BCAAs are essential amino acids for the body. It is branched amino acids composed of leucine , isoleucine and valine . In the world of sports, for example, this type of nutrient is used a lot, but do we know what it is, what benefits it has and why is the relationship between BCAAs and glutamine often talked about? We answer all these questions below.
What is the function of the essential amino acids BCAAs?
BCAAs became known for their characteristics. We propose here the main ones:
- They enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle , being used as an energy substrate. Also, for reducing muscle deterioration in critically ill patients.
- Taking into account that the main sources of energy are fats and carbohydrates, it should be noted that amino acids are also used for these purposes. Thus allowing the reduction in the production of lactic acid by directly entering the citric acid cycle.
Amino acids can be deaminated and their carbonate skeletons used as energy sources. In addition, the liver can use them in the synthesis of glycogen (gluconeogenesis).
- During high intensity exercises, all metabolic pathways are activated so that the greatest amount of energy substrates capable of meeting the body’s requirements is available. The above indicates that the more substrates, the more energy rich. Therefore, if we find a serum rich in these substrates, there will be less need to destroy tissues to obtain them. Here both BCAAs and glutamine play a fundamental role.
What benefits do they bring us?
BCAAs reduce fatigue and muscle pain experienced during intense sports practice. This seems to be corroborated by showing lower levels of LDH and CFK (indicating muscle damage) in blood tests compared to placebo. This may be a consequence of the reduction of the destruction of muscle mass by being able to implement with an external source of amino acids. In addition, among them is leucine that seems to act in protein synthesis, adding an anabolic potential to the consumption of BCAAs. BCAAs, have also been shown to be useful in stress responses in critically ill patients. In fact, they favor liver protein synthesis, in addition to being used as an energy source. In the latter case, the body will select these amino acids as a substrate, producing a depletion of muscle deposits and, consequently, leading to sarcopenia. However, if the patient is supplemented with these amino acids, muscle catabolism is reduced. Thus, BCAAs and in particular leucine protect muscle tissue from degradation in situations of organic stress, in addition to increasing protein synthesis (anabolic effects). It appears that these essential amino acids, too, may have effects on the perception of fatigue of central origin by balancing different ratios in which BCAAs are used together with other parameters. For this, its variations with respect to subjective perception are assessed, although its assessment is complex as multiple variables are involved. Also in situations of critical stress, as well as in long-term sports, BCAAs can protect the immune system. This is explained by the decrease in the consumption of plasma glutamine, which is important for immune balance, by using it as an energy source and catalyst in the synthesis of immune molecules.
What is glutamine and what are its benefits?
Glutamine is not an essential amino acid, but it is essential for a good balance of the internal environment. The properties of glutamine are multiple, it has already been mentioned that the immune system has a craving for glutamine as an energy source. Therefore, its depletion can lead to deterioration. Gutamine is not only used as an energy source for the immune system, for the kidney, intestine, liver. It is also used as an intermediate in gluconeogenesis. The liver will use the amino acids glutamine together with alanine for the synthesis of glucose. It is this process that is called gluconeogenesis. Glycogenesis not only uses these amino acids, but it will also use glycerol from triglycerides, lactate and pyruvate for the same purpose. We emphasize that the kidney and small intestine are capable of synthesizing glucose from glutamine. This is an interesting benefit of glutamine, since, if the liver is overloaded by other intermediaries, the kidneys and small intestine can assist the liver in maintaining blood glucose. Glutamine , in the same way that happens with BCAAs , in critical situations such as the organic stress of a surgical patient or those with high levels of energy requirements, acquire significant importance . Both substances are useful energy sources that complement each other. In some situations, they can even replace other immediate principles such as fatty acids and glycogen. We remember that glutamine is a fundamental energy source for the synthesis of proteins in the immune system, being necessary for its correct functioning.
BCAAs and glutamine, what is the relationship?
These two amino acids can be useful when energy requirements are going to be high. At the same time, they will serve to reduce the consumption of our muscle tissue, in addition to stimulating the gain of lean mass. It is important to note that, with a balanced diet, the contribution or implementation of amino acids in the form of supplements is probably not necessary. However, it must also be considered that if the daily demands are going to be high, with the advice of a professional, an ergonomic strategy can be planned in order to maximize performance.