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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), which include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, have been studied for their role in supporting recovery during convalescence, particularly in individuals experiencing muscle wasting due to illness, trauma, or surgery. Scientific evidence indicates that BCAAs are important for muscle protein synthesis and may help mitigate muscle loss during periods of physical inactivity or metabolic stress.

Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that supplementation with BCAAs can be beneficial in specific populations, such as patients with liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy) or those recovering from critical illness. These studies suggest improvements in nitrogen balance, preservation of lean muscle mass, and enhanced recovery rates. However, the benefit appears most pronounced in individuals at risk for or experiencing significant muscle catabolism, rather than the general convalescent population.

Despite these findings, the overall quality of evidence is moderate. Some studies have methodological limitations, and results are not universally consistent. In otherwise healthy individuals recovering from mild illness or injury, the benefit is less clear. Guidelines often recommend adequate protein intake, with BCAAs as one possible component, rather than as a standalone intervention. Therefore, while BCAAs have a scientific basis for use in supporting convalescence—particularly in cases of muscle wasting—the evidence is not strong enough to support routine use in all convalescent patients.

More about Branched-Chain Amino Acids
More about Convalescence

Products containing Branched-Chain Amino Acids

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