BCAAs, leucine, valine, and isoleucine are a group of three essential amino acids that are structurally different from other amino acids and are primarily metabolized in skeletal muscle. The rate limiting enzyme in BCAA breakdown is branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase, which is highly active in skeletal muscle tissue.

Exercise promotes increased BCAA oxidation for its use as an energy source and fuel for workout.* This increased breakdown of BCAA helps maintain energy levels by providing carbon as a direct energy source and glucose levels by providing substrates for the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis.* Because BCAA can serve as a “fuel” for skeletal muscle, intra-workout supplementation can support endurance and sports performance.*

Leucine stimulates protein synthesis through activation of mTOR, supporting muscle synthesis.

Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid that has multiple roles in the body. Glutamine can support digestive health as an energy source for intestinal cells.* It acts mainly as a “nitrogen shuttle” between organs, supporting nitrogen balance throughout the body and a precursor for amino acids and nucleotide synthesis.*

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Glutamine is also a powerful cell volumizer, also called cell swelling, which can stimulate anabolic pathways (synthesis of proteins and glycogen) and inhibits catabolic pathways (protein degradation).*

During times of stress, such as exercise, skeletal muscle is broken down to provide sufficient glutamine and BCAAs into the body’s free amino acid pool.* Restoring BCAAs and glutamine levels after exercise is vital to recovery and supporting this free amino acid pool so less muscle breakdown takes place.*