Amino acids are the building blocks of life. They can be categorized as essential or nonessential. Essential amino acids must come from the diet, while nonessential amino acids can be made in the body. Of the essential amino acids, there is a subgroup called the ‘branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).’ There are three BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three amino acids have different molecular structures and important metabolic activity.

In this episode, we discuss the clinical importance of BCAA and how to interpret BCAA levels in context with organic acids.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:50 Let’s Define Some Terms!
• 5:10 The unique metabolism of BCAAs
• 6:30 BCAAs effects on the brain, muscle, and insulin resistance
• 12:30 What do we think we know?
  • BCAAs and immunity
• 16:10 Measuring and interpreting amino acid patterns
• 17:55 Relating BCAA levels to urinary organic acids
• 21:00 Logical Speculation: Urinary alpha-keto acids and ketosis

Additional Resources:

NutrEval

Metabolomix +

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