Common sense tells us that BCAAs, like the leucine metabolite HMB, since they build muscle and fight muscle wasting, have applications in degenerative diseases and aging.'' This is a frequent and devastating complication of cancer occurring in more than two-thirds of patients who die with advanced cancer, and in up to 22% of cancer deaths it is the only abnormality found at autopsy. Branched-chain amino acid catabolism and cancer cachexia (review).'' Irrespective of changes in muscle protein breakdown markers, leucine supplementation reduced muscle wasting in tumor-bearing cachectic mice and attenuated changes in plasma amino acids. ''[Effect of aging on interleukin 3 and its mRNA levels expression in mouse lymphocytes].Physical exercise and a leucine-rich diet modulate the muscle protein metabolism in Walker tumor-bearing rats.British Journal of Cancer - Dietary supplementation with a specific combination of high protein, leucine, and fish oil improves muscle function and daily activity in tumour-bearing cachectic miceEffect of branched-chain amino acids on muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia.
Branched chain amino acids as the protein component of parenteral nutrition in cancer cachexia.'' The usual dose of 3 g/day may be routinely recommended to maintain or improve muscle mass and function in health and disease. ''Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation in health and disease: a systematic review of randomized trials.β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) attenuates muscle and body weight loss in experimental cancer cachexia.Supplementation with a combination of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), arginine, and glutamine is safe and could improve hematological paramet... - PubMed - NCBINutritional treatment for acquired immunodeficiency virus-associated wasting using beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, glutamine, and arginine: a rando... - PubMed - NCBICatabolism of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Heart Failure: Insights from Genetic ModelsOral amino acid supplements improve exercise capacities in elderly patients with chronic heart failure.Impairment in walking capacity and myocardial function in the elderly: is there a role for nonpharmacologic therapy with nutritional amino acid sup... - PubMed - NCBIReversal of cancer-related wasting using oral supplementation with a combination of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, arginine, and glutamine.''
We recently demonstrated that long-term dietary supplementation with a specific BCAA-enriched amino acid mixture (BCAAem) increased average lifespan of male mice. This was accompanied by increased mitochondrial biogenesis and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression and by upregulated ROS defense system, with reduced oxidative damage, both in cardiac and skeletal muscles of middle aged mice. '''' The prolonged survival due to BCAAem supplementation was also associated with increased expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense and marked reduction of ROS production in cardiac and skeletal muscles of wild type but not eNOS-/- mice. '''' We observed that BCAAem intake preserves muscle fiber size and improved physical endurance and motor coordination in middle-aged mice. '''' Our results suggest that the BCAAem could meet the need for a safe PGC-1αinducer in sarcopenia treatment and a valid substitute for dietary supplementation with antioxidants in active elderly people. '''' Additional observations deal with the capability of the BCAAem formula to ameliorate myocardial dysfunction in diabetic rats and to maintain the health of kidneys in aged rats.
'''' Experimental studies show that BCAAs have favourable effects on cognitivefunctions. BCAA supplementation has been reported to improve cognitive performance in active dogs, with greater benefit to senior dogs '''' .... leucine-enriched balanced amino acid supplements are now considered as part of the nutritional recommendations for the management of sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss after 30). '''' Amino acid supplementation also inhibits inflammatory markers in chronic heart failure patients and might represent a promising therapeutic approach,particularly in the presence of the so-called wasting syndrome . Accordingly, supplementation with the BCAAem formula improves exercise capacities in elderly subjects affected by chronic heart failure . The latter effect was detectable also in aged individuals without evident disorders. '''Certainly of interest are the recent reports that BCAAem intake reduces by 30% the incidence of infections acquired in geriatric long-term rehabilitation centers.
'''' .... parenteral supplementation of BCAAs was shown to enhance the cognitive recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury, even when on a vegetative or minimally conscious state. '''' Importantly, among the many genetic and pharmacological treatments that extend longevity in diverse animal models, BCAA supplementation has the add-on value to prolong animal health and functional capacities. Accordingly, likewise exercise, BCAAem does not affect maximum lifespan, but increases the median lifespan, an indicator that specific diseases have been prevented. ''Branched-chain amino acids, mitochondrial biogenesis, and healthspan: an evolutionary perspectiveSports nutrition supplements can be intimidating. With their tough, often masculine-sounding names, many women wonder if they’re OK to take and if they offer any real benefits beyond hardcore, muscle-building goals. One example might be amino acid supplements. Sound complicated, don’t they? But amino acids serve many important functions in the body, and taking a supplement can be helpful for anyone, regardless of fitness goals.
Without getting too scientific, amino acids are the compounds that make up protein. There are about 20 different types, eight of which the body can’t make on its own. These are known as essential amino acids, and they must be obtained from food. Protein in food is broken down into amino acids, which are used by the body for various purposes, including building the type of protein needed to build and maintain muscle tissue. You may have heard of BCAAs. This stands for branched-chain amino acids. Named for their chemical structure, which looks something like tree limbs, BCAAs include isoleucine, lysine and valine — three of the eight essential amino acids not naturally made by the body. Protein-rich foods such as beef and chicken provide BCAAs, but in order to get the amount we need, we’d have to eat a lot of meat — which isn’t ideal when you have weight-loss goals. Taking a supplement is an easy way to increase your intake, and it comes with some added benefits.
Research shows that BCAAs help maintain optimal performance when exercising, while also promoting muscle recovery after participation in sports activities. They also support muscle tissue from breakdown and help maintain lean muscle mass. In my experience, taking a BCAA supplement is great when following a low-calorie diet, trying to lose weight and gain muscle at the same time. After workouts, when muscle tissue is broken down and protein synthesis is low, is the best time to take a BCAA supplement. You’ll find them in both capsule and powder forms. I like to add a scoop of Vitacost ARO BCAAs to my post-workout protein shake daily to help support lean muscle tissue and to get antioxidant protection from exercise-induced free radical damage from the added vitamin C. Treat Yourself Like a Bombshell Have Baby, Will Travel Yaeyama Chlorella “” The Planet’s Super Food Should I Take A Multi-vitamin? Moms Know Best: Weekly Product Reviews from Top Bloggers