Leucine; 4:1:1 vs. 6:0:0

[adnscmplx]

Hello-

It seems that the bulk of the rationale for supplementing free form BCAA's relates to Leucine and it's role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Because of this, retailers have begun to sell BCAAs in a 4:1:1 ratio instead of the classic 2:1:1. Why not just get pure Leucine? Is there any reason to supplement Isoleucine and Valine? Do we not get enough of these to meet metabolic demands from a high protein diet consisting of lots of egg, meat, whey, casein, etc.?

I have noticed that bulk Leucine is cheaper than bulk 4:1:1 BCAAs so if it is both more effective (in theory) and cheaper ($12.34 vs. $16.90 per lb from TP). Why not just supplement with the pure stuff?

 

[crazyfool405]

Well becauase when u work out u deplete all bcaas not just one. This is the reasoning behind it. And leucine is important but u need the others as well

 

[jazzman21]

Just take Leucine!

Check these articles out..

http://blog.bodybuilding.com/StudiesAndResearch/2008/10/01/branch-chain-amino-acids-or-just-leucine/

http://blog.bodybuilding.com/StudiesAndResearch/2008/08/29/stimulating-protein-synthesis-just-leucine-or-all-the-essential-amino-acids/

http://blog.bodybuilding.com/StudiesAndResearch/2008/09/09/maximum-stimulation-of-protein-synthesis-by-amino-acids-the-truth-may-surprise-you/

 

[Steveoph]

You don't want solo leucine because it will rate-limiting. it's late for me, but search some stuff by Layne Norton.

 

[John Smeton]

like my intra aid shake I mix a scoop of protein powder with dextose(20 grams each) and additional luecine powder

 

[dmillz224]

U should supplement all BCAA's not just luecine however you could dose BCAA's with a higher dose of luecine but you need all forms of BCAA's for them to work properly

 

[MrBrightside]

I've noticed a sudden influx of new BCAA products and have been rather confused, as I still believe Xtend will continue to dominate them in sales. Which company sells a 4:1:1 ratio, though?

 

[AK32408]

I've noticed a sudden influx of new BCAA products and have been rather confused, as I still believe Xtend will continue to dominate them in sales. Which company sells a 4:1:1 ratio, though?

AI has a new one out with that ratio.

 

[KmuL]

I've noticed a sudden influx of new BCAA products and have been rather confused, as I still believe Xtend will continue to dominate them in sales. Which company sells a 4:1:1 ratio, though?

RecoverPRO features the 4:1:1

 

[adnscmplx]

I've been buying bulk leucine 4:1:1 from TP. I will check some of those links out. It sounds like I am not the first person to wonder about this though.

 

[adnscmplx]

I read the three above links from bb.com. It seems like the smart money is to supplement leucine by itself and then be sure to get a high protein meal shortly after. The latter criteria shouldn't be a problem because all of us are probably eating at least 1 g of protein/ lb of body weight per day. I doubt that supplementing with EAA's is nessecary because a proper bodybuilding diet will provide all of the EAA's that one will ever need.

 

[dg806]

I doubt that supplementing with EAA's is nessecary because a proper bodybuilding diet will provide all of the EAA's that one will ever need.

False. Timing of digesting and absorption is also important and this is where BCAA's come into play. You would never get what you truely need for optimal protein sysnthesis with food or whey protein.