Should I Take BCAAs?

Dear Dr. Bell, I have been working out for several months now, some guy at my gym said I should be taking BCAAs.  Do you recommend taking them? If so, when and how much should I take?

The Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. Most of the current research shows they are most beneficial in a 2-1-1 Ratio: two parts Leucine / one part each of Isoleucine and Valine. It is widely believed that BCAAs can protect your muscle against muscle loss during dieting, and helps with increasing the intensity and volume of exercise so you can train longer and harder. It is also believed that BCAAs can help you gain muscle size and definition.

To get the most from BCAA supplementation, I recommend sipping one serving as a sports drink during your training. Some athletes have reported good results from sipping it throughout the day on non-training days.

While there is no reason to Cycle BCAAs, I pretty much Cycle everything since I never want my body to get used to anything.

Good Luck,

Dr. Jim Bell

CEO of the IFPA