The most common function of branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs, is their essential role in the repair and maintenance of your muscle tissue. However, they may also be helpful in speeding up your body's healing of brain injuries. Several universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, are studying the amino acids' effects.
BCAAs
BCAAs are a combination of the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are found in whey, the liquid leftover when cheese is made from cow's milk. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which your cells use to carry out their processes and stay healthy. You typically get amino acids from eating protein sources, but you can only get BCAAs from protein powder or supplements made from whey.
Amino Acids
BCAAs are made of three essential amino acids, which, according to Medline Plus, are aminos that your body needs to carry out its normal processes but cannot produce on its own. So you must consume foods to get them. Essential amino acids like the three that make up BCAAs --- leucine, isoleucine and valine --- are used to digest food, help your body and cells grow and reproduce, and repair your muscles and other tissues, among other things. Normally, athletes use BCAAs to help muscle recovery after exercise, but BCAAs may also be able to help treat problems affecting your brain.
BCAAs and Your Brain
BCAAs work on a macro level to help cells repair themselves. They may assist in brain cell repair after liver disease or accidents that caused brain damage. According to the University of Pennsylvania Healthy System, BCAAs are used to make two neurotransmitters that your brain needs to send messages correctly. Taking BCAA supplements, or getting them through food, may help balance out the quantity of the two neurotransmitters, helping restore normal brain activity.
Evidence
Currently, there is not sufficient research to determine exactly how beneficial BCAAs may for a healthy brain. In addition, the extent of their help for people recovering from brain damage is also unknown. However, the BCAAs in protein supplements used for exercise recovery and weight loss are safe to use as dietary supplements. Until further research is done, the implications of BCAAs' benefits for your brain are still uncertain, and you should still rely on your doctor's recommendations for treatment of brain conditions.
