WHAT IS BCAA 8:1:1?
BCAA 8:1:1 is a clinical-grade intraworkout amino acid supplement suitable for all active individuals, whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, a bodybuilder, or a casual gym-goer. BCAA 8:1:1 contains pure BCAAs that are rapidly absorbed and utilized for muscle protein synthesis.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are comprised of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These particular amino acids must be obtained through diet since humans don’t synthesize them endogenously. Research has found that BCAAs are critical substrates for positively regulating muscle protein synthesis.1 In effect, supplementing with BCAA 8:1:1 helps to promote muscle growth, prevent muscle tissue breakdown, reduce soreness after training, and even promote fat loss.3, 4
BCAA 8:1:1 is manufactured in the EU in a cGMP facility and is completely free from artificial colors and aspartame. BCAA 8:1:1 mixes easily in a shaker cup and comes in a delicious Orange flavor or unflavored option that you can add to any other powdered supplements, such as HS Labs Creatine Monohydrate.
Benefits of BCAA 8:1:1
BCAA 8:1:1 contains branched-chain amino acids in a 8:1:1 ratio, meaning there are 4 grams of L-leucine per every 500 milligrams of L-isoleucine and L-valine. BCAAs have a myriad of benefits since they are free-form essential amino acids that rapidly enter the bloodstream and activate muscle protein synthesis. This makes BCAAs ideal immediately before, during, and/or after strenuous exercise, especially resistance training.
Research-backed benefits of BCAAs include:
● Enhance muscle protein synthesis and inhibit muscle protein breakdown1,2
● Promote recovery during and after your workout3
● Support fat loss while protecting lean body mass4
● Reduce fatigue and lactic acid buildup during exercise3
While most proteins contain BCAAs, the body has to digest and breakdown the peptide bonds so that it can actually utilize the individual amino acids. Thus, supplementing with free-form BCAAs means the body absorbs these essential amino acids virtually instantly with minimal digestion required. This is generally why gym-goers and athletes prefer BCAAs over protein during training since the latter can be a bit tough to digest when you’re trying to work out.
What Makes HS Labs BCAA 8:1:1 Better than Other BCAA Supplements?
BCAA 8:1:1 provides 4,000 mg of BCAAs per serving (Orange Flavor) or 5,000 mg of BCAAs per serving (Unflavored) in a 8:1:1 ratio of L-leucine: L-isoleucine: L-valine. This means BCAA 8:1:1 has an exceptionally high proportion of L-leucine, which is essentially the “master switch” for muscle protein synthesis.
The benefits of BCAA 8:1:1 are generally maximized when consuming at least one serving (5 g) immediately before and after resistance training. Some people prefer to sip on BCAA 8:1:1 throughout their workout which is a great way to stay hydrated and perform at your best for an extended period of time.
References
1.Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, Köhnke R. Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. J Nutr. 2006 Jan;136(1 Suppl):269S-73S.
2.Suryawan A, Torrazza RM, Gazzaneo MC, Orellana RA, Fiorotto ML, El-Kadi SW, Srivastava N, Nguyen HV, Davis TA. Enteral leucine supplementation increases protein synthesis in skeletal and cardiac muscles and visceral tissues of neonatal pigs through mTORC1-dependent pathways. Pediatr Res. 2012 Apr;71(4 Pt 1):324-31.
3.Howatson G, Hoad M, Goodall S, Tallent J, Bell PG, French DN. Exercise-induced muscle damage is reduced in resistance-trained males by branched chain amino acids: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 May 8;9(1):20.
4.Manders RJ, Little JP, Forbes SC, Candow DG. Insulinotropic and muscle protein synthetic effects of branched-chain amino acids: potential therapy for type 2 diabetes and sarcopenia. Nutrients. 2012 Nov 8;4(11):1664-78.