on this part.

 

[Nelson Montana]

BTW: Cross filtered whey isolate has the highest percentage of BCAA's -- which is why I included it in BIG BLAST.

 

[dabuffguy]

Free form BCAA's are the goodz.


IBCAA

 

[RADAR]

A good protein powder has BCAA's so they aren't essential.

HOWEVER...

If you use enough (up to 20 grams a day) they really can make a difference. BCAA's are a very overlooked supplement. They are expensive though. If you're going to use them, make the investment to use enough, or don't bother.

It's kinda like Primo. If you can only afford 100 mgs a week, it's a waste. You'll get nothing out of it. But at 500 mgs a week...wow.

I totally agree, my single protein shake alone has 23,000 mgs of BCAA's

Add that by 3 there you go.

But everyone has a different diet plan, responds differently to different compounds...etc!

RADAR

 

[Burpees]

Good thread.

 

[nitroburner1]

I sure hope they are worth it. I just ordered quite a bit of the powder. I guess the norm is
5 gr. before work out, 5 gr. while workout, and 5gr. PWO. Also some Protein, Carbs, and creatine.
Church Of The Iron Plate

 

[Burpees]

I sure hope they are worth it. I just ordered quite a bit of the powder. I guess the norm is
5 gr. before work out, 5 gr. while workout, and 5gr. PWO. Also some Protein, Carbs, and creatine.
Church Of The Iron Plate

yea if you aren't dieting, if you're dieting double it.

 

[cal62887]

yea if you aren't dieting, if you're dieting double it.

I would double it except for the post workout.

10 gram leading up to workout. 10 gram intra workout, and then whey + carbs post workout.

...and just a few things to remember...

Free form amino acids (powder) are different from a complete protein (whey). This is comparing apples and oranges.
BCAAs absorb at a higher rate with carbs than without
Glutamine is for gut health,,, not muscle building.

 

[joe d]

bcaa's are definately good. i think most of us get plenty enough from our diets. and the quality is the absolute best. whole eggs and beef are the richest, and i guarantee 100 times better than any pill or powder your going to buy so eat them and grow.

 

[rahl]

I've often wondered about the amount in the Whey Protein I'm taking in. I take in 3 shakes a day like Radar and I always figured that was enough. That's not counting the ungodly amount of food I consume everyday...

 

[Peterlumberjack]

i swear i can feel a difference in recovery when i take bcaa boost in between meals.

 

[Drewb]

I've always used them in addition to food/prontine

 

[Not2Swole]

...

 

[Messor]

As far as strength and energy for a workout & post workout recovery goes, I don't really notice aminos doing anything. My Whey Isolate & Creatine seem to be far more effective in that respect. I heard aminos were good for preventing/delaying muscular catabolism. So I like to take them on off days or during periods where I'm not working out much.

 

[Symbot]

If you're eating 5 to 6 times a day, eating right and sipping protein, then your body should always be in anabolic state. You'll have plenty of BCAA in you already, digested, predigested, and waiting to be digested. Swallowing another 10g of BCAA powder is redundant. Your body will treat it like it's just another protein.

They said your stomach have to be empty to take in BCAA for full effect. If you're training, you shouldn't be in that state (hungry) in the first place. You don't want to be in a state where you're hungry. When you are hungry, you have to eat right away - not take in 10g of BCAA and then wait for like 30 minutes before you eat. That's too much time to be hungry. Even when you're dieting, BCAA won't help much. If your body is in catabolic state, it'll just burn up the 10g of BCAA you just swallowed and convert it to energy.

I can only think of 2 window of opportunity when your body is depleted with BCAA, that's when you just woke up and after training. How long does it take for whey to digest and enter your system? Less than 30 minutes? Is it critical for you not to wait 30 minutes and you must have the BCAA in you asap? Are you in some kind of super training regiment that you can't afford 30 minutes to digest your whey? If so, are there suppository version of BCAA? You won't add an extra inch on your arms just because BCAA entered your body a few minutes earlier than your training buddy.

 

[The Seeker]

The only time I've noticed any effect from BCAAs is when I'm dieting really hard. It allows me to cut my calories hard without losing any mass.

When you're calories are high, it's probably overkill and you won't notice a thing.

 

[Nelson Montana]

The only time I've noticed any effect from BCAAs is when I'm dieting really hard. It allows me to cut my calories hard without losing any mass.

When you're calories are high, it's probably overkill and you won't notice a thing.

True. Protein supplementation is less crucial if you're already taking in enough protein. But try GEAR. You'll notice a differecne.

 

[sbt2082]

I notice a MAJOR difference when using GEAR!!

Especially more so then I ever did with a powdered bcaa supplement!

 

[andrew732]

Just poped 5 Gear pills, just sayin...

 

[sbt2082]

Just poped 5 Gear pills, just sayin...

perfect convenience factor!! portable so you can always have it with ya!

 

[markh7]

BCAA's are best taken directly after a workout as they go directly into the bloodstream,in comparison to our whey protein powder which takes about 40 mins to break down. I thinkt the liquid form is the best for absortion post workout. You won't exactly put on slabs of muscle with BCAA's but you would def miss them if they weren't there!!!

 

[pilip99]

strong bump right here! but hell yeah they're worth it, (but if money is tight then just spend it on some standard protein)

these 2 are my personal favorites: Controlled Labs Purple Wraath, 2.39 Lbs.

and SciVation Xtend, 1035 Grams

drink these intra-workout and you're golden

 

[SouthernLord]

Bcaa's are a must!

I love gear from needto, but I've been using powerchews bcaas here recently. They are a solid product.

 

[andrew732]

I love my gear and popped 4 caps just now, that is all!

 

[Liquid 2009]

I love stackin the GEAR with PowerChews.com BCAA chew tablets!!

Very nice and effective!

 

[Liquid 2009]

I love stackin the GEAR with PowerChews.com BCAA chew tablets!!

Very nice and effective!

Bump for a great thread!

 

[mb35]

I definitely attribute bcaa's to helping me making more gains. When I got really serious about fixing my build back in November and got my diet(still needs a bit of work but compared to before it is amazing lol) and routine in check I started noticing some gains. However around January I had hoped to see a bit more. I've always liked training first thing in the morning fasted. Once I added bcaa's in during my workout I noticed gains almost instantly and they keep coming! I also like drink Xtend BCAA's between meals. Feels like it keeps my muscles even more full and fueled. Plus its a great tasting 0 calorie drink, which is a big plus when all you drink other than that is tasteless plain old water. Water is great...but sometimes you want a bit of flavor ya know? Haha

 

[pilip99]

exactly mb! if you need to stock up on more xtend check out orbit with their memorial day sale!!

 

[Jack steel]

If you have a rapidly digesting protein I don't think it matters MUCH.

 

[gjohnson5]

If you have a rapidly digesting protein I don't think it matters MUCH.

I've changed alot on this subject

It matters because all proteins don't have the same leucine content. Whey has the most leucine of any food. Especially if one is dieting or not doing dairy products. A good BCAA product will help greatly

 

[Nelson Montana]

GEAR is superior to any protein source, either food or supplement. And that's a fact.