Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)









Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)


Natural product category
Nutraceutical/amino acid
What is this natural product used for?
This product is important for muscle development, as building blocks for proteins, and to help improve lean body mass.
How does it work?
Branched chain amino acids are one of the main components of muscle tissue. During times of physical stress and intense exercise, muscle tissue has an increased need for these amino acids. Branched chain amino acids allow for the production of proteins and may be used as an energy source.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Do not use this product if you have ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Use with caution when combining with antidepressant medicines.
  • Use with caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
None known
What should I monitor?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider on a regular basis.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Not hungry.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
None known; the BCAAs may compete with other types of amino acids for transport into the brain
General statements
  • Nutraceuticals are a type of dietary supplement that provide a specific amount of a substance that offers possible health benefits.
  • Nutraceutical products are almost always obtained from plant or animal sources.
  • In general, nutraceutical doses are much higher than the amount that could be obtained from food sources.
  • These products have the potential to provide significant benefits and possible risks. Use nutraceuticals with caution if you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), herbs, or other natural products. Always review for potential nutraceutical-drug, nutraceutical-herb, and nutraceutical-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins. There are two categories of amino acids: Essential and nonessential. The essential amino acids must be obtained from food or dietary supplements, while the body can usually make the nonessential amino acids.
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