There are lots of theories around supplementation of additional BCAA’s during workout. I was wondering how much difference do they really make in reality? Please keep in mind that I eat 2 hours before workout and drink 40 g of whey just after workout. Most of studies are made in cases where subjects take BCAA’s on starvation. Such methods are pretty useless imho.
We could also divide this thread into debate whey vs. BCAA around workout.
not nceccesary
The only real benefit is that you can avoid calories vs. whey. If you are really cutting and dialing in your diet, they could be useful.
BCAAs are probably not necessary but leucine which is a BCAA has been shown to stimulate protein synthesis by various pathways.
There is a ton of research into the benefits of BCAA supplementation. But, like with most things, depends upon the person’s goals and their overall nutritional intake. An extra 5-10g while dieting around the workout probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to help recovery for one.
[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
BCAAs are probably not necessary but leucine which is a BCAA has been shown to stimulate protein synthesis by various pathways.[/quote]
This one. I have noticed a definite improvement from taking BCAA’s before big meals and around my workout.
Necessary? No.
Useful? Yes.
I always thought BCAA would be useful / necesarry while cutting. How about Leucine though? I read somewhere you should take 2g along with a protein rich meal in order to facilitate the uptake of the ingredients, since it also promotes the secretion of insulin. Is that correct?
[quote]tolismann wrote:
Necessary? No.
Useful? Yes.[/quote]
Perfect.
The research on BCAAs in the peri-workout window is beyond solid, but let’s also remember that excellent physiques were built before such knowledge was available…
Do you gentlemen think the amino acid profile of a supplement like Metabolic Drive is sufficient to derive full benefit, or would further supplementation be necessary to see the best results?
[quote]Ambugaton wrote:
Do you gentlemen think the amino acid profile of a supplement like Metabolic Drive is sufficient to derive full benefit, or would further supplementation be necessary to see the best results?[/quote]
No.
While you’ll get some of portion of every AA in any complete protein source, the point is to get larger amounts of exactly three of em.
There is next to no science or studies that I know of to back up my own personal experience, but I had some pretty solid results essentially consuming large amounts(150-175g)of BCAAs a day between meals. I didn’t change my diet, but between meals I would have 25g or so of BCAAs. I’d also drink between 30-60g before, during, and after workouts. I got a lot stronger during this period, I also leaned out without changing anything in my diet, though this could just be attributed to being able to preform at a higher level because my recovery was through the roof.
I did this quite awhile ago, and stopped because it was getting a little expensive. And because I used plain BCAAs mixed with natural flavorings, and that got old very fast. There are better and cheaper products out there now, so I might try it again at some point. A month shouldn’t be too painful on the palate or pocket book now days.
As for the OP’s original question, no, I don’t think BCAA’s are necessary. Very little if any supplement would I call “necessary”, but that doesn’t mean they are very beneficial.