Evidence supporting the use of: BCAA
For the health condition: Alcoholism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have some scientific basis for use in the context of liver disease related to alcoholism, rather than for treating alcoholism itself. Chronic alcoholism can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by confusion and cognitive impairment due to liver dysfunction. In patients with advanced liver disease, imbalances in amino acids occur, with decreased levels of BCAAs and increased aromatic amino acids. BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are sometimes supplemented to help correct this imbalance. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that BCAA supplementation can improve neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. However, the evidence for BCAA supplementation in directly treating or supporting recovery from alcohol dependence or alcoholism per se is weak. The main benefit appears to be for specific complications arising from chronic alcohol-related liver disease. Therefore, while there is some scientific validation for BCAA use in alcohol-related liver disease, its application is narrow and not directly related to treating alcoholism itself. The evidence level is moderate (rated 2 out of 5), with support mainly for hepatic encephalopathy management, not for alcoholism treatment or prevention.

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