BCAA's? Are they worth it?

[liwri]

I've never been a supplements kind of person, but about 2 years ago, I had an extremely hard time putting on weight/muscle mass. I started taking a whey isolate after gym activity, which helped significantly. Someone recently informed me that I should be taking BCAA's as well to help gain muscle mass and assist with recovery. I tried doing some of my own research on them, but all the articles I found seemed pretty biased ("BCAA'S are great! Buy our product!"). Has anyone actually used them, and noticed a difference in their performance and/or results? 

[madzia]

hi,

I stared taking BCAA since November last year. I mix it with water and drink it during my workout. I notice that my muscles are more defined but I am not sure whatever it is from taking BCAA. I have been going to gym for over 2 years (stared weight training about year ago but made it more seriouse a couple months ago). I go to gym about 4 times a week but I aslo increased my protein intake. I think BCAA helps in some way. I feel more stronger now. It may be a combination of regular training, increased protein and BCAA. anyway im gonna continue taking it.

[Dominique]

Whey protein is a complete protein that should contain all the essential amino acids you need. Therefore BCCAs would most likely add little value to what you’re already taking. You just have to accept the fact muscle building is a very slow process, especially for females (like you), or older guys (like me). Check this article for determining your muscle gaining potential. If you think you’re not gaining muscle optimally, you should probably have a critical look at the training program you’re following before considering new supplements that will only have a marginal effect.

If you also have a hard time gaining weight, you may just not be eating enough (sorry if I’m stating the obvious). You surely know that one of the conditions for optimal muscle gain is eating at a surplus. If you’re not meeting this requirement, what you should add is food, not BCAAs.

[SunsetRunner]

I've been a similar position to you - Started working out, started to focus on muscle building, introduced whey protein and noticed the difference, then started to hear more abut BCAA's. I personally have bought them (maybe a month ago?) but in tablet form. I have since found that powder form is much better, so I'll switch over once I'm through the tablets.

Have I noticed a difference? Yes. But did I change and up a few different things around the same time? Also yes... Over this past month I've noticeably gained more muscle, and I'm not as sore and achey as I used to be - I can get more done! Though I have found unbiased articles about them, not just trying to sell me any, keep having a root around and you'll spot some! Have you looked through bodybuilding.com?

[jxd]

If you weight train in a fasted state, or won't be able to eat anything for a few hours after your training session, yes.

[Ukase]

Let's take a peek at BCAA's. 

Branched Chain Amino Acids, depending on your goals certainly won't hurt you, but they may not help you - at least, not as much as you might think. 

As recent as last year, the prevailing "bro-science" stated that you needed to take in protein within a short time after a weight-lifting session. This has now been debunked. As long as you had protein within a couple of hours of working out, there's another 4-5 hour window for you to eat more. 

Because you're trying to gain muscle, there's one basic tenet you have to know - mass can't accumulate without enough resources to build it. So, you've got to eat. But - science now tells us we can put on mass while on a calorie deficit! But, it certainly is easier when you've got enough resources in your body. 

Consider instead, having real food instead of BCAA's. Get your amino acids from protein that you consume. Unless you just can't find time to eat real food, there's not much of a reason to waste your cash on ANY supplement, except maybe Creatine. As someone who wants to put on mass, all you have to do is eat about 500 calories more than your calorie expenditure, and you will. Whether it's mostly muscle or mostly fat will depend on how you train, or if your train. 

[callouj]

BCAA break the fast.

[darnellmercado2]

Hi, nice post see the more discussion of bcaa We realize that with the end goal to expand protein blend, youngsters need to prepare with weights and expend a limit portion of no less than 20 grams of great protein about at regular intervals (counting medium-term) for an aggregate benchmark admission of in any event 1.6 g/kg of body weight. It's conceivable that a higher single portion or total entry is essential, in any case, the current proof focuses on those numbers. Brilliant protein sources incorporate the BCAA-rich ones recorded above (chicken, hamburger, salmon, eggs, whey protein) and also turkey and different types of poultry, most fish, all other meat, and numerous dairy items best bcaa fo women catch the awesome  ideas visit this site.