NB

The branched chain essential amino acids (BCAA) are known as the stress amino acids. Thirty percent of the diet should be proteins when the body is under severe stress, because stress causes protein to break down faster. BCAA have regulatory effects on overall protein metabolism and are required in larger amounts during stress than are other amino acids (and probably proportionately more leucine than either valine or isoleucine). Furthermore, when given as supplements, BCAA decrease the rate of breakdown and utilisation of other amino acids and stimulate protein synthesis. Therefore these BCAA are useful in conditions of stress caused by trauma, surgery, liver failure, infection, fever, starvation, muscle training and weight lifting. BCAA are unique in that skeletal muscles can use them directly as an energy source.