Where Can You Buy BCAAs?

With so many different types of fitness supplements populating the shelves of supermarkets and drug stores, the options can get confusing, especially given the number of technical-sounding terms on the labels. From whey protein and creatine to glutamine and BCAAs, it can be next to impossible for a novice to navigate these products, or even -- in some cases -- to find them at all. BCAAs, for example, are a relatively new type of amino acid workout supplement that may not be available at every corner store or supermarket, but they are still readily accessible to those who know where to look. So, where can you buy BCAAs, and how do they help you? To find out the answers to these questions and others, continue reading as the people at aminoVITAL® explain.

What is a BCAA?

The term "BCAA" refers to a specific type of amino acid known as a "branched-chain amino acid." Among the 20 or so amino acids that our bodies use, there are nine -- the "essential" amino acids -- that we must get through our diet because our bodies can't produce them. Branched-chain amino acids are one particular type of these essential compounds; more specifically, there are three BCAAs: leucine, valine, and isoleucine.

Amino acid supplements, including those featuring BCAAs, carry a number of advantages compared to traditional protein products. For example, the whey protein in a popular post-workout shake contains many of the same amino acids as a BCAA supplement, with one crucial difference: the protein must first be broken apart before your body can use the amino acids it contains. This takes time, during which your body is not getting the nutrients it would already be using if you'd taken an amino acid supplement instead.

Formulas containing free-form amino acids require next to no digestion, so your body can put them to use pretty much right away. In the important time window following exercise -- a period in which your muscles require the resources to begin repairing and improving themselves -- a supplement that provides those resources almost immediately carries serious benefits and can improve your returns following a workout.

The Benefits of Amino Acid Supplements

Setting aside their superior bioavailability, amino acids -- and BCAAs, especially -- can provide a number of other substantial benefits for fitness junkies and the casually active alike. For one thing, BCAAs make up as much as 40% of the amino acids in your body, making them critical to the formation of cells in general. Amino acids have also been shown to help regulate a person's blood sugar levels, and they can reduce soreness after exercise as well.

Additionally, there is mounting evidence that a BCAA supplement can help reduce fatigue and improve focus and concentration during exercise. This happens because, typically, your muscles soak up BCAAs as you use them, which increases the concentration of the amino acid tryptophan in your bloodstream. Tryptophan then moves through the blood-brain barrier and becomes serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to fatigue and a loss of motivation. By providing your system with an influx of BCAAs, you can keep the levels of the various amino acids in your body -- including tryptophan -- in check, limiting the amount of serotonin and, by extension, the level of your fatigue.

Though BCAAs are quite effective in the short term, these compounds are equally useful for improving athletic performance over time. Leucine, the most prominent of the BCAAs, triggers the creation of new muscle tissue in the body, boosting gains after each workout. Isoleucine differs from this slightly; instead of power, isoleucine provides greater endurance and faster recovery after exercise. Valine supports both of its compatriots, while also ensuring a steady supply of energy to the muscles and regulating everything from the brain's cognitive functions to the immune system.

Where Can You Get BCAA Supplements?

If your local store or favorite website doesn't stock amino acid supplements, don't despair; there are plenty of BCAA-based products available from aminoVITAL®. By visiting our website or calling our representatives, you can have access to amino acid supplements specially formulated to support every phase of your routine, from providing a pre-workout energy boost to facilitating a smooth post-workout recovery.

As with any type of product, not all amino acid-based supplements are created equal. aminoVITAL® products get their essential amino acids from Ajinomoto, the world's leading developer of pharmaceutical-grade amino acids. Through a state-of-the-art fermentation process, Ajinomoto scientists are able to create vegan amino acids of the highest purity, a benefit that is then passed on to the consumer. By ensuring the quality of every product, aminoVITAL® can deliver unparalleled results through a lean, efficient formula. Try a supplement from aminoVITAL® today and discover what top athletes the world over have known for years: that amino acids are the superior fitness supplement.

BCAA Supplements Available Today from aminoVITAL®

If you or someone you know is looking for a low-calorie, fast-acting fitness supplement that won't leave you feeling jittery or bring your crashing down as it wears off, try an amino acid-based product from aminoVITAL®. By avoiding the sugary, often unhealthy powders that dominate the market, you can achieve superior results without sabotaging your overall health and fitness goals. Learn more about aminoVITAL® and how our products can help by visiting us online or calling (888) 264-6673 today.