These branched chain essential amino acids (BCAA) are known as the
stress amino acids. Thirty percent of the diet should be proteins
when the body is under severe stress, because stress causes protein
to break down faster. BCAAs have regulatory effects on overall
protein metabolism and are required in larger amounts during stress
than are other amino acids (and probably proportionately more
leucine than either valine or isoleucine). Furthermore, when given
as supplements, BCAAs decrease the rate of breakdown and
utilisation of other amino acids and stimulate protein synthesis.
Therefore these BCAAs are useful in conditions of stress caused by
trauma, surgery, liver failure, infection, fever, starvation,
muscle training and weight lifting. BCAAs are unique in that
skeletal muscles can use them directly as an energy source
