So, after recently looked at a whole bunch of intra-workout products, I have realized that many different companies are playing the "leucine ratio" game. First it was 2:1:1, then 4:1:1, then 8:1:1 and even 10:1:1. It just so happens the ONLY product I've actually tried is 10:1:1 and it works fine in my opinion - but it also has a larger dose of leucine than most of the other brands.
Having said this, it seems to me the ratio thing is a way to skimp on adding in isoleucine and valine. I can buy that leucine is the more important amino. I don't know why the ratio has taken on such important. What does it matter if it is 2:1:1 or 10:1:1 when you should be concerned about how much you are actually getting? i.e. - I can have a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs where I get 8 grams of leucine, 4 grams of isoleucine and 4 grams of valine - or a 10:1:1 ratio where I get 8 grams of leucine, 0.8 grams of isoleucine and 0.8 grams of valine. All that is really happening in that formula is they are giving me less valine and isoleucine.
Granted, if I'm getting 5 grams of BCAA's, I can see wanting 3-4 of them coming from leucine. But, it's really the amount of leucine that I'm looking for, not the lower valine/isoleucine values.
Does the valine/isoleucine actually hinder BCAA performance? Or is this just rather obvious marketing to keep costs down and spin it as a benefit?
Having said this, it seems to me the ratio thing is a way to skimp on adding in isoleucine and valine. I can buy that leucine is the more important amino. I don't know why the ratio has taken on such important. What does it matter if it is 2:1:1 or 10:1:1 when you should be concerned about how much you are actually getting? i.e. - I can have a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs where I get 8 grams of leucine, 4 grams of isoleucine and 4 grams of valine - or a 10:1:1 ratio where I get 8 grams of leucine, 0.8 grams of isoleucine and 0.8 grams of valine. All that is really happening in that formula is they are giving me less valine and isoleucine.
Granted, if I'm getting 5 grams of BCAA's, I can see wanting 3-4 of them coming from leucine. But, it's really the amount of leucine that I'm looking for, not the lower valine/isoleucine values.
Does the valine/isoleucine actually hinder BCAA performance? Or is this just rather obvious marketing to keep costs down and spin it as a benefit?