Which of the following is a proven effect of BCAAs?

BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, primarily consist of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They have been studied for various effects on exercise performance and recovery. One of the proven effects of BCAAs is their ability to reduce muscle catabolism during prolonged, endurance-based exercise.

During long-duration activities, the body may begin to break down muscle tissue for energy, particularly if glycogen stores are depleted. Supplementing with BCAAs can help mitigate this breakdown, enhancing the body’s ability to preserve lean muscle mass even in conditions where prolonged energy demands are present.

By providing an alternative energy source and preventing the catabolic effects of prolonged exercise, BCAAs offer athletes a beneficial strategy for maintaining performance and recovery during endurance training. The focus on muscle preservation is crucial for anyone engaged in long workouts, making this effect particularly valuable for endurance athletes.

Other options, while they may be associated with various benefits of amino acids or supplementation, do not reflect the most established evidence regarding BCAAs specifically.