• Anabolic Amino Formula
• Rapid Muscle Uptake
• Increase Muscle Strength
• Increase Protein Synthesis
• Anti-Catabolic
• Speed Recovery
• Reduce Fatigue
• Enhance Endurance

BCAA is short for Branched Chain Amino Acid. The BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine and valine. These are 3 of the 9 essential amino acids in the human body. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body. You must get them through your diet. These 3 unique amino acids make up over 40% of your daily required essential amino acid intake. BCAAs are unique in many ways but one extraordinary aspect of these 3 amino acids is that they bypass liver metabolism and are transported and metabolized directly in muscle. They are the primary building blocks of muscle tissue proteins. They also are carbon and nitrogen precursors for the synthesis of alanine, glutamate, and glutamine.

BCAAs are the most extensively researched amino acids. When it comes to turning on anabolic activity in muscle tissue while turning off anti-catabolic activity, no other amino acids have show shown such direct effect.

BCAA (AST) - Average rating (7 reviews)  - Write a review Show Reviews Reviews 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. March 04, 2008 Reviewer: Peter in Washington This is the best capsulated BCAA product I have used for the lowest price. I like the 750mg dosing intervals it allows, this makes it viable for females too who want a lesser dose and may appreciate the smaller dosing steps available. 2-3 of these a month will do more for most people than the same amount of money spent on exotic supplements (though those are cool too - Biotest Hot-rox Extreme and Tribex is my favorite stack). I have used it during fat-loss and muscle gain periods with excellent results. During cutting, I used 6g (8 caps) between each of 6 meals (40 caps a day, 2.4 bottles in 30 days) and it allowed me to keep mass the same while losing 4% body fat in one month (12% to 8%), only other supplements were creatine monohydrate, beta alanine (Primaforce), fish oil (NOW 200 caps regular cheap ones), coupled with a diet of animal protein, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. August 06, 2007 Reviewer: Mara in Connecticut This is by far the best BCAA's I have ever taken. I live on them... I have tried numerous different companies. This product supersedes in quality and the price is unbeatable... Enjoy!!!! Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No February 18, 2008 Reviewer: A customer in Armed Forces Europe BCAA is an excellent addition to your training diet -- regardless of whether you are a strength or endurance athlete. I add these to my diet when I am training especially hard (both before and after training sessions). I will most likely also use this product during my upcoming ultramarathon. In addition, I use them when my caloric intake is low -- such as cleansing diet cycles. Good product, good price. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No November 27, 2007 Reviewer: Barry in Pennsylvania This product is a definite must to try for the dedicated body-builder. I am really satisfied and amazed with the results. This product is helping me to achieve my goals without the use of steroids. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No November 26, 2007 Reviewer: A customer in Canada I really like this econo pack. The capsules are easy to swallow, it spares you from downing bcaa powder that doesn't mix very well and the price is right. The only thing is that the container has a bit of a chemical smell. But that's pretty much any supplement out there for you. Will buy again! Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No See more reviews

63-0448 AST BCAA, 4500mg 500 capsules Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 6 Capsules (4,500 mg) Servings Per Container: 83 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value* Average Amino Acid Profile Per Serving   L-Leucine 2250  mg   L-Isoleucine 1125  mg   L-Valine 1125  mg   *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.   Other Ingredients: Stearic acid and gelatin. Recommended Use: As a dietary supplement, take 6capsules three times per day - upon waking, between meals and before bed. On training days, take 6 capsules before, during, and after training and 6 capsules before bed. For endurance athletes take 6 capsules before and after training or event and 6 capsules before bed. Before beginning any program of weight loss, consult your health care practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you notice any errors in the information above, please let us know. If you have further questions about this product, please contact AST at 1-800-627-2788

Anabolic Effects of BCAA

BCAAs are shown to have anabolic effects in human muscle. They are required for muscle tissue maintenance and preserve glycogen stores in muscle tissue. The BCAAs are the primary amino acids responsible for protein synthesis. In fact, the tissue building effects from protein are primarily due to BCAAs. The anabolic activity of BCAAs are from multiple pathways. Studies show that the BCAAs and in particular leucine stimulates muscle protein synthesis by acting as both a signal and a substrate. One way BCAAs do this is through signaling mTOR activity in human muscle tissue. mTOR is the primary regulator of muscle growth through amino acid sensoring. BCAAs appear to signal mTOR to activate protein synthesis after exercise. This is a significant anabolic signaling effect activated by BCAA.

Anti-Catabolic Effects of BCAA

BCAAs effect on increasing lean muscle tissue stems from its anabolic activity as well as its anti-catabolic activity. Studies show taking BCAAs before training is effective at suppressing muscle tissue breakdown after training. These study results suggest that BCAAs have a protein-sparing effect during the recovery after exercise, and that protein synthesis is stimulated and/or protein degradation is decreased. There are also indications, though difficult to measure, that these same effects happen during exercise as well. With BCAA supplementation you get greater protein synthesis and less protein breakdown.

Reduce Muscle Damage and Soreness

BCAAs reduce training induced muscle damage and soreness. Studies performed on athletes supplementing with BCAA showed reduced levels of key markers indicative of muscle damage, reduced inflammation, and effectively reduced perceived muscle soreness. Blood samples after BCAA intake showed dramatic decreases in creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) – both markers of muscle damage. Lower levels of CK and LDH indicate less muscle tissue damage and inflammation. Less muscle damage, soreness and inflammation leads to quicker recovery times. Your body spends more time in anabolic mode.

BCAAs Reduces Fatigue and Enhance Endurance

One unique effect of BCAA is its prevention of central fatigue allowing for high intensity training for longer periods of time. Research on BCAA supplementation during exercise does show they increase mental alertness and reduce mental fatigue. In the blood stream BCAAs compete with tryptophan (the tranquilizing amino acid). Tryptophan is the direct precursor to the neuro- transmitter serotonin. This depresses the central nervous system and produces symptoms of fatigue. When you exercise intensely, the ratio of tryptophan to BCAA is altered in favor of increases in tryptophan. This in itself makes you fatigued. Several studies with various types of athletes confirm that BCAAs reduce mental fatigue and increase mental alertness during their respective events. Less fatigue during exercise and other physical activities as well as sharper mental focus and concentration supports enhanced athletic performance. Anytime you can train harder and concentrate better you’ll get results faster.