BCAA 4:1:1 + L-Citrulline

Within our range of Abs amino acids, we propose a combination specially designed for sportspeople who want to improve their performance and recovery after exercise: branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in a proportion of 4:1:1 and L-citrulline.

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine are essential amino acids which cannot be synthesised by the organism itself and which therefore must be obtained from our diet. From among the essential amino acids, the BCAAs are considered the most important in exercise physiology as they intervene in protein synthesis in the muscle (1) and reduce muscle protein degradation (2).

It is also been demonstrated that supplementing with BCAA accelerates muscle recovery after exercise (1) and can relieve the feeling of fatigue as they compete with tryptophan for brain uptake and thus inhibit the synthesis of serotonin, the neurotransmitter which triggers this feeling (3-4). It has also been described that BCAA can increase lean mass and strength when taken in combination with a training routine (2).

L-citrulline is a non-protein amino acid which is an intermediate in the synthesis of arginine and intervenes in the synthesis of nitric oxide, a molecule involved in vasodilation and which regulates different functions in skeletal muscle (5). It favours the assimilation of BCAAs, thus increasing their effect: one study performed with cyclists determined that consuming L-citrulline-malate before exercise enhances the use of BCAAs (6) and another study noted it relieves muscle soreness after exercise and improves athletic performance in high intensity anaerobic exercises with short rest times (5).