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

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) are sometimes used as a dietary supplement in patients with chronic liver diseases, including hepatitis, particularly when liver cirrhosis develops. The rationale is based on scientific observations rather than tradition. In liver disease, especially advanced cases, patients often develop a protein-energy malnutrition and a specific amino acid imbalance: plasma levels of BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) decrease, while aromatic amino acids increase. This imbalance is linked to complications like hepatic encephalopathy and muscle wasting.

Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have investigated BCAA supplementation in chronic liver diseases. The evidence suggests that BCAA supplementation can improve nutritional status, reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy, and may improve quality of life in patients with cirrhosis. However, the evidence specifically for BCAA use in acute hepatitis or as a treatment for hepatitis virus infection (rather than its complications) is limited. Most guidelines (such as those from the European Association for the Study of the Liver) recommend BCAA supplementation in patients with advanced chronic liver disease and overt or recurrent hepatic encephalopathy, but not specifically for hepatitis per se.

In summary, BCAA use in the context of hepatitis is scientifically based, particularly in managing complications of chronic liver dysfunction, but its application is not for treating the hepatitis itself. The strength of evidence is moderate (rated 3), with benefits most clear for hepatic encephalopathy and muscle wasting in cirrhotic patients.

More about BCAA
More about Hepatitis

Products containing BCAA

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