Hy-Vee Recipes and Ideas

There are 20 different amino acids that make up the thousands of different proteins in the human body. Nine of those are considered essential amino acids (EAA), meaning your body cannot make them, so they must be obtained through your diet. Of the nine essential amino acids, there are three branched-chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These are present in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy.

Branched-chain amino acid supplements have been shown to build muscle, decrease muscle fatigue, and alleviate muscle soreness. They have also successfully been used in a hospital setting to prevent or slow muscle loss and to improve symptoms of liver disease. However, because many people get plenty of BCAAs through their diet, supplementing may not provide additional benefits. 

While BCAAs can increase muscle protein synthesis, they can't do so maximally without the other essential amino acids, such as those found in whey protein or other complete protein sources (e.g. eggs, meat, dairy). Your muscles require all the essential amino acids for the best results.