BCAAs really THAT esstential? Needed?

Violator4200

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BCAAs really THAT essential? Needed?

BCAAs really THAT esstential? Needed? Im think of buying some because i hear about them SO much but some say its not all its cracked up to be.. Im thinking the Optimum Nutrition brand.. Thanks
 
The only reason I would ever purchase some BCAAs would be to have on hand while cutting. If you're bulking, don't worry about adding extra BCAAs to your diet because you'll probably already be getting enough through your diet (including supplementing with whey protein which is full of BCAAs).

Also, if you're bulking you can always add in 1/2 or 1 scoop of whey protein to a meal occasionally for extra calories and protein.
 
There's a lot of fancy science that insists on BCAA supplementation. But you have to keep in mind, it's not something that has immediate effect.

IME, I notice that if I have take my BCAA's consistently in addition to typical diet, I might gain an extra pound or 2 of lean mass across a 6 month period. And also IME, I do maintain lean mass during a cut as measured by caliper when I dose BCAA consistently (just like Type O Hero said).

Nothing drastic or explosive, just makes a slight difference in the long run in my experience.

Just a side note, I think I've always responded better to EAA mixes rather than BCAA mixes. Others may disagree :dunno:
 
BCAAs, IMO, are more important than actual protein powder. I like to sip on 5-10g of BCAAs between meals while cutting or bulking for mTOR activation and to keep protein synthesis high.

RecoverPRO is a very economical BCAA porduct (~.30/serving); lately, I've been using 30-50g/day (depending on activity) and it's really helped to keep my muscles full, increase vascularity from higher nitrogen, and keep endurance high while training.
 
Hmmmmm Thank your for all the opinions! Yeah i drink 3 shakes (2 scoops) of Optimum nutrions gold standard whey and it has alot of bcaa already.. but i was wondering if maybe if i could find some brand that tastes ok that i could put in my bottle of water while im at the gym that might help? and then some afterwards WITH the shake?? or is that overkill considering i drink a shake before and after? Also what do guys think about maybe some ALCAR during workout? Ive been researching like crazy today lol any opions would help and i wouldnt mind an ok tasting sup to drink while working out. I liked white flood but it cramped my stomach and also i want the BCAAs so i dont lose muscle. Also YES i am cutting.. i have currently been on the TKD diet for 3 weeks almost now and is working great and energy is up but also taking ECA every other weekday usually... Thanks again and gotta love the quick replies on AM man! haha
 
ALCAR has different immediate effects on different people. It helps me to focus and maybe even feels like a real light stim.

Others say it makes them tired.

Start with a small tub of bulk ALCAR powder for an inexpensive experiment to see what works for you.
 
Not essential. No, not at all. If you are consuming enough quality whole food protein you don't need them. But there are situations where than can be very benefitial.

BCAA's are the building blocks of protein in the "predigested" form. Meaning you don't need to wait for it to digets, break down and enter your bloodstream.

I train fasted first thing in the mroning. This is the ideal time to use them as I do not have time to wait for whole for or even protein powder. I consume 25g of BCAA's, with about half of it 15 mins before getting to the gym and then I dilute it down throughout my workout and sip on it right up to my last set.

Three economical sources of BCAA's (in order of cost) would be:

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I'm preferential to NP and Omega but Anabolic Innovations and Primordial Perfromace products are VERY good as well. I've used all posted with the exception of Omega
 
What do you guys think of Xtend?? its on the top 10 on nutraplanet.. w w.nutraplanet.com/product/scivation/xtend-1016-grams.html

but it is pretty pricey! any alternatives? anybody here use this pre workout and during?? Looks promising and is loaded with BCAAs also number 10 on nutraplanet looks promising too. Thanks
 
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