Influence of ingesting a solution of branched-chain amino acids on perceived exertion during exercise
Abstract
On two occasions, seven male endurance-trained cyclists performed exhaustive exercise on a cycle ergometer in the morning after they had performed a bout of exercise the preceding evening in an attempt to lower the muscle glycogen stores. The subjects exercised at a work rate corresponding to approximately 70% of their maximal oxygen uptake for 60 min, followed by another 20 min of maximal exercise. During exercise the subjects were given either a solution of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) or flavoured water (placebo). Every 10 min during exercise the subjects rated their perceived exertion and mental fatigue on two different Borg scales. During the 60 min exercise at a given work rate the subjects ratings of perceived exertion when they were given BCAAs were 7% lower, and their ratings of mental fatigue were 15% lower than when they were given placebo. In addition, the performance in the colour task of Stroops Colour Word Test performed after exercise was improved when BCAAs had been ingested during exercise, compared with the results from the placebo trial. There was no difference in the physical performance between the two trials measured as the amount of work done during the last 20 min of exercise when the subjects performed at their maximum. The plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan/BCAAs, which increased by 45% during exercise and by 150% 5 min after exercise in the placebo trial, remained unchanged or even decreased when BCAAs were ingested.
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Athletes showed reduced effort perceptions when BCAAs were supplemented during submaximal cycle exercise performed in a glycogen-depleted state.
“Indeed, athletes showed reduced effort perceptions when BCAAs were supplemented during submaximal cycle exercise performed in a glycogen-depleted state [111].”
From International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: nutritional considerations for single-stage ultra-marathon training and racing (2019) · cites this paper as [111]
BCAA intake caused a substantial improvement in the BCAAs:tryptophan ratio.
“The main findings of these extracted studies reveal that BCAA intake caused a substantial improvement in BCAAs:tryptophan ratio [21,27] and immune response [27,38,39].”
From Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review (2022) · cites this paper as [21]
Ratings of perceived exertion and mental fatigue were significantly reduced in the BCAA group among seven endurance cyclists.
“Ratings of perceived exertion and mental fatigue were significantly reduced in the BCAA group among seven endurance cyclists [21]”
From Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review (2022) · cites this paper as [21]
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Ryan, J. L., Carroll, J. K., Ryan, E. P., Mustian, K. M., Fiscella, K. A., & Morrow, G. R. (2007) · The Oncologist · doi:10.1634/theoncologist.12-s1-22 · Cited by 588 · see citing works
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BackgroundSelf-citationDietary Supplements and Team-Sport Performance
Bishop, D. J. (2010) · Sports Medicine · doi:10.2165/11536870-000000000-00000 · Cited by 175 · see citing works
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Amino acids and central fatigue
Blomstrand, E. (2001) · Amino Acids · doi:10.1007/s007260170063 · Cited by 160 · see citing works
“…ammonia have been reported in some studies when BCAA were administered to subjects before or during exercise (Wagenmakers, 1992; MacLean and Graham, 1993; VanHall et al., 1995; MacLean et al., 1994), but not in other ones (Varnier et al., 1994; Blomstrand et al., 1997; Mittleman et al., 1998).”
InfluentialSelf-citationBranched-Chain Amino Acids and Central Fatigue
Newsholme, E. A., & Blomstrand, E. (2006) · The Journal of Nutrition · doi:10.1093/jn/136.1.274s · Cited by 150 · see citing works
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Hornery, D. J., Farrow, D., Mujika, I., & YOUNG, W. B. (2007) · Sports Medicine · doi:10.2165/00007256-200737030-00002 · Cited by 127 · see citing works
Biochemical Aspects of Overtraining in Endurance Sports
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BackgroundExercise, Heat, Hydration and the Brain
Maughan, R. J., Shirreffs, S. M., & Watson, P. (2007) · Journal of the American College of Nutrition · doi:10.1080/07315724.2007.10719666 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Brain neurotransmitters in fatigue and overtraining
MEEUSEN, R. R., Watson, P., Hasegawa, H., Roelands, B., & Piacentini, M. F. (2007) · Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism · doi:10.1139/h07-080 · Cited by 111 · see citing works
“Although there is additional evidence of BCAA ingestion influencing ratings of perceived exertion (Blomstrand et al. 1997) and mental performance (Blomstrand et al.”
BackgroundBiochemical Aspects of Overtraining in Endurance Sports
Petibois, C., Cazorla, G., POORTMANS, J. R., & D??l??ris, G. (2003) · Sports Medicine · doi:10.2165/00007256-200333020-00001 · Cited by 111 · see citing works
“However, ingestion of BCAA during or after endurance exercise has not been shown to restore the free tryptophan/BCAA ratio and did not significantly change the loss of performance level due to metabolic fatigue induced by glycogen store depletion.[44,48] In fact, ingestion of BCAA increased 870 Petibois et al.”
BackgroundBCAA intake affects protein metabolism in muscle after but not during exercise in humans
Blomstrand, E., & Saltin, B. (2001) · American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism · doi:10.1152/ajpendo.2001.281.2.e365 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
“However, other studies found no effect of BCAA ingestion on the blood ammonia level (8, 23, 28).”
BackgroundSelf-citationNeurohumoral responses during prolonged exercise in humans
Nybo, L., Nielsen, B., Blomstrand, E., Møller, K., & Secher, N. H. (2003) · Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00241.2003 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
“The concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; the sum of valine, isoleucine, and leucine), tyrosine, and total TRP (free albumin bound) was determined by reversed-phase HPLC (7).”
BackgroundMethodSelf-citationWatson, P., Shirreffs, S. M., & Maughan, R. J. (2004) · European Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1007/s00421-004-1206-2 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
“A previous study conducted by Blomstrand et al. (1997) reported a significant reduction in RPE during exercise at 70% _”
Gonzalez, A. M., & Trexler, E. T. (2020) · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · doi:10.1519/jsc.0000000000003426 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
“In addition, BCAAs serve as a competitive inhibitor of tryptophan, the precursor for serotonin synthesis, and may play a role in reducing central fatigue during prolonged exercise by reducing cerebral serotonin synthesis (9,10,32).”
BackgroundAlghannam, A. F., Gonzalez, J. T., & Betts, J. A. (2018) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu10020253 · Cited by 99 · see citing works
“Although there is some evidence to suggest that the ingestion of protein or amino acids reduces perceptions of fatigue during exercise [165,166], it remains debatable whether the inclusion of protein with carbohydrate can improve exercise performance through attenuated sensation of fatigue [167,168].”
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Crowe, M., Weatherson, J. N., & Bowden, B. F. (2005) · European Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1007/s00421-005-0036-1 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
“BCAA supplementation studies have reported either decreased perceived exertion and increased endurance performance (Blomstrand et al. 1991, 1997; Mittleman et al. 1998) or no ergogenic effects (Davis et al. 1999; Verger et al. 1994).”
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“While there is some additional evidence of BCAA ingestion influencing ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; Blomstrand, Hassmen, Ek, Ekblom, & Newsholme, 1997 ) and mental performance (Blomstrand, Hassmen, & Newsholme, 1991b ; Hassmen, Blomstrand, Ekblom, & Newsholme, 1994 ), the results of several apparently well-contr…”
BackgroundBranched-chain amino acid supplementation and human performance when hypohydrated in the heat
Cheuvront, S. N., Carter, R., Kolka, M. A., Lieberman, H. R., Kellogg, M. D., & Sawka, M. N. (2004) · Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00357.2004 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
“The tests assessed both basic and complex mental functions similar to those previously examined in the BCAA literature (3, 4, 14, 39).”
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“Previous studies have reported that BCAA supplementation could maintain cognitive functions [10] and the performance in reactive motor skills [35], while reducing the feeling of fatigue [17] during strenuous exercise.”
BackgroundRattray, B., Argus, C. K., Martin, K., Northey, J. M., & Driller, M. W. (2015) · Frontiers in Physiology · doi:10.3389/fphys.2015.00079 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
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“60,61 Furthermore, relative high blood levels of tryptophan relative to the levels of branched-chain amino acids have been implicated as a possible cause of acute physiological and psychological fatigue (central fatigue) during exercise 62 and the chronic fatigue syndrome.”
Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Martinho, D. V., Nobari, H., Faria, A., Field, A., Duarte, D., & Sarmento, H. (2022) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu14194002 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
“For the studies that evaluated the impact of BC A supplementation on performance, the participants typically consisted of cycling and running athletes [21,25,27,29], athletes undertaking resistance training [26,28,30], volleyball [31] and soccer players [32,33].”
BackgroundInfluentialInterrelationship between Physical Activity and Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Gleeson, M. (2005) · Journal of Nutrition · doi:10.1093/jn/135.6.1591s · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Amino Acids and the Brain: Do They Play a Role in “Central Fatigue”?
MEEUSEN, R. R., & Watson, P. (2007) · International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism · doi:10.1123/ijsnem.17.s1.s37 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
“fixed-intensity exercise to exhaustion (4, 5, 51, 53), prolonged time-trial performance (31, 33), incremental exercise (54), or intermittent shuttle running (18).”
Exercise Increases Tryptophan Availability to the Brain in Older Men Age 57–70 Years
Mélançon, M. O., LORRAIN, D., & Dionne, I. J. (2011) · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · doi:10.1249/mss.0b013e31823ede8e · Cited by 59 · see citing works
STRACHAN, A. T., Leiper, J. B., & Maughan, R. (2004) · Experimental Physiology · doi:10.1113/expphysiol.2004.027839 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
“Blockade of Trp uptake into the brain by BCAA administration before and during prolonged exercise lowers subjective measures of perceived exertion and mental fatigue in some studies (Blomstrand et al. 1991, 1997; Hassmen et al. 1994) but not in others (van Hall et al. 1995; Struder et al. 1998).”
BackgroundThe Role of Tryptophan in Fatigue in Different Conditions of Stress
Castell, L. M., Yamamoto, T., Phoenix, J., & Newsholme, E. A. (1999) · Advances in experimental medicine and biology · doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-4709-9_90 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Self-citationBlomstrand, E., Ek, S., & Newsholme, E. A. (1996) · Nutrition · doi:10.1016/s0899-9007(96)91723-2 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Self-citationShephard, R. J. (2001) · Sports Medicine · doi:10.2165/00007256-200131030-00003 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
“[171,180,183] 6.8 Carnitine Carnitine plays a role in the transport of longchained fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane, and is also implicated in the metabolism of BCAA.”
BackgroundResultInfluentialAcute effects of dietary constituents on motor skill and cognitive performance in athletes
Baker, L. B., Nuccio, R. P., & Jeukendrup, A. E. (2014) · Nutrition Reviews · doi:10.1111/nure.12157 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Diminished central fatigue by inhibition of the L-system transporter for the uptake of tryptophan
Yamamoto, T., & Newsholme, E. A. (2000) · Brain Research Bulletin · doi:10.1016/s0361-9230(99)00276-2 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Self-citationHormoznejad, R., Zare Javid, A., & Mansoori, A. (2019) · Sport Sciences for Health · doi:10.1007/s11332-019-00542-4 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Greer, B. K., White, J. P., Arguello, E. M., & Haymes, E. M. (2010) · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · doi:10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181bf443a · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“RPE data were collected to investigate whether BCAA or CHO reduces perceived exertion during exercise as previously reported (5,11,27).”
Effect of n-3 fatty acids on free tryptophan and exercise fatigue
Huffman, D., Altena, T. S., Mawhinney, T. P., et al. (2004) · European Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1007/s00421-004-1069-6 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“1992), or by enhancing the competition for transport-mediated uptake with free Trp through the administration of BCAA (Blomstrand et al. 1997; Calders et al. 1997).”
BackgroundResultInfluentialWalker, T. B., Smith, J. K., Herrera, M. B., Lebegue, B., Pinchak, A., & FISCHER, J. R. (2010) · International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism · doi:10.1123/ijsnem.20.5.409 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“Some protocols have indeed reported a positive effect of BCAA supplementation on cognitive performance compared with water (Blomstrand et al., 1997; Strüder et al., 1998) or carbohydrate ingestion (Hassmén et al., 1994).”
BackgroundCoqueiro, A. Y., Raizel, R., Bonvini, A., Hypólito, T. M., Godois, A. D. M., Pereira, J. A. D. S., Garcia, A. B. D. O., Lara, R., Rogero, M. M., & Tirapegui, J. (2018) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu10020119 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Taylor, C., Bartlett, J. D., van de Graaf, C. S., Louhelainen, J., Coyne, V., Iqbal, Z., MacLaren, D. P. M., Gregson, W., Close, G. L., & Morton, J. P. (2013) · European Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1007/s00421-012-2574-7 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
“…amino acid supplementation (BCAAs) reduces central fatigue and enhances performance, as evidenced by decreased ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) (Blomstrand et al. 1997; Greer et al. 2007) and improved time to exhaustion and time-trial performance (Blomstrand et al. 1991; Crowe et al. 2006).”
InfluentialFACTS AND FALLACIES OF PURPORTED ERGOGENIC AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS
Williams, M. H. (1999) · Clinics in Sports Medicine · doi:10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70173-3 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
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Self-citationEffect of an endurance race on muscle amino acids, pro‐ and macroglycogen and triglycerides
Essén-Gustavsson, B., & Jensen‐Waern, M. (2002) · Equine Veterinary Journal · doi:10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05420.x · Cited by 43 · see citing works
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“Although the indicators of central fatigue, such as perceived ratings of fatigue and cognitive functions, were improved after BCAA supplementation [13,15].”
BackgroundBRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN NUTRITION
Brestenský, M., Nitrayová, S., Patraš, P., Heger, J., & Nitray, J. (2015) · Journal of Microbiology Biotechnology and Food Sciences · doi:10.15414/jmbfs.2015.5.2.197-202 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
“When a mixture of BCAA was administered to people during training, they stated reduction of exertion and mental fatigue (Blomstrand et al., 1997).”
BackgroundPortier, H., Chatard, J., Filaire, E., Jaunet-Devienne, M. F., Robert, A., & Guezennec, C. Y. (2008) · European Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1007/s00421-008-0832-5 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
“It has also been suggested that BCAA improve mood vigilance and limit central fatigue because they compete with free-tryptophan (f-TRP) for uptake into the brain via the same transport mechanism ( Blomstrand et al. 1997, Pardridge and Oldendorf 1975).”
InfluentialAssenza, A., Bergero, D., Tarantola, M., Piccione, G. G., & CAOLA, G. (2004) · Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition · doi:10.1111/j.1439-0396.2004.00493.x · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Amino acid supplements to improve athletic performance
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“The V • O2max was defined as the attainment of at least two of the three following criteria: [1] no longer maintaining the required speed; [2] heart rate within 10 beats of age-predicted maximum; and [3] rating of perceived exertion (RPE) greater than 18 using the modified Borg scale (3).”
MethodNeurophysiological effects of exercise in the heat
Roelands, B., Pauw, K. D., & MEEUSEN, R. R. (2015) · Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports · doi:10.1111/sms.12350 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
“However, these and other studies were not able to induce any changes in performance (Hassmen et al., 1994; Varnier et al., 1994; Blomstrand et al., 1995, 1997; van Hall et al., 1995; Madsen et al., 1996; Strüder et al., 1998).”
ResultMikulski, T., Dąbrowski, J., Hilgier, W., Ziemba, A. W., & Krzeminski, K. (2015) · Folia Neuropathologica · doi:10.5114/fn.2015.56552 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“Some studies in human subjects [19] and in animals [13,37] have shown that exercise-induced increases in fTRP/BCAA ratio, due to higher BCAA oxidation in skeletal muscles and FFA mobilisation from adipose tissue, are associated with an increased rate of serotonin synthesis in brain neurons [12,49].”
BackgroundCheng, I.-S., Wang, Y., Chen, I.-F., Hsu, G.-S., Hsueh, C.-F., & Chang, C. (2016) · PubMed Central · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Shimomura, Y., Murakami, T., Nakai, N., Nagasaki, M., Obayashi, M., Zhihao, L. I., Xu, M. Q., Sato, Y., Kato, T., Shimomura, N., et al. (2000) · Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology · doi:10.3177/jnsv.46.71 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Branched-Chain Amino Acids: Metabolism, Physiological Function, and Application
Cynober, L., & Harris, R. A. (2006) · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Introdução, A. O. (2009) · Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte · doi:10.1590/s1517-86922009000400001 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Inadvertent doping through nutritional supplements is a reality
van der Merwe, P., & Grobbelaar, E. (2004) · South African Journal of Sports Medicine · doi:10.17159/2078-516x/2004/v16i2a180 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Biochemical markers for post-operative fatigue after major surgery
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Exercise-induced changes in amino acid levels in skeletal muscle and plasma
Ishikura, K., Ra, S., & Ohmori, H. (2013) · The Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine · doi:10.7600/jpfsm.2.301 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Amino acid concentrations in blood serum of horses performing long lasting low‐intensity exercise
Bergero, D., Assenza, A., Schiavone, A., et al. (2005) · Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition · doi:10.1111/j.1439-0396.2005.00556.x · Cited by 28 · see citing works
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“…it was demonstrated that after acute BCAA administration rating of perceived exhaustion (RPE) and fatigue feeling during prolonged exercise were reduced and cognitive performance determined after exercise was improved (Blomstrand et al. 1991, 1997, 2006; Hassmén et al. 1994; Greer et al. 2011).”
BackgroundEssén-Gustavsson, B., & Blomstrand, E. (2002) · Acta Physiologica Scandinavica · doi:10.1046/j.1365-201x.2002.00942.x · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Self-citationNutrition for the equine athlete
Geor, R. J., & Harris, P. A. (2013) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-4771-8.00037-5 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
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“Peripheral fatigue relates to impairments of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, ionic homeostasis and membrane excitability, mechanisms of cross-bridge cycling, and metabolic and contractile processes in skeletal muscle (Allen et al. 2008; Burke and Hawley 1999; Welsh et al. 2002).”
Knechtle, B., Knechtle, P., Mrazek, C., Senn, O., Rosemann, T., Imoberdorf, R., & Ballmer, P. (2011) · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · doi:10.1186/1550-2783-8-6 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“In a study with branched-chain amino acid supplementation during performance, the subjects’ ratings of perceived exertion were 7% lower when branched-chain amino acids were given compared to controls [36].”
BackgroundHsueh, C.-F., Wu, H., Tsai, T.-S., Wu, C.-L., & Chang, C. (2018) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu10121979 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Although previous studies have reported that oral supplementation of BCAA could reduce RPE and mental fatigue in maximal exercise in untrained participants [32], our results suggest that the participants in the AA trial had better performance under the same level of RPE.”
MethodResultEffects of elevated plasma tryptophan on brain activation associated with the Stroop task
Morgan, R., Parry, A., Arida, R. M., Matthews, P. M., Davies, B., & Castell, L. M. (2006) · Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00213-006-0609-7 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“There is a surge in plasma-free tryptophan (p[FT]; i.e., that which is not bound to albumin) after prolonged exercise in rats (Blomstrand et al. 1989) and in humans (Blomstrand et al. 1997).”
BackgroundBudgett, R., Hiscock, N. J., Arida, R. M., et al. (2008) · British Journal of Sports Medicine · doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.046425 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“Some exercise supplementation studies found a positive effect of BCAA feeding, in particular on mental performance; some found no effect.(14) 15 Most studies have measured only physical, rather than mental, performance.”
BackgroundGabriel, B. M., Al-Tarrah, M., Alhindi, Y. Z., Kilikevičius, A., Venckūnas, T., Gray, S. R., Lionikas, A., & Ratkevičius, A. (2017) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0185789 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Nutritional Ergogenic Aids in Racquet Sports: A Systematic Review
Vicente-Salar, N., Santos‐Sánchez, G., & Roche, E. (2020) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu12092842 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“These results appear to be due to a lower plasma tryptophan/BCAAs ratio than placebo, since theoretically, BCAAs compete for the same tryptophan transporter across the blood–brain barrier, avoiding serotonin formation and, consequently, central fatigue instauration [63].”
BackgroundColker, C. M., Swain, M. A., Fabrucini, B., Shi, Q., & Kaiman, D. S. (2000) · Current Therapeutic Research · doi:10.1016/s0011-393x(00)88492-1 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Consumo de aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada não afeta o desempenho de endurance
Uchida, M. C., Bacurau, A. V. N., Aoki, M. S., et al. (2008) · Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte · doi:10.1590/s1517-86922008000100008 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Casini, L., Gatta, D., Magni, L., et al. (2000) · Journal of Equine Veterinary Science · doi:10.1016/s0737-0806(00)80470-0 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Luan, C., Wang, Y., Li, J., Zhou, N., Song, G., Ni, Z., Xu, C., Tang, C., Fu, P., Wang, X., et al. (2025) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu17071290 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“Furthermore, supplementation with BCAAs may also reduce cerebral serotonin synthesis, thereby preventing the onset of central fatigue during prolonged high-intensity exercise [23].”
Heat stress, thermoregulation, and fluid balance in women.
Shirreffs, S. M. (1999) · British Journal of Sports Medicine · doi:10.1136/bjsm.33.4.225 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
meeûs, C. D., Boshuizen, B., Oosterlinck, M., van de Winkel, D., Spiegelaere, W. D., de Bruijn, C. M., Goethals, K., Vanderperren, K., & Delesalle, C. J. G. (2021) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0249922 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Suttiwan, P., Yuktanandana, P., & Ngamake, S. T. (2018) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu10070845 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Maughan, R. (2006) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9780203967430 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
L’étiologie clinique du surentraînement au travers de l’examen sanguin : état des connaissances
Petibois, C., Cazorla, G., Déléris, G., et al. (2001) · La Revue de Médecine Interne · doi:10.1016/s0248-8663(01)00418-0 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Kita, K., Ito, K. R., Sugahara, M., et al. (2014) · The Journal of Poultry Science · doi:10.2141/jpsa.0130208 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“It has been well known that leucine, which is one of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), has an anabolic effect on protein metabolism by increasing the rate of protein synthesis (Alvestrand et al., 1990; Nair et al., 1992; Blomstrand et al., 1997).”
BackgroundSalem, A., Trabelsi, K., Jahrami, H., Al-Rasheed, M. M., Boukhris, O. F., Puce, L., Bragazzi, N. L., Ammar, A., Glenn, J. M., & Chtourou, H. (2024) · Journal of the American Nutrition Association · doi:10.1080/27697061.2023.2297899 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Jang, T.-R., Wu, C.-L., Chang, C.-M., Hung, W., Fang, S., & Chang, C. (2011) · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · doi:10.1186/1550-2783-8-21 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“8 g dosages ingested before exercise in the literature [60-62].”
BackgroundMythbusting sports and exercise products
Heneghan, C., Gill, P., O’Neill, B. G., Lasserson, D. S., Thake, M., Thompson, M. J., & Howick, J. (2012) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.e4848 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
The Effect of Acute Taurine Ingestion on Human Maximal Voluntary Muscle Contraction
Lim, Z. X., Singh, A., LEOW, Z. Z. X., Arthur, P. G., & Fournier, P. A. (2017) · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · doi:10.1249/mss.0000000000001432 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Biochemical Markers of Possible Immunodepression in Military Training in Harsh Environments
Castell, L. M., Thake, D., & Ensign, W. Y. (2010) · Military Medicine · doi:10.7205/milmed-d-09-00065 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Yang, C., Wu, C., Chen, I., & Chang, C. (2016) · Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports · doi:10.1111/sms.12717 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“The elevated cerebral uptake and accumulation of NH3 would nullify the potential benefit of BCAA on physical and cognitive performance (Blomstrand et al., 1997; Scand J Med Sci Sports 2017: 27: 935–944 doi: 10.1111/sms.12717 ª 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Struder…”
BackgroundResultInfluentialAmino Acids, Fatigue and Immunodepression in Exercise
Newsholme, E. A., & Castell, L. M. (2000) · doi:10.1002/9780470693766.ch11 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Self-citationMuscella, A., Felline, M., & Marsigliante, S. (2024) · Sports · doi:10.3390/sports12100275 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“Studies evaluating the impact of BCAAs on performance suggest that supplementation had insignificant effects on performance outcomes in cyclists and runners [25–28], volleyball players [29], and soccer players [30,31], although variation in supplementation protocols must be taken into account.”
BackgroundPeltier, S. L., Vincent, L., Millet, G. Y., Sirvent, P., Morin, J.-B., Guerraz, M., GEYSSANT, A., Lescuyer, J.-F., Féasson, L., & Messonnier, L. A. (2011) · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · doi:10.1186/1550-2783-8-22 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“The doses of CHOs, BCAAs and caffeine were chosen to be as close as possible to those used in previous studies [12,15,21,33,34] and the palatability of the sports drink.”
MethodCONSENSO SOBRE BEBIDAS PARA EL DEPORTISTA. COMPOSICIÓN Y PAUTAS DE REPOSICIÓN DE LÍQUIDOS
Franco, L. (2008) · Archivos de medicina del deporte: revista de la Federación Española de Medicina del Deporte y de la Confederación Iberoamericana de Medicina del Deporte · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Metabolomic profiling of cancer-related fatigue involved in cachexia and chemotherapy
Okinaka, Y., Kageyama, S., Goto, T., Sugimoto, M., Tomita, A., Aizawa, Y., KOBAYASHI, K. P., Wada, A., Kawauchi, A., & Kataoka, Y. (2024) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-57747-y · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“Serotonin concentration in the brain is affected by the ratio of tryptophan to BCAAs in the blood; a decrease in BCAAs increases the transfer of tryptophan to the brain, resulting in the increase in serotonin concentration in the brain 43,44 .”
BackgroundNutrition, the brain and prolonged exercise
Watson, P. (2008) · European Journal of Sport Science · doi:10.1080/17461390801919086 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
- Authors
- BLOMSTRAND, E., HASSMÉN, P., EK, S., EKBLOM, B., & NEWSHOLME, E. A.
- Affiliations
- Stockholm University (SE)
- Karolinska Institutet (SE)
- University of Oxford (GB)
- Corresponding author
- BLOMSTRAND, E.
- Venue
- Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 1997-01
- Volume
- 159
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 41-49
- ISSN
- 0001-6772 (ISSN-L)
- 1365-201X
- OpenAlex
- W2045788598
- Cited by
- 168
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 7
- FWCI
- 1.61
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Acta Physiologica Scandinavica (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
- Keywords
- branched-chain amino acids, perceived exertion, mental fatigue, endurance exercise, exercise performance, muscle glycogen depletion, ergogenic aids
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Amino Acids, Branched-Chain, Blood Glucose, Physical Exertion, Humans, Male, Task Performance and Analysis, Exercise
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