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

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Synopsis

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

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are used to support or treat muscle wasting (also known as cachexia or sarcopenia), particularly in conditions such as chronic liver disease, cancer, and elderly populations experiencing age-related muscle loss. The rationale for their use is based on the essential role of BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) in stimulating muscle protein synthesis and inhibiting protein degradation. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that BCAA supplementation can help preserve lean body mass and improve some clinical outcomes in patients with wasting conditions, especially hepatic encephalopathy and liver cirrhosis. For example, a Cochrane review (2017) found that BCAA supplementation may improve hepatic encephalopathy and quality of life in people with cirrhosis, though effects on mortality and muscle mass were modest. Evidence in cancer cachexia and age-related sarcopenia is less robust but suggests a potential benefit, particularly when combined with resistance exercise or other nutritional interventions. However, not all studies show significant improvement, and the benefits may be limited to specific patient groups. Guidelines for liver disease (such as those from the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) recommend BCAA supplementation in certain cases. Overall, the use of BCAAs for wasting is supported by scientific rationale and moderate clinical evidence, but is not universally endorsed for all forms of wasting.

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