Evidence supporting the use of: Branched-Chain Amino Acids
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

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

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) have been investigated for their potential to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, primarily to reduce side effects such as muscle wasting, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The rationale is that BCAAs—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—are essential amino acids that play a role in muscle protein synthesis and energy production, which might counteract cancer-related cachexia and improve overall nutritional status during chemotherapy.

Several small clinical studies and systematic reviews have examined BCAA supplementation in cancer patients. Some research suggests that BCAAs may help preserve lean body mass and improve protein metabolism in patients at risk for malnutrition or muscle wasting. There is also limited evidence indicating BCAAs might reduce chemotherapy-induced fatigue and improve quality of life, but results are inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes and study design limitations.

Most authoritative guidelines, including those from oncology and nutrition societies, do not currently recommend routine BCAA supplementation for all cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, due to insufficient and mixed evidence. However, BCAAs may be considered on an individual basis for patients with severe malnutrition or muscle loss, particularly when standard nutritional support is inadequate.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for the use of BCAAs to reduce certain chemotherapy side effects, the quality and consistency of evidence are limited. Further large, well-designed clinical trials are needed to clarify their role in this context.

More about Branched-Chain Amino Acids
More about Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

aloe vera
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
astragalus
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
chlorella
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
fish oil
ginger
grape
green tea
hemp oil
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus lactis
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
pectin
phytocannabinoids
pomegranate
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
selenium
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
coix
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Alpha Glucans
Antrodia camphorata
AHCC
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha lactalbumin
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
Caryophyllene
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Clostridium butyricum
Cannabigerol
Dithiolthiones
Ergothioneine
Milk Protein
Mistletoe

Products containing Branched-Chain Amino Acids

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.