Evidence supporting the use of: Branched-Chain Amino Acids
For the health condition: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

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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 to support patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), primarily due to concerns about muscle wasting and protein-energy malnutrition in these patients. Several small clinical studies have explored BCAA supplementation in COPD, based on the rationale that BCAAs may help maintain or increase muscle mass and improve nutritional status, which can be compromised by both the disease process and systemic inflammation.

Clinical trials, such as those published in Chest (1997) and Respirology (2012), have suggested that BCAA supplementation can lead to improvements in body composition and, in some cases, respiratory muscle strength. However, results have been inconsistent, and most studies have been limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological limitations. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including a 2019 Cochrane review, conclude that while BCAAs may improve some nutritional markers, their effect on meaningful clinical outcomes—such as exercise capacity, quality of life, or mortality—remains unclear.

Current guidelines do not specifically recommend BCAA supplementation for COPD, but they may be considered as part of broader nutritional support in malnourished patients. Overall, the evidence supporting BCAAs in COPD is limited and is rated as low to moderate quality.

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