BCAA+ HARDCORE is a supplement containing four times more leucine than standard formulas.

BCAA: Branched-chain amino acid. Probably one of the most popular and widely used supplements, and for good reason. These are three of the eight essential amino acids, which our body cannot synthesize and must therefore obtain from external sources. They share a very special characteristic: unlike the others, which must be metabolized in the liver, these can be metabolized in other tissues in our body, particularly the muscles. They can therefore be used by the muscles as an energy source instead of being absorbed. They act on the brain alongside another essential amino acid, tryptophan, reducing the synthesis of serotonin, which contributes to the feeling of fatigue. In addition, leucine, as well as the other two, triggers protein biosynthesis directly and independently of other stimuli or signals. They are therefore particularly useful before, during, and after physical activity, whether aerobic, anaerobic, or mixed, and of short or long duration, because the feeling of fatigue is typical of all physical activity, especially high-intensity activity. Likewise, but in reverse, the catabolism of muscle proteins results from all physical activity of moderate or high intensity.

LEUCINE is an essential branched-chain amino acid found in the muscles of all animals (especially fish and meat) and in milk. It stimulates protein biosynthesis and opposes proteolysis. Its role as a precursor of HBM is particularly interesting.

Various studies, including older ones, have demonstrated a decrease in markers of muscle damage (CPK; LDH) in both endurance and power sports. Until recently, the true active ingredient in BCAAs was thought to be leucine, and it is very plausible that almost everything is due to leucine’s branched-chain amino acids, with the exception of the potential energy role (expressed by isoleucine and valine: glucogenic amino acids).

Its promoting effect on protein biosynthesis is expressed through the stimulation of mTOR (a central modulator of the cascade that leads to protein biosynthesis). When taken before intensive exercise, it leads to uptake in the muscles, but since metabolism changes with rest, this amino acid prefers to settle in the liver.

In the liver, leucine regulates protein turnover, reducing the production of ammonium, which is typical of liver problems. Although this is unrelated to sports nutrition, be aware that leucine also plays a role in multi-organ stress resulting from intense training.

The dose used in professional settings, and commonly considered sufficient, is 100 mg/kg, taken immediately before and after sports activity. No harm caused by leucine has been found, even when used for long periods or at extremely high doses (in rats). A clinical nutrition article (and therefore unrelated to sports) states that the maximum tolerable dose is 500 mg/kg.