The effect of branched-chain amino acid on muscle damage markers and performance following strenuous exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis determined whether the ergogenic effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) ameliorated markers of muscle damage and performance following strenuous exercise. In total, 25 studies were included, consisting of 479 participants (age 24.3 ± 8.3 years, height 1.73 ± 0.06 m, body mass 70.8 ± 9.5 kg, females 26.3%). These studies were rated as fair to excellent following the PEDro scale. The outcome measures were compared between the BCAA and placebo conditions at 24 and 48 hours following muscle-damaging exercises, using standardised mean differences and associated p-values via forest plots. Our meta-analysis demonstrated significantly lower levels of indirect muscle damage markers (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin) at 48 hours post-exercise (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −0.41; p < 0.05) for the BCAA than placebo conditions, whilst muscle soreness was significant at 24 hours post-exercise (SMD = −0.28 ≤ d ≤ −0.61; p < 0.05) and 48 hours post-exercise (SMD = −0.41 ≤ d≤ −0.92; p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were identified between the BCAA and placebo conditions for muscle performance at 24 or 48 hours post-exercise (SMD = 0.08 ≤ d ≤ 0.21; p > 0.05). Overall, BCAA reduced the level of muscle damage biomarkers and muscle soreness following muscle-damaging exercises. However, the potential benefits of BCAA for muscle performance recovery is questionable and warrants further investigation to determine the practicality of BCAA for ameliorating muscle damage symptoms in diverse populations. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020191248. Novelty: BCAA reduces the level of creatine kinase and muscle soreness following strenuous exercise with a dose–response relationship. BCAA does not accelerate recovery for muscle performance.

Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review

“…Electronic databases (Web of Science (all databases), PubMed and Scopus) were searched on 11 February 2022. The search terms were adapted from previous systematic reviews about BCAA supplementation and exercise [ 10 , 11 , 18 ]. A recent narrative review about BCAAs strength and hypotrophy was also considered to define the search terms (6).…”

“…A recent statement claims that acceptable levels of BCAA intake should be prioritized with exercise participation [ 8 ]. However, oral ingestion of BCAAs is highly questionable with reference to optimizing performance and protein synthesis [ 6 , 9 , 10 ]. Recent systematic reviews show that BCAA supplementation tended to attenuate muscle soreness and is an indicator of muscle damage [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…However, oral ingestion of BCAAs is highly questionable with reference to optimizing performance and protein synthesis [ 6 , 9 , 10 ]. Recent systematic reviews show that BCAA supplementation tended to attenuate muscle soreness and is an indicator of muscle damage [ 10 , 11 ]. The ergogenic effects of BCAAs have mainly been examined in adults and few studies included trained participants, which may differ substantially in performance, muscle damage and body composition.…”

A Review of Sensors and Biosensors Modified with Conducting Polymers and Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Used in Electrochemical Detection of Amino Acids: Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, and Tryptophan

“…Their use as food supplements contributes to the treatment of neurovegetative disorders, disorders that can affect a number of cognitive functions, such as memory, learning, thinking, etc. [52]. These AAs are also essential components in the production of several bioactive compounds called neurotransmitters that act on the brain [6].Thus, Phe is converted into Tyr in the human body, being substances with a hydrophobic group used in treating genetic disorders, PKU and in the biosynthesis of the main neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), while Trypt is the precursor of another important neurotransmitter (serotonin) responsible for treating insomnia and anxiety (as shown in Table 1).…”

“…Furthermore, ample studies, as well as reviews, were carried out on detection methods used to determine AAs [15,[50][51][52]. The novelty of this review resides in synthesizing the studies carried out so far regarding the detection of the three AAs in human fluids, foods, and medicines, depending on the polymer used to produce sensors and biosensors, especially focusing on CPs and MIPs since they have demonstrated notable results, and since the synthesizing method is easy, having exceptional electric, thermic, and morphologic properties.…”