If you've heard of BCAAs, currently supplement with BCAAs, and/or are considering giving them a try, this post is for you!

You'll learn all the BCAA supplementation ins-and-outs: What are BCAAs? Why do BCAAs shrink muscles and can you avoid it? How should you correctly use BCAAs to maximize the benefits? And more!

If you've only got a little time, then know that AMINO ACID BALANCE  is everything when it comes to BCAA supplementation: consuming too many (or only) BCAAs compared to EAAs promotes intramuscular EAAs depletion. This means muscles will be broken down, size will be lost, and strength will diminish. 

If your looking for a great amino acid supplement, check out FUNAMINOS™. It's our 100% vegan, full spectrum EAA/BCAA blend with Leucine, tart cherry, and ginseng for deeper sleep, peak strength, and faster recovery!

BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) are amino acids whose molecular structure is, well, branched! The branched nature of BCAAs is what sets them apart from EAAs, which are not branched and support the body in a different, more essential way.

NOTE: There are only three BCAAs: valine, leucine (most powerful) and isoleucine. Unlike EAAs, BCAAs are not essential for survival.

The idea behind loading the body with more BCAAs is to speed and strengthen protein synthesis or, in other words, the process of building a better body at the cellular level.

Protein synthesis works by breaking down and then rebuilding muscles with amino acids and other nutrients so that they become stronger, bigger, and better than ever.

NOTE: BCAAs are really bad at building and repairing muscles; they don't supply the body with any essential nutrients for any important, essential functions.

As stated above, BCAAs are really bad at rebuilding muscle because they are non-essential and work differently inside the body; BCAAs catabolize muscle and EAAs help build it back up again.

But, here's the problem: BCAAs need EAAs to work right. This means, if you take too many BCAAs, your body and muscles will actually breakdown.

Imbalanced BCAA supplementation basically causes the body to steal EAAs from itself in search of balance and inadvertently shrink its own muscles. When taken without EAAs, BCAA supplementation can also deplete B vitamins, make you cranky (depletes serotonin), and increase the risk of insulin resistance. 

Sadly, downing a lime green BCAA powder with high hopes won't turn you into the Hulk, it might just turn you into skinny Arnold!

1. Always use BCAAs with EAAs (best to take a full spectrum amino acid blend, like FUNDAMINOS™) for not only best results, but to avoid shrinking your muscles and a bunch of other problems.

2. See rule number 1.

3. In general, it's best to use amino acids first thing in the morning and before or after a workout. 

4. When training hard, for maximum results and/or for better recovery, double the dosing of your full spectrum amino acid supplement. It's also a good idea to hunker down on full spectrum amino acid supplementation when sick and when wanting to prevent muscle loss, like after surgery. 

5. Read the Athlete's Guide to Amino Acids article.

In good health!