StackTerminal.Health

BETA

BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)

Leucine, isoleucine, valine; primarily support protein synthesis & reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness. Less useful if protein intake is adequate.

recoverystrengthendurancemuscle
Evidence last reviewed: 04 Apr 2026
Trade-offs & context
Known concerns, timing considerations, & interactions
Neural

Competes with tryptophan and tyrosine for brain uptake — may reduce serotonin/dopamine precursor availability at very high doses

Context: very high or unbalanced intake

Note

Largely redundant if total dietary protein is adequate (>1.6g/kg/day) — unlikely to add meaningful benefit

Dot colour: High concern  Moderate   Low / note
Biomarkers studied
Outcomes directly measured across the evidence records below
Recovery
DOMS / Muscle SorenessCreatine Kinase (CK)
Evidence
1 record
DOMS / muscle damage markers
Resistance-trained and endurance athletesRCTs & meta-analyses
PUBMEDModerate

Reduce DOMS & muscle damage markers; protein synthesis benefit is marginal vs adequate total protein intake.

Dose: 10000 mgDuration: Acute to 6 weeks
Most effective when total dietary protein is suboptimal.
Forms
BCAA 2:1:1 (leucine:isoleucine:valine)
Most studied ratio.

Stacks containing BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)

Public community stacks that include this ingredient.

Explore all stacks →
endurancestrengthrecovery

This tailored supplement stack is optimized for enhancing strength, recovery, & endurance, perfectly aligning with your high training load & endurance base. By combining Citrulline Malate, BCAAs, Spirulina, Tart Cherry, & Eleuthero Ginseng, you'll support muscle performance, reduce fatigue, & promote recovery without caffeine, allowing you to train hard & recover effectively.

Citrulline Malate
6000mg
BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
10000mg
Spirulina
6000mg
New
View