Branched-Chain Amino Acids
10 benefits mapped to clinical evidence across supplements.
Dose per serving from products
298 products in our catalogue print how much Branched-Chain Amino Acids a serving holds.
Most common: 1 g to 2.5 g, 32% of 298 products.
| Dose per serving | Products |
|---|---|
| 100 mg or less | 12 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 15 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 8 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 40 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 96 |
| 2.5 g to 5 g | 83 |
| 5 g to 10 g | 37 |
| over 10 g | 7 |
Dose per serving from research
68 study groups in 53 studies say how much Branched-Chain Amino Acids participants took a day.
These are the doses the studies gave. They are not a recommendation.
Most common: 10 g to 25 g, 32% of 68 study groups.
| Daily dose | Study groups |
|---|---|
| 2.5 g or less | 4 |
| 2.5 g to 5 g | 7 |
| 5 g to 10 g | 21 |
| 10 g to 25 g | 22 |
| 25 g to 50 g | 5 |
| 50 g to 100 g | 7 |
| over 100 g | 2 |
Commonly used together
34 of 90 study groups took Branched-Chain Amino Acids with something else. Shown: what 3 or more different studies gave.
What was given together, not what works together.
| Taken with | Study groups |
|---|---|
| Leucine | 10 |
| Arginine | 4 |
| protein | 4 |
| Citrulline | 3 |
Benefit Evidence
Research sources
Muscle growth (79)
- Prospective study on the efficacy of branched-chain amino acids in septic patients
PubMed ID: 1907675
High‑BCAA parenteral therapy produced clear improvements in nitrogen balance and protein-recovery markers—strong evidence of enhanced protein utilization.
- [The effect of the administration of an amino acid solution enriched with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional assessment of patients with stress who require total parenteral nutrition]
PubMed ID: 8471652
TPN with 45% BCAA modestly improved nitrogen retention and net protein use vs lower‑BCAA formula—direct support for enhanced protein use in stressed patients.
- Effect of leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training
PubMed ID: 8941534
HMB increased fat‑free mass and strength during resistance training → strong evidence for increased muscle growth (HMB is a leucine metabolite relevant to BCAA biology).
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 8788271
Perioperative PN with BCAA reduced postoperative complications and preserved biochemical markers of protein/anabolism → supports enhanced protein use in surgical patients.
- Long-term oral administration of branched chain amino acids after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective randomized trial. The San-in Group of Liver Surgery
PubMed ID: 9393270
Year‑long oral BCAA improved nutritional markers and weight—evidence for improved protein use in clinical setting.
- [Prospective comparative study of different amino acid and lipid solutions in parenteral nutrition of patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation]
PubMed ID: 10364782
Higher‑BCAA parenteral mixtures improved nitrogen balance and sped marrow recovery—evidence of improved whole‑body protein utilization.
- Metabolic effects of keto acid--amino acid supplementation in patients with chronic renal insufficiency receiving a low-protein diet and recombinant human erythropoietin--a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 11603100
Keto/amino-acid supplements increased BCAA concentrations and albumin in CKD — supports improved protein economy.
- Effects of low-protein diet supplemented with ketoacids and erythropoietin in chronic renal failure: a long-term metabolic study
PubMed ID: 11803607
Ketoacid + EPO raised leucine and albumin and slowed decline in protein status—supports improved protein handling (indirect).
- Clinical and metabolic effects of two lipid emulsions on the parenteral nutrition of septic patients
PubMed ID: 11844644
TPN with BCAA enrichment improved nitrogen balance and protein marker recovery—strong nutrition-context evidence for enhanced protein utilization.
- Effects of oral branched-chain amino acid granules on event-free survival in patients with liver cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 16206505
Long-term oral BCAA increased serum albumin in cirrhosis, a marker of improved protein economy in a clinical population.
- Effects of early amino acid administration on leucine and glucose kinetics in premature infants
PubMed ID: 16627891
IV amino acids in very preterm infants increased leucine incorporation into protein (strong mechanistic evidence).
- BCAA-enriched snack improves nutritional state of cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 17234504
BCAA-enriched late-evening snack significantly increased serum albumin and improved nitrogen balance—strong evidence of improved protein utilization.
- Randomized, controlled study of branched chain amino acid-enriched total parenteral nutrition in malnourished patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery
PubMed ID: 18376691
BCAA‑enriched TPN improved nitrogen balance, preserved visceral proteins and reduced complications — strong direct evidence of enhanced protein utilization in clinical catabolism.
- Inhibitory effect of branched-chain amino acid granules on progression of compensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus
PubMed ID: 18297438
Oral BCAA RCT in cirrhosis showed subgroup albumin benefit and mechanistic rationale for improved protein use, though overall HCC outcome negative.
- Branched-chain amino acids may improve recovery from a vegetative or minimally conscious state in patients with traumatic brain injury: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 18760149
IV BCAA after TBI produced improved recovery and functional outcomes — consistent with enhanced protein/nitrogen use in severe injury.
- A randomized pilot trial of oral branched-chain amino acids in early cirrhosis: validation using prognostic markers for pre-liver transplant status
PubMed ID: 19562716
Oral BCAA granules preserved albumin and improved clinical outcomes in early cirrhosis → supports improved protein handling/retention.
- The influence of 8 weeks of whey-protein and leucine supplementation on physical and cognitive performance
PubMed ID: 20975109
Whey+leucine trial showed modest increases in upper-body strength and lean mass over 8 weeks (supports hypertrophy).
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids supplementation in patients with cirrhosis and a previous episode of hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized study
PubMed ID: 21326220
56‑week BCAA supplementation in cirrhotic patients increased mid‑arm muscle circumference, indicating gains in muscle mass in a clinical population.
- Whey protein stimulates postprandial muscle protein accretion more effectively than do casein and casein hydrolysate in older men
PubMed ID: 21367943
Higher plasma leucine from whey correlated strongly with increased muscle protein fractional synthesis rate.
- Hydrolyzed casein decreases postprandial glucose concentrations in T2DM patients irrespective of leucine content
PubMed ID: 22432727
Added leucine strongly increased postprandial insulin secretion, supporting anabolic nutrient partitioning.
- [Interventions for frailty and sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly women]
PubMed ID: 23883636
Leucine-rich AA plus exercise increased leg muscle mass in elderly women.
- Rehabilitation and leucine supplementation as possible contributors to an athlete's muscle strength in the reathletization phase following anterior cruciate ligament surgery
PubMed ID: 23260415
Leucine supplementation during ACL rehabilitation produced greater thigh perimeter and favorable strength/size changes.
- Leucine supplementation of a low-protein mixed macronutrient beverage enhances myofibrillar protein synthesis in young men: a double-blind, randomized trial
PubMed ID: 24284442
Direct evidence that leucine addition to low-protein raises MPS nearly to that of a full protein dose — strong enhancement of protein utilization.
- Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass
PubMed ID: 24015719
Long-term resistance training trial: whey (high leucine/BCAA) produced significantly larger lean mass gains vs soy or carbohydrate.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids and zinc-enriched nutrients on prognosticators in HCV-infected patients: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25394681
BTR (BCAA:tyrosine ratio) increased in subjects receiving BCAA+zinc, indicating improved plasma amino‑acid balance.
- Two randomized controlled studies comparing the nutritional benefits of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules and a BCAA-enriched nutrient mixture for patients with esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment
PubMed ID: 24633624
BCAA‑enriched nutrition improved short‑term energy metabolism and BTR in cirrhosis—supports more efficient amino‑acid utilization in catabolic disease.
- A high whey protein-, leucine-, and vitamin D-enriched supplement preserves muscle mass during intentional weight loss in obese older adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25646324
Supplementation increased protein intake and preserved muscle mass during caloric restriction + training (clinical evidence of improved protein use).
- Four-month course of soluble milk proteins interacts with exercise to improve muscle strength and delay fatigue in elderly participants
PubMed ID: 25444576
Leucine‑rich milk protein + exercise produced significant appendicular muscle mass gains in older men (randomized trial).
- Effects of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement on measures of sarcopenia in older adults, the PROVIDE study: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26170041
Leucine‑enriched whey increased appendicular muscle mass in sarcopenic older adults — direct clinical support for growth.
- Co-ingestion of carbohydrate with branched-chain amino acids or L-leucine does not preferentially increase serum IGF-1 and expression of myogenic-related genes in response to a single bout of resistance exercise
PubMed ID: 25740607
Acute IGF‑1 rise with CHO+BCAA after resistance exercise indicates enhanced anabolic signalling and protein handling.
- Impact of the Macronutrient Composition of a Nutritional Supplement on Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Older Men: A Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 26308291
Direct, quantitative demonstration that leucine‑enriched (BCAA‑rich) supplement raises muscle protein synthesis markedly in older men.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of L-Leucine-enriched amino-acid mixtures on body composition and physical performance in men and women aged 65-75 years
PubMed ID: 26081485
Longer‑term leucine‑enriched EAA supplementation increased lean tissue mass in older adults in a randomized trial.
- Fast-digestive protein supplement for ten days overcomes muscle anabolic resistance in healthy elderly men
PubMed ID: 26008820
Direct measurement showed increased myosin and mitochondrial protein fractional synthesis rates after fast‑digesting protein—strong mechanistic evidence for enhanced protein utilization (leucine‑mediated).
- Effects of free leucine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and functional status in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25926725
Free leucine supplementation with resistance training produced moderate strength gains and functional improvements consistent with anabolic effects.
- Anti-sarcopenic effect of leucine-enriched branched-chain amino acid supplementation among elderly chronic kidney disease patients: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 40381110
Leucine-enriched BCAA produced a small but statistically significant increase in lean muscle mass in elderly CKD patients over 12 weeks.
- The muscle protein synthetic response following corn protein ingestion does not differ from milk protein in healthy, young adults
PubMed ID: 38315260
Direct myofibrillar MPS measures show protein (with EAA/leucine differences) drives muscle protein synthesis — strong support for enhanced protein use.
- Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major
PubMed ID: 39683384
Probiotic increased plasma BCAAs and led to gains in muscle mass—strong mechanistic/clinical link.
- A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Leucine-Supplement Combined with Nutritional Counseling on Body Composition in Mix Cancer Older Men
PubMed ID: 38257103
Free‑leucine supplementation led to within‑group increases in weight and muscle measures in older cancer patients.
- Dileucine ingestion, but not leucine, increases lower body strength and performance following resistance training: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 39739679
Dileucine during resistance training increased strength and repetitions, consistent with hypertrophic adaptations.
- The efficacy and safety of leucine-enriched essential amino acids in knee osteoarthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38728455
Leucine‑enriched EAAs increased DXA lean mass in older knee OA patients (randomized trial).
- Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation and exercise on quadriceps muscle quantity and quality in patients with cirrhosis as assessed by ultrasonography: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38777422
BCAA supplementation (with/without exercise) increased quadriceps thickness and improved muscle quality in cirrhotic patients.
- The impact of leucine supplementation on body composition and glucose tolerance following energy restriction: an 8-week RCT in adults at risk of the metabolic syndrome
PubMed ID: 37923932
Leucine during energy restriction helped preserve lean mass, consistent with enhanced anabolic use of dietary protein.
- Effects of hemp supplementation during resistance training in trained young adults
PubMed ID: 37847288
Hemp protein (BCAA‑rich) produced modest increases in muscle thickness (sex‑specific), supporting growth potential.
- Branched-chain amino acids supplementation improves liver frailty index in frail compensated cirrhotic patients: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 37189033
BCAA formula increased skeletal muscle index and reversed frailty in cirrhotic patients over 16 weeks.
- Enhanced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and -6 in sarcopenia: alleviation through exercise and nutrition intervention
PubMed ID: 38032288
Frail older adults on BCAA+exercise/nutrition improved grip strength and muscle‑related markers.
- De-Training Effects Following Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 24 Weeks of Follow-Up
PubMed ID: 36437767
Resistance training plus leucine-enriched protein produced larger increases in ASMI and handgrip and better retention after de-training—strong direct evidence.
- Effectiveness of a Novel Food Composed of Leucine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 for the Treatment of Sarcopenia in Elderly Subjects: A 2-Month Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 36364828
Leucine-enriched product preserved ALM and improved strength/function in older adults—evidence of anabolic effect in a clinical population.
- Exercise Plus Presleep Protein Ingestion Increases Overnight Muscle Connective Tissue Protein Synthesis Rates in Healthy Older Men
PubMed ID: 33588378
Exercise plus presleep protein+leucine increased incorporation of dietary amino acids into muscle connective tissue—evidence for improved dietary protein use.
- Leucine-enriched whey protein supplementation, resistance-based exercise, and cardiometabolic health in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34520104
Leucine-enriched whey randomized in older adults improved metabolic/anabolic markers — supports improved protein utilization chronically.
- Adding Branched-Chain Amino Acids to an Enhanced Standard-of-Care Treatment Improves Muscle Mass of Cirrhotic Patients With Sarcopenia: A Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34074812
Randomized cirrhosis trial: 12 weeks BCAA + nutrition/exercise produced significant CT‑measured muscle mass increase.
- Sarcojoint®, the branched-chain amino acid-based supplement, plus resistance exercise improved muscle mass in adults aged 50 years and older: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34838980
BCAA‑based supplement with resistance exercise increased mid‑thigh muscle CSA vs placebo.
- Modulation of Energy Sensing by Leucine Synergy with Natural Sirtuin Activators: Effects on Health Span
PubMed ID: 32758058
Leucine activated pathways (Sirt1/AMPK) in humans and animals, supporting improved protein/energy metabolism.
- Effect of an Enriched Protein Drink on Muscle Mass and Glycemic Control during Combined Lifestyle Intervention in Older Adults with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-Blind RCT
PubMed ID: 33379181
Leucine-enriched whey plus exercise produced significant gains in total and appendicular lean mass in older obese participants.
- Leucine-Enriched Protein Supplementation Increases Lean Body Mass in Healthy Korean Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32570811
12-week twice-daily leucine-enriched protein increased lean body mass measures in adults ≥50 (clinical evidence of growth/preservation).
- No Significant Differences in Muscle Growth and Strength Development When Consuming Soy and Whey Protein Supplements Matched for Leucine Following a 12 Week Resistance Training Program in Men and Women: A Randomized Trial
PubMed ID: 32486007
When leucine was matched, protein source differences disappeared — highlights leucine/BCAA as driver of the anabolic response.
- Native Whey Induces Similar Adaptation to Strength Training as Milk, despite Higher Levels of Leucine, in Elderly Individuals
PubMed ID: 31487819
Native whey produced higher blood leucine/BCAA but did not increase long‑term gains vs milk — shows enhanced acute amino‑acid availability.
- Muscle-targeted nutritional support for rehabilitation in patients with parkinsonian syndrome
PubMed ID: 31278117
Whey + leucine + vitamin D preserved/increased skeletal muscle mass in rehab patients — clinical evidence of muscle mass benefit.
- Myofibrillar and Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis Rates Do Not Differ in Young Men Following the Ingestion of Carbohydrate with Whey, Soy, or Leucine-Enriched Soy Protein after Concurrent Resistance- and Endurance-Type Exercise
PubMed ID: 30698812
Leucine‑enriched soy raised plasma leucine to whey levels and produced early MitoPS increases — supports improved amino‑acid utilization kinetics.
- Branched-chain amino acid and branched-chain ketoacid ingestion increases muscle protein synthesis rates in vivo in older adults: a double-blind, randomized trial
PubMed ID: 31250889
Clear evidence: BCAA ingestion raised early myofibrillar protein synthesis in older men.
- The Effect of Branched Chain Amino Acids-Enriched Nutritional Supplements on Activities of Daily Living and Muscle Mass in Inpatients with Gait Impairments: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 30932133
BCAA-enriched jelly group increased skeletal muscle mass index vs control in rehab patients.
- Effects of a leucine-enriched amino acid supplement on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30273819
Leucine‑rich amino acid supplement during rehab increased skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength in post‑stroke sarcopenic patients (clinical gains in muscle mass).
- The Weight Loss Effects of Branched Chain Amino Acids and Vitamin B6: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Obese and Overweight Women
PubMed ID: 30841823
In calorie‑restricted overweight women BCAA + B6 preserved/increased leg lean mass despite no change in total weight (localized muscle preservation/growth signal).
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation on physical function, muscle mass and strength, and nutritional status in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital-based rehabilitation: A multicenter randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30358032
BCAA + vitamin D in sarcopenic older inpatients produced larger increases in grip strength and calf circumference vs control (moderate evidence of muscle mass/size gains).
- Postexercise Dietary Protein Ingestion Increases Whole-Body Leucine Balance in a Dose-Dependent Manner in Healthy Children
PubMed ID: 28381530
Clear, dose‑dependent increases in net leucine balance and whole‑body protein balance after exercise (strong acute evidence).
- Effects of Postexercise Protein Intake on Muscle Mass and Strength During Resistance Training: Is There an Optimal Ratio Between Fast and Slow Proteins?
PubMed ID: 28422532
Fast/slow protein ratio manipulation produced higher postexercise plasma leucine (greater amino acid availability) though no extra long‑term gains.
- Sufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and protein intake required to increase muscle mass in sarcopenic older adults - The PROVIDE study
PubMed ID: 28132725
A 12‑week leucine‑enriched whey protein drink increased appendicular muscle mass and function in sarcopenic older adults.
- Enhanced nutrient supply to very low birth weight infants is associated with higher blood amino acid concentrations and improved growth
PubMed ID: 29132733
In very low birth weight infants, extra nutrients (including BCAAs) raised BCAA levels and improved growth velocity.
- Effect of a high-protein, high-fiber diet plus supplementation with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional status of patients with cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 28408059
Randomized trial in cirrhosis: oral BCAAs added to diet increased muscle mass (clinically measured).
- Effectiveness of essential amino acid supplementation in stimulating whole body net protein anabolism is comparable between COPD patients and healthy older adults
PubMed ID: 28285641
EAA (leucine-enriched) produced large whole-body net protein gain—clear evidence of improved protein use.
- Ingestion of Wheat Protein Increases In Vivo Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Healthy Older Men in a Randomized Trial
PubMed ID: 27440260
Whey and higher-protein doses raised leucine and MyoPS more than some wheat proteins—evidence for superior protein use with leucine-rich sources.
- Nitrogen balance, 3-methylhistidine excretion, and plasma amino acid profile in infants after cardiac operations for congenital heart defects: the effect of early nutritional support
PubMed ID: 9434700
Early parenteral amino acid support (including BCAA) reduced proteolysis and improved nitrogen balance after infant surgery.
- Plasma levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol in sarcopenia: comparison with non-sarcopenic individuals and the impact of resistance exercise and nutrition interventions
PubMed ID: 41297911
Combined resistance exercise + nutrition program (with BCAA) increased muscle index and grip strength in sarcopenic older adults.
- Parenteral administration of different amounts of branch-chain amino acids in septic patients: clinical and metabolic aspects
PubMed ID: 9118656
BCAA-rich parenteral nutrition increased prealbumin/retinol-binding protein and plasma BCAAs in septic patients.
- The effects of the formula of amino acids enriched BCAA on nutritional support in traumatic patients
PubMed ID: 12632526
BCAA-enriched TPN produced earlier positive nitrogen balance and higher serum protein markers.
- [Effect of compound branch chain amino acids injection (Aminic) on protein metabolism in patients with radical resection of cardiac carcinoma]
PubMed ID: 16155825
Compound BCAA injection accelerated return to positive nitrogen balance and preserved serum proteins after surgery → strong enhancement of protein use.
- From mitochondria to healthy aging: The role of branched-chain amino acids treatment: MATeR a randomized study
PubMed ID: 31672329
BCAA-enriched supplement in malnourished elderly improved mitochondrial ATP and cognitive scores, consistent with improved cellular protein/energy handling.
- Efficacy of leucine-rich high protein supplementation on body composition and muscle function among older adults with sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41483327
Leucine‑rich protein supplement produced muscle mRNA changes indicative of altered protein metabolism despite limited clinical gains.
- Branched chain enriched amino acid versus glucose treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. A double-blind study of 65 patients with cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 2195106
Amino‑acid infusion reversed negative nitrogen balance in encephalopathy—demonstrates improved protein economy.
- Long-term oral branched-chain amino acid treatment in chronic hepatic encephalopathy. A randomized double-blind casein-controlled trial. The Italian Multicenter Study Group
PubMed ID: 2204661
Long‑term oral BCAA produced consistent positive nitrogen balance and better performance/nutrition metrics.
Body composition (63)
- Leucine and Sildenafil Combination Therapy Reduces Body Weight and Metformin Enhances the Effect at Low Dose: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 33369909
Randomized trial including leucine showed modest placebo‑adjusted weight loss and small metabolic improvements — supports lean composition modestly (combination product).
- The effects of the Green-Mediterranean diet on cardiometabolic health are linked to gut microbiome modifications: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 35264213
Diet intervention increased gut microbial BCAA degradation and was associated with greater weight/cardiometabolic improvements—indirect evidence linking BCAA pathways to body composition.
- Effectiveness of a Novel Food Composed of Leucine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 for the Treatment of Sarcopenia in Elderly Subjects: A 2-Month Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 36364828
Leucine-enriched omega-3 product preserved ALM and improved function and inflammation—supports improved lean composition in older adults.
- De-Training Effects Following Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 24 Weeks of Follow-Up
PubMed ID: 36437767
Protein+leucine with RT increased ASMI and helped retain gains after de-training—supports lean mass maintenance/gains.
- The impact of leucine supplementation on body composition and glucose tolerance following energy restriction: an 8-week RCT in adults at risk of the metabolic syndrome
PubMed ID: 37923932
3 g/day leucine during energy restriction modestly reduced loss of FFM/lean tissue (particularly in men)—strong direct evidence for preservation.
- Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation and exercise on quadriceps muscle quantity and quality in patients with cirrhosis as assessed by ultrasonography: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38777422
BCAA with exercise improved muscle size/quality in cirrhotics, indicating protection of muscle in adverse metabolic states.
- Early intravenous branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrition supplementation in older patients undergoing gastric surgery: a randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 39501291
Early IV BCAA‑enriched nutrition after gastrectomy reduced early postoperative weight loss and blunted fat mobilization — preserved lean stores in a catabolic state.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids on changes in body composition during the recovery period following tonsillectomy
PubMed ID: 39242416
Oral BCAA in post‑tonsillectomy setting preserved/increased muscle mass and reduced body fat percentage during a catabolic period.
- The efficacy and safety of leucine-enriched essential amino acids in knee osteoarthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38728455
Leucine‑enriched EAAs increased DXA lean mass in older knee OA patients.
- A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Leucine-Supplement Combined with Nutritional Counseling on Body Composition in Mix Cancer Older Men
PubMed ID: 38257103
Free‑leucine increased weight and muscle measures in cancer outpatients—suggests anti‑catabolic effect during energy stress.
- Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major
PubMed ID: 39683384
Probiotic raised BCAAs and muscle mass—improvement in lean mass/composition observed.
- Anti-sarcopenic effect of leucine-enriched branched-chain amino acid supplementation among elderly chronic kidney disease patients: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 40381110
Leucine-enriched BCAA produced a modest but significant increase in lean mass in elderly CKD patients (direct support).
- Effectiveness of Protein-enriched oral nutritional supplements on muscle function in middle-aged and elderly women: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 39951930
12‑week protein‑enriched ONS containing BCAAs increased lean body mass and prevented fat gain in older women—direct evidence for supporting lean composition.
- Branched chain amino acids are associated with muscle mass in functionally limited older adults
PubMed ID: 24085401
Cross-sectional metabolomics found higher BCAA-related metabolites associated with greater muscle cross-sectional area and lean mass in older adults.
- [Interventions for frailty and sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly women]
PubMed ID: 23883636
Leucine-rich AA + exercise increased appendicular muscle mass, supporting lean composition.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids supplementation in patients with cirrhosis and a previous episode of hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized study
PubMed ID: 21326220
Long‑term BCAA use increased muscle circumference in cirrhosis, which is consistent with improved lean mass/composition.
- The influence of 8 weeks of whey-protein and leucine supplementation on physical and cognitive performance
PubMed ID: 20975109
Whey+leucine increased lean body mass and fat-free mass in a small RCT over 8 weeks.
- Comparison of the effect of BCAA granules on between decompensated and compensated cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 20214224
Two‑year trial in cirrhosis: oral BCAA granules helped sustain serum albumin in patients with low baseline BTR/decompensation—supports protein status preservation.
- A snack enriched with oral branched-chain amino acids prevents a fall in albumin in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 19285598
Late‑evening BCAA snack in cirrhotic patients preserved serum albumin and protein markers after procedure — evidence BCAA help spare body protein in catabolic states.
- A randomized pilot trial of oral branched-chain amino acids in early cirrhosis: validation using prognostic markers for pre-liver transplant status
PubMed ID: 19562716
Oral BCAA granules modestly preserved albumin and reduced complications in cirrhosis → supports preservation of lean/protein status during catabolic disease/dieting.
- Inhibitory effect of branched-chain amino acid granules on progression of compensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus
PubMed ID: 18297438
Oral BCAA in cirrhosis had modest albumin effects in subgroup analysis → moderate support for preservation of protein status in catabolic disease.
- Randomized, controlled study of branched chain amino acid-enriched total parenteral nutrition in malnourished patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery
PubMed ID: 18376691
BCAA‑enriched TPN preserved visceral proteins and nitrogen balance in malnourished surgical patients → strong evidence for muscle/protein preservation during catabolic states.
- BCAA-enriched snack improves nutritional state of cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 17234504
BCAA-enriched late-night snack improved albumin and nitrogen balance in cirrhosis—supports net protein retention.
- Long-term oral branched chain amino acids in patients undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomized trial
PubMed ID: 15043519
Long‑term oral BCAA in patients reduced morbidity and increased serum albumin, consistent with preservation of protein stores when catabolic stress is present.
- Nutritional supplementation with branched-chain amino acids in advanced cirrhosis: a double-blind, randomized trial
PubMed ID: 12806613
One‑year oral BCAA in advanced cirrhosis reduced clinical deterioration, hospital admissions and improved nutritional/Child‑Pugh scores—evidence BCAAs can help preserve protein/nutritional status in catabolic disease.
- Metabolic effects of keto acid--amino acid supplementation in patients with chronic renal insufficiency receiving a low-protein diet and recombinant human erythropoietin--a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 11603100
Keto/amino-acid supplementation raised BCAA levels and albumin, with favorable body-composition signals in CKD.
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 8788271
Perioperative BCAA‑enriched PN preserved some function and biomarkers → supports tissue preservation in catabolic postoperative state.
- Effect of leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training
PubMed ID: 8941534
HMB increased fat‑free mass during training → supports lean body composition (relevant to leucine/BCAA biology).
- [The effect of the administration of an amino acid solution enriched with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional assessment of patients with stress who require total parenteral nutrition]
PubMed ID: 8471652
TPN with higher BCAA modestly improved nitrogen retention/net protein use—supports preservation of lean tissue during restricted intake or stress.
- Prospective study on the efficacy of branched-chain amino acids in septic patients
PubMed ID: 1907675
High‑BCAA parenteral feeding improved nitrogen balance and reduced proteolysis markers—consistent with muscle-preserving effects during catabolic states.
- Impact on cardiometabolic risk of a weight loss intervention with higher protein from lean red meat: Combined results of 2 randomized controlled trials in obese middle-aged and older adults
PubMed ID: 31771921
Higher‑protein weight‑loss diet (including lean red meat) improved lipoprotein and insulin‑resistance markers, supporting healthier body composition.
- Wheat Biscuits Enriched with Plant-Based Protein Contribute to Weight Loss and Beneficial Metabolic Effects in Subjects with Overweight/Obesity
PubMed ID: 35745249
Plant‑protein (BCAA/arginine‑enriched) snacks during energy restriction produced greater weight loss and reduced inflammation.
- [Effect of compound branch chain amino acids injection (Aminic) on protein metabolism in patients with radical resection of cardiac carcinoma]
PubMed ID: 16155825
IV BCAA attenuated postoperative protein losses (catabolic setting), indicating muscle‑preserving effects under negative balance.
- Safety, Tolerability, and Biologic Activity of AXA1125 and AXA1957 in Subjects With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
PubMed ID: 34382947
AXA1125 (multi-AA including BCAAs) produced clinically meaningful reductions in liver fat and improved insulin resistance—strong metabolic support relevant to lean composition.
- Branched chain amino acids are novel biomarkers for discrimination of metabolic wellness
PubMed ID: 23375209
Large cohort showed a BCAA signature linked to worse metabolic health but also correlated with muscle mass indicators — association with lean composition.
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 7969324
Perioperative BCAA-enriched nutrition reduced postoperative weight loss and improved nitrogen/protein status.
- Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass
PubMed ID: 24015719
Whey supplementation during ~9 months resistance training produced greater increases in lean body mass vs soy or carbohydrate.
- Two randomized controlled studies comparing the nutritional benefits of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules and a BCAA-enriched nutrient mixture for patients with esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment
PubMed ID: 24633624
BCAA‑enriched nutrition in cirrhotic patients mitigated body‑weight loss and improved metabolic markers versus controls.
- A high whey protein-, leucine-, and vitamin D-enriched supplement preserves muscle mass during intentional weight loss in obese older adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25646324
Double‑blind RCT: whey/leucine/vitamin D supplement preserved appendicular muscle mass during weight loss + resistance training (direct evidence).
- Four-month course of soluble milk proteins interacts with exercise to improve muscle strength and delay fatigue in elderly participants
PubMed ID: 25444576
Appendicular lean mass increased with leucine‑rich supplementation during exercise in older men.
- Effects of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement on measures of sarcopenia in older adults, the PROVIDE study: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26170041
Leucine‑enriched whey raised appendicular muscle mass in sarcopenic adults — supportive of lean mass improvements.
- [Impact of glutamine, eicosapntemacnioc acid, branched-chain amino acid supplements on nutritional status and treatment compliance of esophageal cancer patients on concurrent chemoradiotherapy and gastric cancer patients on chemotherapy]
PubMed ID: 26080850
Cancer patients receiving glutamine+EPA+BCAA maintained fat‑free mass and albumin vs declines in controls, supporting muscle preservation under catabolic stress.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of L-Leucine-enriched amino-acid mixtures on body composition and physical performance in men and women aged 65-75 years
PubMed ID: 26081485
Randomized 3‑month leucine‑enriched EAA supplementation increased lean tissue mass and improved function in older adults.
- Ingestion of Wheat Protein Increases In Vivo Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Healthy Older Men in a Randomized Trial
PubMed ID: 27440260
Higher-leucine proteins produced greater MPS, a factor in supporting lean mass.
- Effectiveness of essential amino acid supplementation in stimulating whole body net protein anabolism is comparable between COPD patients and healthy older adults
PubMed ID: 28285641
EAA supplementation increased net protein gain even under catabolic stress (COPD), supporting preservation of lean tissue.
- Effect of a high-protein, high-fiber diet plus supplementation with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional status of patients with cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 28408059
RCT in cirrhosis: BCAAs plus high‑protein/high‑fiber diet increased muscle mass and reduced fat mass.
- Enhanced nutrient supply to very low birth weight infants is associated with higher blood amino acid concentrations and improved growth
PubMed ID: 29132733
Enhanced amino acid intake including BCAAs improved growth in very low birth weight infants (lean mass context in infants).
- Sufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and protein intake required to increase muscle mass in sarcopenic older adults - The PROVIDE study
PubMed ID: 28132725
Leucine‑enriched whey protein increased appendicular muscle mass in sarcopenic adults, supporting lean mass preservation/gain.
- The Weight Loss Effects of Branched Chain Amino Acids and Vitamin B6: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Obese and Overweight Women
PubMed ID: 30841823
Small RCT in calorie‑restricted overweight women found BCAA+B6 helped preserve leg lean mass and improved WHR despite similar weight loss.
- The Effect of Branched Chain Amino Acids-Enriched Nutritional Supplements on Activities of Daily Living and Muscle Mass in Inpatients with Gait Impairments: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 30932133
Trial showed increases in skeletal muscle mass index and prevention of weight loss, supporting lean mass maintenance.
- Randomized Controlled Trial of a Leucine-Metformin-Sildenafil Combination (NS-0200) on Weight and Metabolic Parameters
PubMed ID: 30569637
High‑dose triple therapy including leucine produced clinically meaningful weight loss and metabolic changes (but multi‑agent confounding).
- Muscle-targeted nutritional support for rehabilitation in patients with parkinsonian syndrome
PubMed ID: 31278117
Whey + leucine + vitamin D preserved/increased skeletal muscle mass during rehab, improving lean mass metrics.
- A Vitamin D, Calcium and Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Nutritional Supplement Improves Measures of Bone Health in Sarcopenic Non-Malnourished Older Adults: The PROVIDE Study
PubMed ID: 31338563
Leucine‑enriched whey drink produced small increases in total‑body BMD and improved metabolic markers in sarcopenic older adults; modest lean‑body support.
- Whey Protein Supplementation Compared to Collagen Increases Blood Nesfatin Concentrations and Decreases Android Fat in Overweight Women: A Randomized Double-Blind Study
PubMed ID: 31480676
Whey (BCAA‑rich) reduced android fat and increased nesfatin vs collagen in overweight women — supports improved body composition.
- No Significant Differences in Muscle Growth and Strength Development When Consuming Soy and Whey Protein Supplements Matched for Leucine Following a 12 Week Resistance Training Program in Men and Women: A Randomized Trial
PubMed ID: 32486007
Leucine‑matched protein sources produced similar gains in lean mass and fat loss with training — supports leucine/BCAA role in lean composition.
- The Effects of Timing of a Leucine-Enriched Amino Acid Supplement on Body Composition and Physical Function in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32610608
Study showed greater body-fat loss in breakfast-timed leucine-rich BCAA group during stroke rehab.
- Leucine-Enriched Protein Supplementation Increases Lean Body Mass in Healthy Korean Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32570811
Leucine-enriched protein for 12 weeks increased lean body mass measures versus isocaloric control in older adults.
- Effect of the intake of dietary protein on insulin resistance in subjects with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 33145643
High-protein hypocaloric diets (animal or plant) improved muscle mass and reduced fat—supports high-protein/BCAA role in body composition (not BCAA-only).
- Effect of an Enriched Protein Drink on Muscle Mass and Glycemic Control during Combined Lifestyle Intervention in Older Adults with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-Blind RCT
PubMed ID: 33379181
Leucine-enriched whey plus exercise increased total and appendicular lean mass and improved insulin sensitivity in older obese adults.
- Efficacy of L-Leucine Supplementation Coupled with a Calorie-Restricted Diet to Promote Weight Loss in Mid-Life Women
PubMed ID: 33030983
During calorie restriction, leucine group had a substantially higher (though non‑significant) proportion who preserved/gained lean mass (38% vs 6%).
- Sarcojoint®, the branched-chain amino acid-based supplement, plus resistance exercise improved muscle mass in adults aged 50 years and older: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34838980
BCAA‑based supplement with exercise increased thigh muscle area and affected body‑composition measures.
- Leucine-enriched whey protein supplementation, resistance-based exercise, and cardiometabolic health in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34520104
Leucine-enriched whey randomized trial in older adults improved metabolic markers; leucine enrichment supports lean mass preservation and composition benefits.
- Branched Chain Amino Acid Supplementation to a Hypocaloric Diet Does Not Affect Resting Metabolic Rate but Increases Postprandial Fat Oxidation Response in Overweight and Obese Adults after Weight Loss Intervention
PubMed ID: 34959797
In overweight adults on caloric restriction, BCAA supplementation increased postprandial fat oxidation vs control — direct metabolic evidence supporting lean composition.
Strength (59)
- The effects of Oligo-Fucoidan on muscle function in community-dwelling older adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41124892
Trial in older adults (fucoidan+BCAA+vit D) produced meaningful improvements in grip strength and walking distance—strongest direct evidence here, though multi‑ingredient confounding noted.
- Effects of branched chain amino acids, l-citrulline, and alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine supplementation on exercise performance in trained cyclists: a randomized crossover trial
PubMed ID: 37229544
Peak sprint power increased by ~11% in the combined-supplement trial—supports acute increases in power/strength-related output, though not long-term strength training gains and attribution to BCAAs alone is uncertain.
- Biomarkers of Frailty in Patients with Advanced Chronic Liver Disease Undergoing a Multifactorial Intervention Consisting of Home Exercise, Branched-Chain Amino Acids, and Probiotics
PubMed ID: 39595586
Advanced liver disease patients improved frailty index with multi-component program including BCAA—functional relevance for older/ill populations.
- Plasma levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol in sarcopenia: comparison with non-sarcopenic individuals and the impact of resistance exercise and nutrition interventions
PubMed ID: 41297911
Older sarcopenic adults in a resistance-plus-nutrition program (including BCAA) gained muscle and grip strength.
- From mitochondria to healthy aging: The role of branched-chain amino acids treatment: MATeR a randomized study
PubMed ID: 31672329
BCAA-enriched supplement in malnourished older adults improved cognitive function and mitochondrial ATP production—supports functional maintenance in elderly (indirect for muscle strength).
- Effect of total enteral nutrition on the short-term outcome of severely malnourished cirrhotics. A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 2105256
Enteral formula containing BCAA in severely malnourished cirrhotics improved albumin/clinical scores and markedly reduced mortality—supports preservation of physiological reserve in frail older adults.
- Effect of leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training
PubMed ID: 8941534
HMB increased weight lifted and fat‑free mass during resistance training → direct support for greater strength gains (HMB is leucine‑related).
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 8788271
Perioperative PN with BCAAs reduced complications and preserved hepatic function and clinical outcomes; clinical preservation of status may support maintained/increased strength post‑op.
- Age and aerobic exercise training effects on whole body and muscle protein metabolism
PubMed ID: 14506079
Shows age‑related decline in protein turnover and that aerobic training increases muscle protein synthesis—supports combining nutrition and exercise for age‑related strength maintenance.
- Effects of leucine and whey protein supplementation during eight weeks of unilateral resistance training
PubMed ID: 16686554
Eight-week resistance training plus leucine-whey produced larger strength gains vs placebo — direct RCT evidence for strength benefit.
- The influence of 8 weeks of whey-protein and leucine supplementation on physical and cognitive performance
PubMed ID: 20975109
Whey+leucine group experienced significant bench-press and push-up performance increases over 8 weeks vs placebo.
- Similar effects of leucine rich and regular dairy products on muscle mass and functions of older polymyalgia rheumatica patients: a randomized crossover trial
PubMed ID: 21623468
Older patients undertaking exercise plus leucine-enriched whey had functional improvements and modest lower-limb mass gains versus control.
- Whey protein stimulates postprandial muscle protein accretion more effectively than do casein and casein hydrolysate in older men
PubMed ID: 21367943
In older men, higher‑leucine whey stimulated MPS more than casein, supporting strategies to maintain strength with age.
- [Interventions for frailty and sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly women]
PubMed ID: 23883636
Elderly women gained leg muscle mass and walking speed; strength improved when combined with exercise.
- Rehabilitation and leucine supplementation as possible contributors to an athlete's muscle strength in the reathletization phase following anterior cruciate ligament surgery
PubMed ID: 23260415
Rehab trial reported increases in isokinetic strength and a site-specific greater thigh perimeter with leucine, supporting strength gains.
- Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass
PubMed ID: 24015719
Whey supplementation during long-term training produced larger lean mass gains; gains in muscle mass often accompany strength improvements.
- A high whey protein-, leucine-, and vitamin D-enriched supplement preserves muscle mass during intentional weight loss in obese older adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25646324
Older obese adults preserved limb muscle mass with whey/leucine supplement during weight loss + resistance training — relevant to age‑related muscle loss.
- Four-month course of soluble milk proteins interacts with exercise to improve muscle strength and delay fatigue in elderly participants
PubMed ID: 25444576
Older men on leucine‑rich milk protein plus exercise gained muscle mass and strength and resisted fatigue—direct evidence of preserving/ improving strength in older adults.
- Effects of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement on measures of sarcopenia in older adults, the PROVIDE study: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26170041
13‑week leucine‑enriched whey increased leg muscle mass and improved function in sarcopenic older adults — direct evidence for preserving/maintaining strength with age.
- Impact of the Macronutrient Composition of a Nutritional Supplement on Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Older Men: A Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 26308291
Augmented muscle protein synthesis in older men supports mechanisms to blunt age‑related anabolic resistance and preserve strength.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of L-Leucine-enriched amino-acid mixtures on body composition and physical performance in men and women aged 65-75 years
PubMed ID: 26081485
Three‑month leucine‑enriched EAA intervention increased lean mass and improved walking/chair performance in older adults.
- Effects of free leucine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and functional status in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25926725
Free leucine added to resistance training in older adults produced moderate leg strength improvements and functional gains.
- Fast-digestive protein supplement for ten days overcomes muscle anabolic resistance in healthy elderly men
PubMed ID: 26008820
Study in older men showed increased MPS (including myosin protein) after fast‑digesting protein—supports potential to help maintain muscle quality/strength with aging (indirect evidence).
- Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Combination with Leucine and Vitamin D Increase Muscle Strength and Function in Frail Elderly Adults in a Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 27075909
Frail elderly receiving a nightly leucine-containing supplement showed meaningful improvements in hand-grip strength and functional tests.
- Effectiveness of essential amino acid supplementation in stimulating whole body net protein anabolism is comparable between COPD patients and healthy older adults
PubMed ID: 28285641
EAA/leucine increased net protein gain in older adults/COPD subjects, which can support maintenance of strength over time.
- Sufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and protein intake required to increase muscle mass in sarcopenic older adults - The PROVIDE study
PubMed ID: 28132725
Leucine‑enriched whey protein improved appendicular muscle mass and lower‑extremity function in sarcopenic older adults — directly relevant to maintaining strength with age.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation on physical function, muscle mass and strength, and nutritional status in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital-based rehabilitation: A multicenter randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30358032
In sarcopenic older inpatients, BCAA + vitamin D produced greater improvements in handgrip strength and calf circumference than control—direct evidence relevant to aging.
- Effects of a leucine-enriched amino acid supplement on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30273819
Handgrip strength improved with leucine‑rich supplement in post‑stroke sarcopenic patients (direct strength outcome).
- The Effect of Branched Chain Amino Acids-Enriched Nutritional Supplements on Activities of Daily Living and Muscle Mass in Inpatients with Gait Impairments: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 30932133
Rehab population preserved/increased muscle mass, relevant to maintaining strength in older or ill patients.
- Effect of exercise therapy combined with branched-chain amino acid supplementation on muscle strength in elderly women after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 31826368
Elderly post-hip-replacement patients had improved knee extension strength and arm muscle area with BCAA+exercise.
- Thirteen weeks of supplementation of vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement attenuates chronic low-grade inflammation in sarcopenic older adults: the PROVIDE study
PubMed ID: 31049877
Large RCT in sarcopenic older adults: vitamin D + leucine‑enriched whey attenuated IL‑6 rise and targeted a population at risk for age‑related decline; supports maintenance of muscle health.
- Muscle-targeted nutritional support for rehabilitation in patients with parkinsonian syndrome
PubMed ID: 31278117
Whey/leucine formula improved gait and preserved muscle mass in rehabilitating patients (older/parkinsonian), relevant to age‑related strength maintenance.
- A Vitamin D, Calcium and Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Nutritional Supplement Improves Measures of Bone Health in Sarcopenic Non-Malnourished Older Adults: The PROVIDE Study
PubMed ID: 31338563
Leucine‑enriched whey in sarcopenic older adults produced modest functional improvements relevant to age‑related strength maintenance.
- Effects of Leucine Administration in Sarcopenia: A Randomized and Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 32230954
Oral leucine for 13 weeks preserved walking speed and expiratory muscle strength in older nursing‑home residents.
- No Significant Differences in Muscle Growth and Strength Development When Consuming Soy and Whey Protein Supplements Matched for Leucine Following a 12 Week Resistance Training Program in Men and Women: A Randomized Trial
PubMed ID: 32486007
Matched‑leucine soy and whey produced similar strength increases, implicating leucine/BCAAs in strength gains.
- Effects of adequate dietary protein with whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation on sarcopenia in older adults: An open-label, parallel-group study
PubMed ID: 32928579
Leucine‑enriched whey improved gait speed in older sarcopenic adults, supporting functional strength preservation.
- The Effects of Timing of a Leucine-Enriched Amino Acid Supplement on Body Composition and Physical Function in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32610608
In stroke rehab, breakfast-timed leucine-rich BCAA drink produced larger leg-press strength gains versus post-exercise timing.
- Effect of a leucine-rich supplement in combination with nutrition and physical exercise in advanced cancer patients: A randomized controlled intervention trial
PubMed ID: 32340904
Leucine-rich supplement in advanced cancer patients improved handgrip strength versus control.
- Leucine-Enriched Protein Supplementation Increases Lean Body Mass in Healthy Korean Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32570811
Leucine-enriched protein for 12 weeks in adults ≥50 increased lean mass measures, supporting maintenance of strength with aging.
- Effect of an Enriched Protein Drink on Muscle Mass and Glycemic Control during Combined Lifestyle Intervention in Older Adults with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-Blind RCT
PubMed ID: 33379181
Leucine-enriched whey plus exercise preserved/increased lean mass in older obese adults—relevant to strength maintenance.
- Safety and tolerability of 6-month supplementation with a vitamin D, calcium and leucine-enriched whey protein medical nutrition drink in sarcopenic older adults
PubMed ID: 32162241
Large RCT of leucine‑enriched whey in sarcopenic older adults directly targeted age‑related muscle loss; study emphasized safety but population/intervention are directly relevant.
- Sarcojoint®, the branched-chain amino acid-based supplement, plus resistance exercise improved muscle mass in adults aged 50 years and older: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34838980
Older adults on resistance exercise + BCAA showed muscle hypertrophy—supports capacity to maintain strength with age.
- Leucine-enriched whey protein supplementation, resistance-based exercise, and cardiometabolic health in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34520104
Leucine-enriched whey randomized trial in older adults showed metabolic/anabolic improvements — strongest direct support among included studies for benefits relevant to aging.
- Exercise Plus Presleep Protein Ingestion Increases Overnight Muscle Connective Tissue Protein Synthesis Rates in Healthy Older Men
PubMed ID: 33588378
In older men, exercise plus presleep protein+leucine increased overnight protein synthesis and dietary AA incorporation—relevant to maintaining anabolic capacity with age.
- Effectiveness of a Novel Food Composed of Leucine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 for the Treatment of Sarcopenia in Elderly Subjects: A 2-Month Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 36364828
Leucine-enriched omega-3+probiotic in older adults improved SPPB and handgrip and preserved ALM—strong evidence for maintaining strength with age.
- De-Training Effects Following Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 24 Weeks of Follow-Up
PubMed ID: 36437767
RT+leucine-enriched protein produced larger handgrip and strength retention versus RT alone—direct evidence for greater strength gains.
- Enhanced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and -6 in sarcopenia: alleviation through exercise and nutrition intervention
PubMed ID: 38032288
Frail elderly receiving BCAA + exercise/nutrition improved grip strength and reduced inflammatory markers—supports maintenance of function with age.
- Branched-chain amino acids supplementation improves liver frailty index in frail compensated cirrhotic patients: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 37189033
In frail, compensated cirrhotic patients BCAA twice daily increased skeletal muscle index and reversed frailty in a significant fraction.
- Branched-chain amino acids plus vitamin D supplementation promote increased muscle strength following lumbar surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized trial
PubMed ID: 36940921
Older adults after lumbar surgery regained knee strength with BCAA+vitamin D, showing preserved/restoreable strength in older population.
- Effects of hemp supplementation during resistance training in trained young adults
PubMed ID: 37847288
Hemp protein preserved twitch torque and rate of torque development after fatigue in males, indicating strength/functional benefits.
- Home exercise, branched-chain amino acids, and probiotics improve frailty in cirrhosis: A randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 38701490
Home exercise + BCAA + probiotic improved frailty, gait speed and markedly reduced falls over 12 months in cirrhosis — relevant to maintaining function with aging/disease.
- Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation and exercise on quadriceps muscle quantity and quality in patients with cirrhosis as assessed by ultrasonography: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38777422
Objective improvements in muscle strength/performance were seen with BCAA and exercise in cirrhosis; additive benefit with combined therapy.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids on changes in body composition during the recovery period following tonsillectomy
PubMed ID: 39242416
BCAA supplementation preserved muscle mass and body composition postoperatively, with implications for strength preservation/gains.
- Effects of Nutritional Support with a Leucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acid Supplement on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Physical Function in Stroke Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation
PubMed ID: 39770886
Leucine‑enriched EAAs in stroke rehab preserved BMI and bone mineral content and trended to better chair‑stand performance — supports maintenance of function in older/rehab populations.
- The efficacy and safety of leucine-enriched essential amino acids in knee osteoarthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38728455
Leucine‑enriched EAAs improved lean mass and QoL in older adults—relevant to maintaining strength with age.
- Dileucine ingestion, but not leucine, increases lower body strength and performance following resistance training: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 39739679
Dileucine produced clear increases in lower‑body 1RM and total strength vs placebo in trained men.
- A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Leucine-Supplement Combined with Nutritional Counseling on Body Composition in Mix Cancer Older Men
PubMed ID: 38257103
Free‑leucine produced muscle/weight gains in older GI cancer outpatients—supports age‑related muscle maintenance.
- Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major
PubMed ID: 39683384
Probiotic intervention increased strength‑related performance (80%RM repetitions) alongside BCAA rise.
- Effectiveness of Protein-enriched oral nutritional supplements on muscle function in middle-aged and elderly women: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 39951930
12‑week protein‑enriched ONS containing BCAAs increased lean mass and prevented fat gain in women 50–80—directly relevant to preserving strength with age.
Workout performance (53)
- Effects of hemp supplementation during resistance training in trained young adults
PubMed ID: 37847288
BCAA‑rich hemp protein improved muscle size in women and preserved function under fatigue, supporting overall performance.
- Branched-chain amino acids plus vitamin D supplementation promote increased muscle strength following lumbar surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized trial
PubMed ID: 36940921
Functional strength recovery in older surgical patients implies improved real‑world performance with BCAA supplementation.
- Enhanced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and -6 in sarcopenia: alleviation through exercise and nutrition intervention
PubMed ID: 38032288
Functional gains and reduced inflammation in frail elders indicate improved overall physical performance capacity.
- Plasma metabolites associated with functional and clinical outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction with and without type 2 diabetes
PubMed ID: 35654972
BCAA‑related metabolomic signature correlated with better functional outcomes (6MWD) in heart‑failure patients — supports broad performance relevance of BCAA biology.
- Branched chain amino acids in the treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis: a phase II/III, multi-centre, randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 35179548
Clinical BCAA product improved functional task performance in myopathy patients — direct evidence of performance benefit in disease context.
- De-Training Effects Following Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 24 Weeks of Follow-Up
PubMed ID: 36437767
Leucine-enriched protein with RT improved and preserved muscle mass/strength—broadly supportive of overall performance.
- Effectiveness of a Novel Food Composed of Leucine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 for the Treatment of Sarcopenia in Elderly Subjects: A 2-Month Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 36364828
Functional and strength gains plus preserved ALM in older adults point to improved overall physical performance.
- Exercise Plus Presleep Protein Ingestion Increases Overnight Muscle Connective Tissue Protein Synthesis Rates in Healthy Older Men
PubMed ID: 33588378
Improved overnight protein use and synthesis following exercise+leucine supports multiple aspects of performance (recovery, repair, adaptation).
- Adding Branched-Chain Amino Acids to an Enhanced Standard-of-Care Treatment Improves Muscle Mass of Cirrhotic Patients With Sarcopenia: A Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34074812
Muscle mass gains in cirrhosis support better overall functional performance in catabolic disease contexts.
- Sarcojoint®, the branched-chain amino acid-based supplement, plus resistance exercise improved muscle mass in adults aged 50 years and older: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34838980
Muscle hypertrophy with BCAA + resistance exercise supports improved performance potential.
- Effect of an Enriched Protein Drink on Muscle Mass and Glycemic Control during Combined Lifestyle Intervention in Older Adults with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-Blind RCT
PubMed ID: 33379181
Leucine-enriched whey plus exercise improved lean mass and insulin sensitivity in older obese adults—broadly supportive of performance and health.
- No Significant Differences in Muscle Growth and Strength Development When Consuming Soy and Whey Protein Supplements Matched for Leucine Following a 12 Week Resistance Training Program in Men and Women: A Randomized Trial
PubMed ID: 32486007
Leucine‑matched protein sources yielded comparable gains in lean mass and strength, highlighting leucine/BCAA relevance for performance with training.
- Effects of Leucine Administration in Sarcopenia: A Randomized and Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 32230954
Leucine preserved functional walking speed and expiratory strength in older adults — supports performance maintenance in aging.
- Muscle-targeted nutritional support for rehabilitation in patients with parkinsonian syndrome
PubMed ID: 31278117
Functional gains (6MWT, gait speed, muscle mass) in a rehab setting demonstrate overall performance improvements with a leucine‑enriched whey formula.
- Clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness of a 1-year nutritional intervention programme in COPD patients with low muscle mass: The randomized controlled NUTRAIN trial
PubMed ID: 30954363
Increased steps/day, modest weight/muscle gain and QoL in COPD indicate broader performance benefits in a debilitated population.
- Effects of a leucine-enriched amino acid supplement on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30273819
Leucine‑rich supplementation improved muscle mass, strength and motor FIM in post‑stroke sarcopenic patients—translated to better functional performance.
- Sufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and protein intake required to increase muscle mass in sarcopenic older adults - The PROVIDE study
PubMed ID: 28132725
Leucine‑enriched supplementation improved muscle mass and function in sarcopenic adults, which translates to better overall physical performance.
- Effectiveness of essential amino acid supplementation in stimulating whole body net protein anabolism is comparable between COPD patients and healthy older adults
PubMed ID: 28285641
EAA/leucine produced robust net anabolism, which underpins improved muscular performance capacity.
- Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Combination with Leucine and Vitamin D Increase Muscle Strength and Function in Frail Elderly Adults in a Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 27075909
Functional gains (grip, walking speed) in frail elderly on a leucine-containing supplement indicate meaningful overall performance benefits in that population.
- Effects of free leucine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and functional status in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25926725
Leucine with resistance training improved strength and functional tests in older adults—supports overall physical performance.
- Impact of the Macronutrient Composition of a Nutritional Supplement on Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Older Men: A Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 26308291
Improved muscle protein synthesis is a core mechanism underpinning multiple performance domains.
- Four-month course of soluble milk proteins interacts with exercise to improve muscle strength and delay fatigue in elderly participants
PubMed ID: 25444576
Combined improvements in muscle mass, strength and endurance in older men indicate a meaningful overall performance benefit in that population.
- Branched-chain amino acids may improve recovery from a vegetative or minimally conscious state in patients with traumatic brain injury: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 18760149
IV BCAA after TBI improved disability scores and enabled recovery from vegetative/minimally conscious states — strong functional performance gains in neurological injury.
- Randomized, controlled study of branched chain amino acid-enriched total parenteral nutrition in malnourished patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery
PubMed ID: 18376691
BCAA‑enriched TPN improved inflammation markers, maintained proteins and reduced complications in malnourished surgical patients → supports overall physiological performance in clinical populations.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of L-Leucine-enriched amino-acid mixtures on body composition and physical performance in men and women aged 65-75 years
PubMed ID: 26081485
Leucine‑enriched EAAs increased lean mass and improved multiple functional measures in older adults, indicating broad performance benefits.
- BCAA-enriched snack improves nutritional state of cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 17234504
BCAA-enriched snack improved albumin/nitrogen balance and energy metabolism in cirrhotics—broad supportive effect on physiological performance.
- Effects of leucine and whey protein supplementation during eight weeks of unilateral resistance training
PubMed ID: 16686554
Leucine-whey supplementation improved strength gains during training — a key component of performance.
- Metabolic effects of keto acid--amino acid supplementation in patients with chronic renal insufficiency receiving a low-protein diet and recombinant human erythropoietin--a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 11603100
Keto/amino-acid supplements improved protein and lipid markers; supports broad performance benefits in CKD context.
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 8788271
Perioperative PN containing BCAAs reduced postoperative morbidity and infections and preserved liver function → supports better clinical performance/outcomes after major surgery (multifactorial but BCAA‑containing PN implicated).
- Effect of leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training
PubMed ID: 8941534
HMB improved fat‑free mass, strength and reduced markers of breakdown → supports improved overall physical performance in resistance training contexts (relevant to BCAA/leucine biology).
- [The effect of the administration of an amino acid solution enriched with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional assessment of patients with stress who require total parenteral nutrition]
PubMed ID: 8471652
TPN with higher BCAA improved nitrogen retention/net protein use—supports improved functional performance potential in stressed patients.
- Oral BCAA supplementation in cirrhosis with chronic encephalopathy: effects on prolactin and estradiol levels
PubMed ID: 1459529
Oral BCAA improved mental state in cirrhosis vs casein—direct clinical evidence of improved overall performance (neurocognitive) in a diseased population.
- From mitochondria to healthy aging: The role of branched-chain amino acids treatment: MATeR a randomized study
PubMed ID: 31672329
BCAA-enriched supplementation improved mitochondrial function and cognition in malnourished older adults—broadly supportive of functional performance.
- Combined Effect of Arginine, Valine, and Serine on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study
PubMed ID: 30999554
Reduced subjective fatigue and favorable amino-acid shifts in cycling; clear overall performance benefit.
- A high whey protein-, leucine-, and vitamin D-enriched supplement preserves muscle mass during intentional weight loss in obese older adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25646324
Preservation of lean mass during weight loss + training likely improves overall functional performance in older adults.
- Parenteral administration of different amounts of branch-chain amino acids in septic patients: clinical and metabolic aspects
PubMed ID: 9118656
BCAA-enriched PN improved protein markers and mortality in septic patients—clinically meaningful performance outcomes in ill patients.
- Plasma levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol in sarcopenia: comparison with non-sarcopenic individuals and the impact of resistance exercise and nutrition interventions
PubMed ID: 41297911
Combined resistance exercise and nutrition program (including BCAA) improved muscle/strength in older adults—functional performance gains.
- Effects of branched chain amino acids, l-citrulline, and alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine supplementation on exercise performance in trained cyclists: a randomized crossover trial
PubMed ID: 37229544
High-quality randomized crossover trial in trained cyclists found substantial improvements in peak power and time-to-exhaustion for the combined supplement that included BCAAs.
- Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high intensity endurance cycling tests
PubMed ID: 31959202
Comprehensive improvements in TTE, RPE, and training load with BCAA‑containing supplement support overall performance benefits.
- Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass
PubMed ID: 24015719
Whey (leucine/BCAA-rich) produced superior lean mass gains during prolonged training, a broad performance-relevant outcome.
- Additional effects of taurine on the benefits of BCAA intake for the delayed-onset muscle soreness and muscle damage induced by high-intensity eccentric exercise
PubMed ID: 23392882
Reduced soreness and damage markers with taurine+BCAA can contribute to better training continuity and performance.
- Leucine supplementation of a low-protein mixed macronutrient beverage enhances myofibrillar protein synthesis in young men: a double-blind, randomized trial
PubMed ID: 24284442
Demonstrated that targeted leucine can restore MPS with low protein intake — a practical performance-supporting mechanism.
- Rehabilitation and leucine supplementation as possible contributors to an athlete's muscle strength in the reathletization phase following anterior cruciate ligament surgery
PubMed ID: 23260415
Leucine supplementation in a rehab program improved local muscle size and some strength metrics, indicating performance benefits in recovery/training contexts.
- [Interventions for frailty and sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly women]
PubMed ID: 23883636
Improvements in muscle mass and walking speed indicate meaningful functional performance benefits in elderly.
- The influence of 8 weeks of whey-protein and leucine supplementation on physical and cognitive performance
PubMed ID: 20975109
Whey+leucine improved strength and lean mass, supporting overall functional performance improvements.
- A randomized pilot trial of oral branched-chain amino acids in early cirrhosis: validation using prognostic markers for pre-liver transplant status
PubMed ID: 19562716
Oral BCAA granules preserved albumin and reduced major complications in cirrhosis → supports improved clinical performance/health status.
- Dileucine ingestion, but not leucine, increases lower body strength and performance following resistance training: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 39739679
Dileucine produced strength and repetition gains—enhances overall training performance.
- Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major
PubMed ID: 39683384
Probiotic increased BCAAs, muscle mass and performance reps—broad benefit to overall performance measures.
- Effects of Nutritional Support with a Leucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acid Supplement on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Physical Function in Stroke Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation
PubMed ID: 39770886
Leucine‑enriched EAA in stroke rehab preserved BMI/BMC and trended to function gains — supports clinical performance in rehab.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids on changes in body composition during the recovery period following tonsillectomy
PubMed ID: 39242416
Postoperative oral BCAA preserved muscle and improved composition — broad functional/performance relevance.
- Early intravenous branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrition supplementation in older patients undergoing gastric surgery: a randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 39501291
Post‑gastrectomy IV BCAA‑enriched nutrition shortened LOS and reduced catabolic markers — supports performance/clinical recovery in surgical context.
- Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation and exercise on quadriceps muscle quantity and quality in patients with cirrhosis as assessed by ultrasonography: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38777422
Consistent improvements in muscle quantity/quality and strength with BCAA ± exercise indicate a broad performance benefit in a clinical population.
- Home exercise, branched-chain amino acids, and probiotics improve frailty in cirrhosis: A randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 38701490
Multimodal home program including BCAA improved frailty, gait and clinical events — overall performance gains (multifactorial).
Exercise recovery (44)
- De-Training Effects Following Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 24 Weeks of Follow-Up
PubMed ID: 36437767
Leucine-enriched protein improved gains and retention after training, indicating better adaptation and recovery dynamics.
- Enhanced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and -6 in sarcopenia: alleviation through exercise and nutrition intervention
PubMed ID: 38032288
BCAA + exercise/nutrition improved grip strength and lowered inflammation in frail elderly, implying improved recovery capacity.
- Branched-chain amino acids plus vitamin D supplementation promote increased muscle strength following lumbar surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized trial
PubMed ID: 36940921
BCAA+vitamin D after lumbar surgery improved knee strength by 12 weeks, indicating faster functional recovery.
- Effects of hemp supplementation during resistance training in trained young adults
PubMed ID: 37847288
Preservation of neuromuscular function after fatigue suggests improved recovery allowing better performance in subsequent sessions.
- Home exercise, branched-chain amino acids, and probiotics improve frailty in cirrhosis: A randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 38701490
Multimodal program including BCAA improved frailty/gait and reduced events => faster functional recovery (effect not solely BCAA).
- Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation and exercise on quadriceps muscle quantity and quality in patients with cirrhosis as assessed by ultrasonography: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38777422
BCAA ± exercise improved quadriceps size/strength in cirrhosis, implying improved recovery capacity (disease context).
- Early intravenous branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrition supplementation in older patients undergoing gastric surgery: a randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 39501291
Early IV BCAA‑enriched nutrition after gastrectomy reduced weight loss and fat mobilization—supports quicker recovery from acute catabolism.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids on changes in body composition during the recovery period following tonsillectomy
PubMed ID: 39242416
Short-term oral BCAA after tonsillectomy preserved/increased muscle mass vs control, consistent with faster recovery from catabolic stress.
- Dileucine ingestion, but not leucine, increases lower body strength and performance following resistance training: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 39739679
Dileucine during 10‑week resistance training increased strength/reps—supports faster recovery/adaptation.
- Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major
PubMed ID: 39683384
Probiotic raised plasma BCAAs and improved muscle mass/80%RM reps—mechanistic support for faster recovery.
- The muscle protein synthetic response following corn protein ingestion does not differ from milk protein in healthy, young adults
PubMed ID: 38315260
Acute protein study (corn vs milk) showed similar myofibrillar MPS — supports recovery via protein-driven MPS.
- Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high intensity endurance cycling tests
PubMed ID: 31959202
Lower RPE and improved training tolerance over 9 weeks indicate better recovery/adaptation between sessions.
- Exercise Plus Presleep Protein Ingestion Increases Overnight Muscle Connective Tissue Protein Synthesis Rates in Healthy Older Men
PubMed ID: 33588378
Presleep casein+leucine study showed larger overnight connective-tissue protein synthesis and dietary amino-acid incorporation—direct mechanistic evidence for faster recovery.
- Branched chain amino acids in the treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis: a phase II/III, multi-centre, randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 35179548
RCT of BCAA (TK‑98) improved repetitive shoulder function in myopathy, indicating improved functional recovery despite no global MMT change.
- Prospective randomized, placebo-controlled study: role of branched-chain amino acids infusion as adjunct therapy post-liver surgery for patients in the intensive care unit
PubMed ID: 40537743
IV BCAAs after surgery accelerated improvement in protein-related labs and shortened ICU stay—strongest clinical recovery signal in dataset.
- Parenteral administration of different amounts of branch-chain amino acids in septic patients: clinical and metabolic aspects
PubMed ID: 9118656
Improved protein markers with high-BCAA PN in critical illness reflects improved repair/anabolism.
- The effects of the formula of amino acids enriched BCAA on nutritional support in traumatic patients
PubMed ID: 12632526
BCAA-enriched TPN accelerated nitrogen-balance recovery after surgery—analogous to faster repair.
- [Effect of compound branch chain amino acids injection (Aminic) on protein metabolism in patients with radical resection of cardiac carcinoma]
PubMed ID: 16155825
IV BCAA improved nitrogen balance and attenuated loss of serum proteins after surgery → implies faster post‑injury recovery of muscle/protein status.
- Combined Effect of Arginine, Valine, and Serine on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study
PubMed ID: 30999554
Lower subjective fatigue during prolonged exercise suggests improved ability to recover between sessions.
- Prospective study on the efficacy of branched-chain amino acids in septic patients
PubMed ID: 1907675
High‑BCAA parenteral solutions in septic patients produced more positive nitrogen balance and improved protein-recovery markers, supporting faster recovery.
- [The effect of the administration of an amino acid solution enriched with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional assessment of patients with stress who require total parenteral nutrition]
PubMed ID: 8471652
TPN with higher BCAA improved nitrogen balance/net protein use—supports recovery capacity between sessions in stressed/patient populations.
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 7969324
Perioperative BCAA-enriched nutrition reduced complications and weight loss, supporting faster recovery of protein status.
- Effect of leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training
PubMed ID: 8941534
HMB (a leucine metabolite) reduced markers of breakdown and increased muscle mass/strength during training → supports faster recovery.
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 8788271
Perioperative BCAA‑enriched PN reduced complications and preserved function → supports faster clinical/organ repair in surgical setting, indirectly relevant to muscle repair.
- Randomized, controlled study of branched chain amino acid-enriched total parenteral nutrition in malnourished patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery
PubMed ID: 18376691
BCAA-enriched TPN improved nitrogen balance and visceral proteins after surgery → supports faster recovery of muscle/protein stores.
- A randomized pilot trial of oral branched-chain amino acids in early cirrhosis: validation using prognostic markers for pre-liver transplant status
PubMed ID: 19562716
Oral BCAA granules preserved albumin and lowered complications in cirrhosis → moderate support for improved recovery timelines.
- A snack enriched with oral branched-chain amino acids prevents a fall in albumin in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 19285598
Late‑evening BCAA snack prevented postoperative albumin decline — clinical evidence BCAA support short‑term recovery of protein status.
- [Interventions for frailty and sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly women]
PubMed ID: 23883636
Functional gains in elderly indicate better readiness between sessions when AA provided with exercise.
- Rehabilitation and leucine supplementation as possible contributors to an athlete's muscle strength in the reathletization phase following anterior cruciate ligament surgery
PubMed ID: 23260415
Randomized leucine supplementation during ACL rehab produced greater thigh circumference and some strength gains, supporting faster recovery in a rehab context.
- Leucine supplementation of a low-protein mixed macronutrient beverage enhances myofibrillar protein synthesis in young men: a double-blind, randomized trial
PubMed ID: 24284442
Adding leucine to a low-protein drink produced MPS nearly equal to a full protein dose — accelerates post-exercise repair.
- Additional effects of taurine on the benefits of BCAA intake for the delayed-onset muscle soreness and muscle damage induced by high-intensity eccentric exercise
PubMed ID: 23392882
Taurine+BCAA reduced DOMS and damage markers after eccentric exercise — direct evidence for faster subjective/biochemical recovery.
- Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass
PubMed ID: 24015719
Daily whey (leucine-rich) during long-term training produced greater lean mass gains, implying improved recovery/adaptation over time.
- A high whey protein-, leucine-, and vitamin D-enriched supplement preserves muscle mass during intentional weight loss in obese older adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25646324
Preservation of muscle mass in an exercise + diet context implies faster/better recovery/adaptation.
- Four-month course of soluble milk proteins interacts with exercise to improve muscle strength and delay fatigue in elderly participants
PubMed ID: 25444576
Leucine‑rich milk protein with exercise improved muscle mass/strength and time-to-failure in older men, implying faster recovery between bouts.
- Effects of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement on measures of sarcopenia in older adults, the PROVIDE study: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26170041
Leucine‑enriched whey increased leg muscle mass and improved chair‑stand time in sarcopenic older adults, consistent with improved recovery/reconstitution.
- Impact of the Macronutrient Composition of a Nutritional Supplement on Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Older Men: A Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 26308291
Leucine‑enriched supplement significantly increased muscle protein synthesis in older men — mechanistic basis for faster recovery.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of L-Leucine-enriched amino-acid mixtures on body composition and physical performance in men and women aged 65-75 years
PubMed ID: 26081485
3‑month leucine‑enriched EAA increased lean mass and improved functional performance in older adults, implying enhanced recovery capacity.
- Effects of free leucine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and functional status in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25926725
Free leucine added to resistance training in older adults produced moderate strength gains, consistent with improved recovery/adaptation.
- Effectiveness of essential amino acid supplementation in stimulating whole body net protein anabolism is comparable between COPD patients and healthy older adults
PubMed ID: 28285641
EAA mixture enriched in leucine produced large whole-body net protein gain, consistent with faster recovery/rebuild.
- Sufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and protein intake required to increase muscle mass in sarcopenic older adults - The PROVIDE study
PubMed ID: 28132725
Leucine‑enriched protein drink in sarcopenic older adults increased muscle mass/function over 12 weeks, consistent with improved recovery capacity.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation on physical function, muscle mass and strength, and nutritional status in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital-based rehabilitation: A multicenter randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30358032
BCAA + vitamin D during low‑intensity resistance training in sarcopenic older inpatients produced greater grip strength and calf circumference gains vs control (clinical recovery/improvement).
- Effects of a leucine-enriched amino acid supplement on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30273819
Leucine‑rich drink during rehab increased muscle mass/strength and functional scores in post‑stroke sarcopenic patients (functional recovery evidence).
- Branched-chain amino acid and branched-chain ketoacid ingestion increases muscle protein synthesis rates in vivo in older adults: a double-blind, randomized trial
PubMed ID: 31250889
Marked early increase in myofibrillar protein synthesis supports faster molecular repair post-exercise.
- Sarcojoint®, the branched-chain amino acid-based supplement, plus resistance exercise improved muscle mass in adults aged 50 years and older: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34838980
BCAA supplement + resistance training increased thigh muscle CSA, implying improved recovery/adaptation.
Muscle maintenance (39)
- [The effect of the administration of an amino acid solution enriched with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional assessment of patients with stress who require total parenteral nutrition]
PubMed ID: 8471652
BCAA‑rich TPN improved nitrogen balance and net protein use—direct evidence of reduced whole‑body breakdown in stressed patients.
- The effects of the formula of amino acids enriched BCAA on nutritional support in traumatic patients
PubMed ID: 12632526
BCAA-enriched TPN led to earlier positive nitrogen balance—reduced net catabolism.
- Parenteral administration of different amounts of branch-chain amino acids in septic patients: clinical and metabolic aspects
PubMed ID: 9118656
BCAA-rich PN increased anabolic proteins and reduced mortality signals in septic patients—reduced catabolism.
- Nitrogen balance, 3-methylhistidine excretion, and plasma amino acid profile in infants after cardiac operations for congenital heart defects: the effect of early nutritional support
PubMed ID: 9434700
Parenteral amino acids after infant surgery reduced proteolysis and improved nitrogen balance (includes BCAA effect).
- A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Leucine-Supplement Combined with Nutritional Counseling on Body Composition in Mix Cancer Older Men
PubMed ID: 38257103
Free‑leucine in older, cachectic cancer outpatients increased weight and muscle—supports anti‑catabolic effects.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids on changes in body composition during the recovery period following tonsillectomy
PubMed ID: 39242416
Oral BCAA preserved muscle mass during postoperative catabolic stress — evidence of attenuating breakdown.
- Early intravenous branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrition supplementation in older patients undergoing gastric surgery: a randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 39501291
IV BCAA‑enriched nutrition after gastrectomy reduced free fatty acids and early weight loss, indicating reduced catabolism.
- Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation and exercise on quadriceps muscle quantity and quality in patients with cirrhosis as assessed by ultrasonography: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38777422
BCAA improved muscle quantity/quality in cirrhosis, implying reduced net muscle loss under disease stress.
- The impact of leucine supplementation on body composition and glucose tolerance following energy restriction: an 8-week RCT in adults at risk of the metabolic syndrome
PubMed ID: 37923932
Leucine during energy restriction significantly reduced loss of fat‑free/lean mass, indicating protection from breakdown.
- Branched-chain amino acids supplementation improves liver frailty index in frail compensated cirrhotic patients: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 37189033
BCAA supplementation increased muscle index and albumin in cirrhotic frail patients, consistent with anti‑catabolic effects.
- De-Training Effects Following Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training in Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 24 Weeks of Follow-Up
PubMed ID: 36437767
Protein+leucine with RT preserved ASMI during de-training, implying reduced net muscle breakdown.
- Effectiveness of a Novel Food Composed of Leucine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 for the Treatment of Sarcopenia in Elderly Subjects: A 2-Month Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 36364828
Preservation of ALM and reduced inflammation in sarcopenic older adults suggest anti-catabolic effects.
- Amino Acid Profile in Malnourished Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Its Modification with Oral Nutritional Supplements: Implications on Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy
PubMed ID: 34836020
HMB (a leucine metabolite) raised BCAAs and Fischer's ratio in malnourished cirrhotics; HMB is known for anti‑catabolic effects.
- Adding Branched-Chain Amino Acids to an Enhanced Standard-of-Care Treatment Improves Muscle Mass of Cirrhotic Patients With Sarcopenia: A Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34074812
BCAA supplementation increased muscle mass in cirrhotic sarcopenia, implying reduced breakdown in a catabolic disease.
- The Effect of Branched Chain Amino Acids-Enriched Nutritional Supplements on Activities of Daily Living and Muscle Mass in Inpatients with Gait Impairments: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 30932133
Supplementation during rehabilitation prevented muscle loss seen in controls, consistent with anti-catabolic effect.
- Sufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and protein intake required to increase muscle mass in sarcopenic older adults - The PROVIDE study
PubMed ID: 28132725
Leucine‑enriched protein increased muscle mass/function in sarcopenic adults, consistent with reduced net catabolism.
- Effect of a high-protein, high-fiber diet plus supplementation with branched-chain amino acids on the nutritional status of patients with cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 28408059
Chronic BCAA supplementation increased muscle mass in cirrhosis—consistent with net anti‑catabolic or anabolic effects in a wasting clinical population.
- Effectiveness of essential amino acid supplementation in stimulating whole body net protein anabolism is comparable between COPD patients and healthy older adults
PubMed ID: 28285641
Net protein gain increase with EAA/leucine implies a shift toward anabolism relative to breakdown.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of L-Leucine-enriched amino-acid mixtures on body composition and physical performance in men and women aged 65-75 years
PubMed ID: 26081485
Leucine‑enriched EAAs increased lean mass in older adults, consistent with reducing net muscle loss/breakdown.
- [Impact of glutamine, eicosapntemacnioc acid, branched-chain amino acid supplements on nutritional status and treatment compliance of esophageal cancer patients on concurrent chemoradiotherapy and gastric cancer patients on chemotherapy]
PubMed ID: 26080850
Cancer patients receiving the BCAA‑containing supplement maintained fat‑free mass and albumin vs declines in controls—evidence of anti‑catabolic effect in catabolic state.
- Impact of the Macronutrient Composition of a Nutritional Supplement on Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Older Men: A Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 26308291
Elevated muscle protein synthesis with leucine‑enriched feeding implies net anabolic effect which can reduce net breakdown.
- A high whey protein-, leucine-, and vitamin D-enriched supplement preserves muscle mass during intentional weight loss in obese older adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25646324
During weight loss + resistance training, supplement preserved appendicular muscle mass, consistent with reduced net breakdown.
- Two randomized controlled studies comparing the nutritional benefits of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules and a BCAA-enriched nutrient mixture for patients with esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment
PubMed ID: 24633624
BCAA‑enriched nutrition mitigated weight loss and improved nitrogen/energy metabolism in cirrhotics, consistent with anti‑catabolic effects.
- Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass
PubMed ID: 24015719
Whey (high leucine) increased lean mass with training, consistent with anabolic/anti-catabolic balance favoring muscle preservation.
- Effects of branched-chain amino acids supplementation in patients with cirrhosis and a previous episode of hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized study
PubMed ID: 21326220
Increased muscle circumference after long‑term supplementation suggests anti‑catabolic or anabolic effect, though direct measures of breakdown were not reported.
- Comparison of the effect of BCAA granules on between decompensated and compensated cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 20214224
Chronic BCAA in cirrhosis maintained serum albumin (marker of protein status), consistent with reduced net breakdown in vulnerable patients.
- A snack enriched with oral branched-chain amino acids prevents a fall in albumin in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 19285598
BCAA snack prevented drops in serum albumin and improved ammonia after TACE — indicates reduced net protein breakdown in catabolic state.
- A randomized pilot trial of oral branched-chain amino acids in early cirrhosis: validation using prognostic markers for pre-liver transplant status
PubMed ID: 19562716
Oral BCAA granules preserved albumin and reduced complications in cirrhosis → supports reduced catabolism in chronic disease.
- Branched-chain amino acids may improve recovery from a vegetative or minimally conscious state in patients with traumatic brain injury: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 18760149
IV BCAA after TBI led to improved recovery and functional outcomes consistent with reduced catabolism in severe injury.
- Inhibitory effect of branched-chain amino acid granules on progression of compensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus
PubMed ID: 18297438
Oral BCAA trial in cirrhosis showed subgroup albumin benefit consistent with lower net breakdown in some patients.
- Randomized, controlled study of branched chain amino acid-enriched total parenteral nutrition in malnourished patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery
PubMed ID: 18376691
BCAA‑enriched TPN improved nitrogen balance and preserved visceral protein postoperatively → strong evidence for reduced proteolysis in catabolic states.
- Metabolic effects of keto acid--amino acid supplementation in patients with chronic renal insufficiency receiving a low-protein diet and recombinant human erythropoietin--a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 11603100
Keto/amino-acid supplementation with low-protein diets increased BCAAs and albumin — consistent with reduced net protein loss.
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 8788271
Perioperative PN containing BCAAs preserved protein markers and reduced complications → supports reduced catabolism/proteolysis after major surgery.
- Effect of leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training
PubMed ID: 8941534
HMB decreased urine 3‑methylhistidine and plasma CK (markers of proteolysis) → strong evidence that leucine‑related interventions reduce muscle breakdown.
- Perioperative nutritional support in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
PubMed ID: 7969324
BCAA-enriched perioperative nutrition reduced postoperative weight loss and septic complications, implying preserved protein stores.
- Prospective study on the efficacy of branched-chain amino acids in septic patients
PubMed ID: 1907675
High‑BCAA parenteral regimen reduced urinary 3‑methylhistidine and improved nitrogen balance—direct evidence of reduced proteolysis.
- Long-term oral branched-chain amino acid treatment in chronic hepatic encephalopathy. A randomized double-blind casein-controlled trial. The Italian Multicenter Study Group
PubMed ID: 2204661
Long‑term oral BCAA reversed negative nitrogen balance and improved clinical nutrition—evidence of anti‑catabolic effect.
- Branched chain enriched amino acid versus glucose treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. A double-blind study of 65 patients with cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 2195106
BCAA infusion improved nitrogen balance in acute encephalopathy, indicating reduced net proteolysis.
- [Effect of compound branch chain amino acids injection (Aminic) on protein metabolism in patients with radical resection of cardiac carcinoma]
PubMed ID: 16155825
Compound BCAA injection led to earlier positive nitrogen balance and less severe drops in albumin/total protein postoperatively → indicates reduced catabolism.
Protein source (29)
- Effectiveness of essential amino acid supplementation in stimulating whole body net protein anabolism is comparable between COPD patients and healthy older adults
PubMed ID: 28285641
Free EAA supplement (leucine-enriched) produced substantial whole-body net protein gain—an effective amino-acid bolus.
- Protein bioavailability of Wolffia globosa duckweed, a novel aquatic plant - A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30591380
Mankai meal rapidly raised circulating EAAs including BCAAs, showing certain foods provide a convenient amino‑acid boost.
- Consuming Lower-Protein Nutrition Bars with Added Leucine Elicits Postprandial Changes in Appetite Sensations in Healthy Women
PubMed ID: 29897544
Leucine peptide added to low-protein bars produced dose-dependent plasma leucine increases and altered appetite.
- Native Whey Induces Similar Adaptation to Strength Training as Milk, despite Higher Levels of Leucine, in Elderly Individuals
PubMed ID: 31487819
Native whey raised blood leucine/BCAAs more than milk — useful as an acute amino‑acid boost despite similar long‑term gains.
- Assessment of the Clinical Impact of a Liver-Specific, BCAA-Enriched Diet in Major Liver Surgery
PubMed ID: 33139038
BCAA-rich hospital diet improved intake and patient satisfaction in postoperative patients—demonstrates a practical/formulation advantage in clinical feeding.
- Sarcojoint®, the branched-chain amino acid-based supplement, plus resistance exercise improved muscle mass in adults aged 50 years and older: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34838980
Commercial BCAA‑based supplement produced measurable muscle/circulating effects when used with exercise.
- Leucine-enriched whey protein supplementation, resistance-based exercise, and cardiometabolic health in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 34520104
Leucine-enriched whey used as an oral supplement in an RCT — practical and effective delivery format.
- Branched Chain Amino Acid Supplementation to a Hypocaloric Diet Does Not Affect Resting Metabolic Rate but Increases Postprandial Fat Oxidation Response in Overweight and Obese Adults after Weight Loss Intervention
PubMed ID: 34959797
Direct oral BCAA supplementation in a clinical trial increased relevant metabolic endpoints and represents a practical supplement strategy.
- Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on Skeletal Muscle, Glycemic Control, and Neuropsychological Performance in Elderly Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 36235570
Oral BCAA supplementation increased circulating BCAA in older adults, showing feasibility as a simple amino-acid boost.
- Late evening snack and oral amino acid capsules improved respiratory quotient and Fischer ratio in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 36007871
Late‑evening snack plus amino acid capsules raised respiratory quotient and improved Fischer ratio in cirrhosis patients — shows oral amino acids can alter metabolism, though in a diseased population.
- Standard Hypercaloric, Hyperproteic vs. Leucine-Enriched Oral Supplements in Patients with Cancer-Induced Sarcopenia, a Randomized Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 37375630
Oral leucine‑enriched nutritional supplement used in cancer patients represents a convenient formulation for amino‑acid delivery.
- Effects of L-Leucine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Adipokine Markers in Untrained Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
PubMed ID: 38088883
Daily 5 g leucine supplement in exercising women demonstrates a practical amino‑acid supplementation approach.
- The impact of leucine supplementation on body composition and glucose tolerance following energy restriction: an 8-week RCT in adults at risk of the metabolic syndrome
PubMed ID: 37923932
Daily oral leucine (3 g/day) was an easy supplementation strategy that produced measurable lean‑mass benefits during dieting.
- Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major
PubMed ID: 39683384
Probiotic intervention increased circulating BCAAs—an accessible approach to raise amino acids.
- Metabolic effects of keto acid--amino acid supplementation in patients with chronic renal insufficiency receiving a low-protein diet and recombinant human erythropoietin--a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 11603100
Keto/amino-acid supplements reliably raised circulating BCAA levels in CKD — a practical amino-acid augmentation.
- The effects of a branched chain amino acid mixture supplemented with tryptophan on biochemical indices of neurotransmitter function and decision-making
PubMed ID: 15696331
Single large acute BCAA+tryptophan drink produced clear biochemical brain-amino-acid changes; demonstrates feasibility of an acute AA drink (note: cognitive/behavioral side-effects reported).
- A randomized pilot trial of oral branched-chain amino acids in early cirrhosis: validation using prognostic markers for pre-liver transplant status
PubMed ID: 19562716
Study tested oral BCAA granules and showed clinical biological effects — supports concept of convenient oral BCAA supplementation being effective in clinical settings.
- The efficacy of nocturnal administration of branched-chain amino acid granules to improve quality of life in patients with cirrhosis
PubMed ID: 22825550
Oral BCAA granules given at night produced biochemical and symptomatic benefit (reduced cramps)—practical dosing.
- Rapid intravenous administration of amino acids prevents biliary sludge induced by total parenteral nutrition in humans
PubMed ID: 11180878
Daily rapid IV administration of BCAA‑enriched solution provided a convenient clinical approach with clear benefit (prevention of sludge) in TPN patients—demonstrates practical utility.
- Leucine supplementation of a low-protein mixed macronutrient beverage enhances myofibrillar protein synthesis in young men: a double-blind, randomized trial
PubMed ID: 24284442
Study shows adding free leucine to a low-protein drink provides large anabolic benefit — exemplifies a convenient BCAA/leucine boost.
- Effects of free leucine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and functional status in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25926725
Oral free leucine supplementation (5 g twice daily) was feasible and effective alongside training in older adults.
- Dietary protein intake affects amino acid and acylcarnitine metabolism in infants aged 6 months
PubMed ID: 25368978
High‑protein infant formula raised plasma BCAAs and short‑chain acylcarnitines—clear demonstration that dietary formulations meaningfully raise circulating BCAAs (conceptual support for an amino‑acid boost).
- Ingestion of Wheat Protein Increases In Vivo Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Healthy Older Men in a Randomized Trial
PubMed ID: 27440260
Different protein sources/doses produced predictable leucine rises; higher-leucine sources act as an effective amino-acid boost.
- Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high intensity endurance cycling tests
PubMed ID: 31959202
Supplementation raised serum BCAA pre‑exercise and modified Trp:BCAA ratio, demonstrating convenient augmenting of circulating BCAAs.
- [Effect of compound branch chain amino acids injection (Aminic) on protein metabolism in patients with radical resection of cardiac carcinoma]
PubMed ID: 16155825
Compound BCAA injection given IV provided clear metabolic/nitrogen benefits—demonstrates a convenient therapeutic amino‑acid boost.
- Wheat Biscuits Enriched with Plant-Based Protein Contribute to Weight Loss and Beneficial Metabolic Effects in Subjects with Overweight/Obesity
PubMed ID: 35745249
Plant‑protein (BCAA‑enriched) biscuits used as convenient snacks in a 12‑week trial with metabolic benefits.
- Postprandial Glucose and Gastrointestinal Hormone Responses of Healthy Subjects to Wheat Biscuits Enriched with L-Arginine or Branched-Chain Amino Acids of Plant Origin
PubMed ID: 36297065
Wheat biscuits enriched with plant BCAAs produced predictable postprandial BCAA rises—practical food‑format BCAA delivery.
- Effects of postexercise feeding of a supplemental carbohydrate and protein bar with or without astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis to exercise-conditioned dogs
PubMed ID: 25815575
Postexercise protein/carbohydrate bar quickly raised circulating BCAAs (in dogs), supporting the concept of a convenient postworkout amino-acid boost.
- Oral BCAA supplementation in cirrhosis with chronic encephalopathy: effects on prolactin and estradiol levels
PubMed ID: 1459529
Oral BCAA trials in cirrhosis represent a real‑world, convenient oral supplement format showing clinical benefit—supports the 'convenient boost' claim in that population.
Endurance (19)
- Physical exercise and normobaric hypoxia: independent modulators of peripheral cholecystokinin metabolism in man
PubMed ID: 11133899
Mechanistic human exercise study linking the free tryptophan/BCAA ratio to exercise-induced CCK changes — supports the central‑fatigue hypothesis that BCAAs may help endurance by altering neurotransmitter precursors.
- Effects of a leucine-enriched amino acid supplement on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 30273819
Functional Independence Measure (motor) and strength gains in post‑stroke patients indicate improved exercise/functional capacity.
- Effects of free leucine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and functional status in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25926725
Leucine with resistance training improved TUG and functional outcomes, consistent with enhanced capacity.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of L-Leucine-enriched amino-acid mixtures on body composition and physical performance in men and women aged 65-75 years
PubMed ID: 26081485
Leucine‑enriched EAAs improved 6‑minute walk test and chair‑stand performance, indicating improved exercise capacity in older adults.
- Four-month course of soluble milk proteins interacts with exercise to improve muscle strength and delay fatigue in elderly participants
PubMed ID: 25444576
Supplemented older men showed increased time-to-task-failure (improved local muscular endurance) with training.
- [Interventions for frailty and sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly women]
PubMed ID: 23883636
Walking speed improved in elderly women after leucine-rich AA and/or exercise intervention.
- Effect of leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training
PubMed ID: 8941534
HMB increased strength and capacity to lift more weight—may allow higher workout intensity indirectly, though not a direct training‑intensity trial.
- Combined Effect of Arginine, Valine, and Serine on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study
PubMed ID: 30999554
Valine-containing supplement reduced subjective fatigue during prolonged cycling—improves endurance.
- Effects of branched chain amino acids, l-citrulline, and alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine supplementation on exercise performance in trained cyclists: a randomized crossover trial
PubMed ID: 37229544
Randomized crossover trial (BCAA + citrulline + A-GPC) in trained cyclists increased high-intensity endurance time by ~36%—direct, high-quality evidence of improved endurance for that multi-ingredient product.
- Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high intensity endurance cycling tests
PubMed ID: 31959202
9‑week RCT showed markedly greater time‑to‑exhaustion and lower RPE with a BCAA‑alanine‑CHO supplement.
- Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major
PubMed ID: 39683384
Higher BCAAs and improved performance metrics suggest better capacity.
- Dileucine ingestion, but not leucine, increases lower body strength and performance following resistance training: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 39739679
Increased leg press repetitions to failure—direct evidence of improved local muscular endurance.
- Effects of hemp supplementation during resistance training in trained young adults
PubMed ID: 37847288
Hemp protein preserved muscle twitch properties and torque under fatigue, suggesting improved endurance/capacity under repeated work.
- Plasma metabolites associated with functional and clinical outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction with and without type 2 diabetes
PubMed ID: 35654972
Peripheral metabolomics found a BCAA‑related signature associated with better 6MWD in heart‑failure patients — direct link between BCAA biology and capacity.
- Effectiveness of a Novel Food Composed of Leucine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 for the Treatment of Sarcopenia in Elderly Subjects: A 2-Month Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 36364828
Improved functional scores (SPPB, Tinetti, handgrip) in sarcopenic older adults indicate better exercise capacity.
- Effects of adequate dietary protein with whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation on sarcopenia in older adults: An open-label, parallel-group study
PubMed ID: 32928579
Leucine‑enriched whey improved gait speed vs counselling in older sarcopenic adults — direct capacity improvement.
- Effects of Leucine Administration in Sarcopenia: A Randomized and Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 32230954
Preserved walking time and expiratory muscle strength in older residents suggests stamina maintenance.
- Muscle-targeted nutritional support for rehabilitation in patients with parkinsonian syndrome
PubMed ID: 31278117
RCT in patients undergoing rehab: leucine‑enriched whey + vitamin D improved 6‑minute walk distance and walking speed — direct functional endurance benefit.
- Clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness of a 1-year nutritional intervention programme in COPD patients with low muscle mass: The randomized controlled NUTRAIN trial
PubMed ID: 30954363
Leucine‑enriched supplement in muscle‑wasted COPD increased daily steps and QoL, indicating improved real‑world endurance/activity.
Energy & Fatigue (9)
- Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major
PubMed ID: 39683384
Improved reps and muscle mass with higher plasma BCAAs suggests reduced fatigue during resistance efforts.
- Effects of hemp supplementation during resistance training in trained young adults
PubMed ID: 37847288
Hemp protein preserved neuromuscular twitch/torgue under fatigue, directly indicating reduced performance fatigability.
- Four-month course of soluble milk proteins interacts with exercise to improve muscle strength and delay fatigue in elderly participants
PubMed ID: 25444576
Time-to-task-failure (reduced local fatigue) improved with leucine‑rich supplementation in older men during training.
- Additional effects of taurine on the benefits of BCAA intake for the delayed-onset muscle soreness and muscle damage induced by high-intensity eccentric exercise
PubMed ID: 23392882
Combination supplement reduced soreness and some damage markers; subjective improvements can manifest as reduced fatigue.
- Combined Effect of Arginine, Valine, and Serine on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study
PubMed ID: 30999554
Reduced subjective fatigue (VAS/RPE) during prolonged cycling after arginine+valine+serine supplementation.
- Effects of branched chain amino acids, l-citrulline, and alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine supplementation on exercise performance in trained cyclists: a randomized crossover trial
PubMed ID: 37229544
Marked increase in time-to-exhaustion indicates reduced fatigue during high-intensity exercise in the combined-supplement trial.
- Physical exercise and normobaric hypoxia: independent modulators of peripheral cholecystokinin metabolism in man
PubMed ID: 11133899
Directly relevant mechanistic evidence: exercise CCK rise correlated with the free tryptophan/BCAA ratio, supporting the idea that BCAA supplementation can reduce central fatigue.
- Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high intensity endurance cycling tests
PubMed ID: 31959202
Improved time‑to‑exhaustion and lower RPE indicate more sustained energy during exercise with the supplement.
- The Effect of Beta-Alanine versus Alkaline Agent Supplementation Combined with Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Creatine Malate in Highly-Trained Sprinters and Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study
PubMed ID: 31438535
With BCAA+creatine, beta‑alanine strategy lowered peak ammonia (a fatigue marker) in athletes, suggesting reduced metabolic fatigue.
Muscle soreness (2)
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-dose pilot study of the safety, tolerability, and preliminary effects of a cannabidiol (CBD)- and cannabigerol (CBG)-based beverage powder to support recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
PubMed ID: 37947792
Multi‑ingredient beverage with BCAAs produced modest reduction in DOMS soreness and interference measures.
- Additional effects of taurine on the benefits of BCAA intake for the delayed-onset muscle soreness and muscle damage induced by high-intensity eccentric exercise
PubMed ID: 23392882
Direct trial where taurine + BCAA significantly reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness vs controls.
Similar by evidence
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Products with Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Search all405 products whose verified label declares Branched-Chain Amino Acids — not every bottle that mentions it in a title.
Being studied right now
Recruiting clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A trial in progress has no result yet — this is what the field is asking, not what it found.