BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)

Muscle building & fitness

Function & benefits

They supply muscle tissue with amino acids during physical effort; the supplement is unnecessary if your daily protein intake from whey and food is sufficient.

Dosage & how to use

Recommended dose	5–10 g (in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine and valine)
Best time to take	Before or during training
Frequency	On training days

Important warnings

Not to be used by people with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), an inherited disorder of their metabolism

Drug interactions

They may compete with Parkinson’s medication (levodopa) for absorption; take them two hours apart.

Scientific references

NIH ODS: Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance
Wolfe RR. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2017 — PMID: 28852372

View in the supplements guide

Related supplements

📚 Published sources and research: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) • National Institutes of Health (NIH - ODS) • PubMed / Cochrane databases

Content last updated: 17 October 2026 · Based on published sources and research (EFSA / NIH / PubMed)

⚖️ Medical disclaimer: The information and data provided here are for health education and nutritional guidance only. They are not a medical diagnosis and never replace a direct consultation with your doctor or pharmacist. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplement, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding or when taking long-term medication.