I'm not so sure on the benefits during a cutting cycle. Specifially UD2 style.
In the writeups for BCAA its states that the body will use the BCAA to form glucose, and activate MTOR(which inhibits AMPK). A cutting cycle that relies on low carbs and muscle glycogen depletion is going to work best when no glucose formation is happening, is it not?
I read a recent study that shows ampk activation causes apoptosis, and fat cells dying off during a cutting cycle sounds like a pretty good deal. Isnt BCAA supplementation going to inhibit this process via the pathways stated above?
On a side note creatine also inhibits ampk acitivation, so I would say thats a no-no as well.
As far as muscle protein sparing, wouldnt 15-20 grams of whey preworkout supplly enough amino acids to limit muscle protein breakdown during the glycogen depletion workout? I would think instead, adding ephedrine is going to help with muscle protein sparing as well by causing the muscles to preferencially use free fatty acids, and this would be more ideal in a cutting environment.
I guess in the end it depends on what kind of genetics you have to work with :aargh: