Evidence supporting the use of: Branched-Chain Amino Acids
For the health condition: Alcoholism

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Synopsis

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

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—have been investigated for their potential role in supporting individuals with alcoholism, particularly in the context of hepatic encephalopathy (a complication of advanced liver disease). Some clinical studies from the 1980s and 1990s suggested that BCAA supplementation could help normalize amino acid imbalances observed in chronic alcoholics, especially those with liver cirrhosis, and may improve mental status in hepatic encephalopathy. The rationale is that chronic alcohol consumption and associated liver dysfunction alter the metabolism and plasma levels of amino acids, resulting in decreased BCAAs and increased aromatic amino acids, which can contribute to neuropsychiatric complications.

However, while BCAAs are occasionally used in medical management of hepatic encephalopathy in alcoholic liver disease, evidence supporting their use for treating or supporting alcoholism itself (e.g., reducing alcohol craving, withdrawal, or relapse) is limited. Most guidelines do not recommend BCAAs as a primary therapy for alcohol use disorder. The evidence base is largely restricted to small clinical trials with mixed results, and systematic reviews (such as Cochrane reviews) conclude that while BCAAs may have a modest effect on hepatic encephalopathy, there is insufficient evidence to support their use more broadly in alcoholism treatment. Thus, the use of BCAAs in this context is based on limited scientific evidence and is not widely endorsed outside of specific complications related to liver disease.

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