The branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are three essential amino acids that cannot be made within the body and must be obtained through diet: leucine, isoleucine and valine. Unlike other amino acids, BCAAs are primarily processed inside the mitochondria of muscle cells, making them extremely effective at stimulating muscle building. Although protein in general is needed to stimulate muscle growth, BCAAs and especially leucine are particularly vital to muscle growth and repair. In fact, studies have shown that protein blends without leucine did not actually stimulate muscle development.*
*Taken from the AOR website.
