5 Reasons Marathon Runners Should Use BCAA Supplements

If you're a marathon runner, chances are you're always looking for ways to improve your performance. Proper nutrition is one of the keys to success in any athletic endeavor, and that includes running. In addition to a well-rounded diet, many runners also choose to supplement their nutrition with vitamins and minerals. But what about amino acids? BCAA supplements are becoming increasingly popular among athletes, and for good reason. Here are five reasons why marathon runners should give them a try.

1. BCAAs can improve exercise performance.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and they play an important role in muscle development and repair. BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, are a type of amino acid that's especially important for athletes because they're involved in energy production during exercise. Several studies have shown that BCAA supplementation can improve exercise performance, particularly in endurance activities like marathon running. One study found that BCAA supplementation improved running time to fatigue by 24%!

2. BCAAs can help prevent muscle soreness.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the pain and stiffness you feel in your muscles a day or two after working out. It's caused by the tears that occur in your muscle fibers during exercise, and it can put a real damper on your training if you're not careful. Thankfully, BCAAs can help reduce the severity of DOMS. One study found that subjects who supplemented with BCAAs experienced less muscle soreness after exercise than those who didn't supplement with BCAAs. So if you're looking to avoid being sidelined by DOMS, BCAAs are worth considering.

3. BCAAs can aid in muscle recovery.

In addition to helping prevent exercise-induced muscle soreness, BCAAs can also help your muscles recover from intense exercise more quickly. One study found that BCAA supplementation increased rates of muscle protein synthesis following exercise, which leads to faster recovery times. So if you're looking to get back out on the road as soon as possible after a long run, consider adding some BCAAs to your post-run recovery routine.

4. BCAAs can boost immune function.

During prolonged periods of strenuous exercise, like training for a marathon, it's not uncommon for athletes to experience an decrease in immune function. This decrease puts athletes at greater risk for developing illness during peak training periods. Several studies have shown that BCAA supplementation can help boost immune function and reduce the incidence of illness in athletes during periods of intense training. So if you're worried about getting sick during marathon season, consider adding some BCAAs to your diet.

5. They're affordable and easy to find!

BCAAs are relatively inexpensive and easy to find online or at your local supplement store. You can find them in powder form to mix with water or juice, or you can find them in capsules or tablets if you prefer taking them that way. And since they don't require any special storage or preparation, they're easy to keep on hand for when you need them most - like before or after a long run!

If you're looking for ways to improve your marathon performance, give BCAA supplements a try! They can improve exercise performance, help prevent muscle soreness, aid in muscle recovery, boost immune function, and they're affordable and easy to find!