Because of its rising popularity, many are curious as to the best BCAA ratio for muscle growth. If you don’t already know, there are several types of BCAA ratios available on the market today, some being more superior to others – but what is the best BCAA ratio?
Maintaining health should be a priority for everyone, not only for those seeking to build muscle, gain strength, and optimize recovery. As such, BCAA’s should be a strong consideration to one’s dietary and supplementation regimen.
With that said, it’s not as simple as purchasing the first BCAA supplement that you see on the shelf. Instead, you need to determine what ratio is best for your goals and objectives. To note, there are several types and ratios of branched-chain amino acid supplements, each with its own theory of why they’re superior to the next.
In this article, We’ll be discussing what BCAA’s are as well as their vast benefits. Moreover, we’ll be discussing optimal times to take it and optimal amounts to consume. Most importantly, however, we’ll be discussing the most popular BCAA ratios, their key differences, and what ratio of BCAA is the best for YOU.
For those eager to learn more about the fascinating world of amino acids and discover the best BCAA ratio for them so that they can take their health and performance to the next level, continue reading! ?
What are BCAA's?
If you’ve never heard of the acronym BCAA, it stands for Branched-chain amino acids. Simply put, BCAAs are a chemical structure made up of a group of amino acids. Branched-chain amino acids are a widely available supplement that is sold in both powdered and capsule form, and they happen to be the most popular amino acid supplement sold (aside from whey protein, of course).
Amino acids, and BCAA’s in particular, are essential nutrients found in protein, both in real foods and protein supplements. Amino acids play a major role in promoting muscle growth and repair, protein synthesis, and other functions of health and wellness.
In what follows, we’ll be diving deeper into the topic of amino acids, and more specifically, branched-chain amino acids. To preface, just as protein is known to be the building blocks of life, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. While there are a total of 20 amino acids, only nine are categorized as “essential”. Three of the nine essential amino acids make up BCAAs: Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine.
- Leucine: The amino acid given the most credit for muscle growth and protein synthesis.
- Isoleucine: Helps produce energy and encourages the stimulation of protein synthesis.
- Valine: Improves endurance and increases strength, however, is also contributed to certain side effects like fatigue and stress. This is why it’s helpful to consume a complete BCAA product, as each works in tandem with one another.
Leucine, in particular, is arguably the most valuable amino acid, especially for muscle building and repair, and muscle protein synthesis, among other benefits. For those that take BCAA’s to stimulate muscle growth, leucine is the amino acid to thank!
When to Take it
BCAAs are best consumed 15-30 minutes prior to a workout, however. Can be taken post-workout 1-3 hours after, as well. If you have an intra-workout BCAA supplement, it is, of course, intended to be consumed throughout the duration of your workout.
How Much to Consume
The safe upper limit of BCAA consumption is upwards of 20 grams. As such, BCAA supplementation can be consumed multiple times daily. A general recommendation for BCAA supplementation? 5-10 grams per serving. Ensure that you’re getting 3 grams of leucine per serving.
What are the Benefits of BCAA's?
There’s no denying that the benefits of BCAA’s are vast. While the reputation of BCAA supplementation is largely based around bodybuilding, its benefits reach much farther than just the muscle. In fact, recent studies have shown BCAAs to be associated with several general health improvements as well. and they aren’t just limited to muscle building.
So, whether you’re trying to optimize recovery, improve athletic performance, build muscle, or you’re simply looking for ways to boost general health, branched-chain amino acids will likely be of benefit to you.
With all of that being said, more research certainly needs to be done on the matter. Nevertheless, while the research is yet to be conclusive, the evidence presented thus far is promising.
Below are the most common benefits of BCAAs:
- Muscle Building
- Muscle Tissue Repair
- Reduction in Muscle Soreness
- Reduction in Exercise Fatigue
- Increased Appetite
- Associated With Improved Brain Cognition
- Preliminary Studies Show an Ease in Ill Patient’s Symptoms
- Associated with Diabetic Symptom Improvements
While the potential benefits of BCAA’s are vast, results may vary. Moreover, like all supplements, BCAAs should not be treated as a one-size-fits-all approach or magic pill.
Nevertheless, Branched Chain Amino Acids are likely to be of some benefit to the majority of individuals or take it, no matter what population you come from. Let’s dive a little deeper into each benefit, shall we?!
Muscle Building via Muscle Protein Synthesis
As mentioned, arguably the most popular reason for amino acid supplementation is to increase muscle growth. Thanks to Leucine and the rest of the amino acid profile, BCAAs help stimulate protein synthesis, and thus, help build and repair muscle in conjunction with resistance training.
Reduces Muscle Breakdown
During exercise, especially resistance training, our muscles break down before repairing and growing into bigger, stronger muscles. In order to encourage muscle growth and repair, BCAAs should be supplemented with.
For those who are active, it’s important to nourish the body and its musculature with top-quality nutrition to aid in recovery and reduce muscle breakdown. BCAAs can assist with this.
Relieves Muscle Soreness & Fatigue
Exercising is inevitably going to cause muscle soreness and fatigue; it’s a simple byproduct of effort. By supplementing with BCAA’s, studies suggest that muscle soreness will decrease.
If you’re someone who suffers from mid-workout fatigue, BCAAs can also assist with this as well. While more research needs to be done on this potential benefit, studies are promising.
Improved Workout Performance
Because BCAA’s have been shown to reduce fatigue, promote muscle growth, and improve recovery, it inherently helps boost performance. While this isn’t an inherent benefit of supplementing with BCAAs, it’s certainly an indirect byproduct.
May Improve Liver Health & Brain Function
In some preliminary research, branched-chain amino acids have been correlated with protecting against brain and liver defects. In addition, BCAA supplementation has also been correlated with the improvement of health for those suffering from liver issues.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, more research still needs to be done on this subject before conclusively suggesting this as a guarantee.
The Most Popular BCAA Ratios
Before diving into the most popular BCAA ratios, it’s first important to distinguish what each number on the ratio represents. Simply put, there are three numbers in the ratio. The first number represents total grams of Leucine, the second represents isoleucine, and the third represents valine; the three amino acids that comprise BCAAs.
The following are the most popular BCAA ratios:
- 2:1:1 (most popular!)
The most beneficial ratio because it consists of the optimal amount of each amino acid to elicit protein synthesis.
- 3:1:1
Similar to the 2:1:1 ratio, however, with a little more Leucine. As mentioned, however, more doesn’t always necessarily mean better.
- 4:1:1
The second most popular ratio of BCAA’s. Again, likely due to the double amount of leucine…
- 8:1:1
Typically developed by companies that make claims that the more leucine consumed, the greater chance of protein synthesis. The data on this, however, has yet to be shown.
The reason that the ratio is so important is because the amount of each amino acid consumed plays a huge role in the body’s performance, progress, and recovery, among other things. Too much might be unnecessary and too little won’t be optimal.
Moreover, while many take the naive approach to thinking that more is inherently better, it’s not always the case, especially when it comes to the BCAA ratio. The most optimal BCAA Ratio, though it’s up for debate, is 2:1:1.
Why 2:1:1 is the Best BCAA Ratio
The reason that the 2:1:1 ratio is the best BCAA Ratio for most is because it has been shown through research that it’s the most effective at stimulating muscle protein synthesis.
Even better? If your primary goal is to lose weight and reduce body fat, the BCAA 2:1:1 ratio also happens to be the most optimal. Why? Because of the ratio of isoleucine, proven to be most effective at burning fat.
Lastly, the 2:1:1 BCAA ratio is also strongly correlated to a reduction in fatigue and a boost of energy. For obvious reasons, this is hugely beneficial for those looking to optimize their effort in the gym.
So, If you’re ready to enhance your exercise regimen and workouts, build the most quality muscles, improve performance, and achieve the results you so desire, then the branched-chain amino acid ratio of 2:1:1 (Leucine: Isoleucine: Valine) is the choice or you!
To Summarise - Which BCAA Ratio is Best
Branched-chain amino acids, or BCAA’s, are associated with several health and fitness benefits for those who supplement with it consistently. While BCAA’s can be supplemented on their own, they can also be found in whey protein supplements as well, not to mention its presence in animal foods.
By understanding the value of BCAAs, what ratios are most optimal, and how and when to take it, BCAA’s can be an incredible compliment to your dietary and supplementation regimen, no matter your goals.
As a disclaimer, supplements, BCAAs or otherwise, should never be treated as a primary solution, but instead, a supplement for something otherwise unavailable. Diet and exercise are king, and supplements are only secondary.
Nevertheless, Branched-chain amino acids are key to optimizing your results inside and outside of the gym, no matter your goals and objectives! Whether you’re trying to build muscle, lose weight, burn fat, improve performance, or simply optimize your health and wellness, for the most optimal BCAA ratio, opt for 2:1:1!
