Plant Vs. Animal Based BCAA's
What are “BCAAs”?
Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are the "building blocks" of protein. Of these, nine are considered essential. And of the essential amino acids, three account for as much as 33% of muscle tissue – leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Remember those three.
When we say a substance is “essential” for the body, it means that without it, you will die. Essential amino acids are therefore ones we cannot survive without.
Branched Chain Amino Acids are among the most beneficial and effective supplements for your overall health, but also for any sports nutrition program. BCAAs make up 35% of your muscle mass and must be present for molecular growth and development to take place. BCAAs (especially leucine) stimulate protein synthesis, and give indications they do so to a greater extent than a normal protein on its own. BCAAs also increase synthesis of the cellular machinery responsible for carrying out the process of protein synthesis.
In the sports science world, where claims are easily made and infrequently met, BCAAs are showing their mettle by delivering the goods for those looking for potent workout recovery, either from fatigue or or muscle damage. [1]
The Truth About Sourcing of BCAAs
BCAAs can come from both plant-based and animal-based sources. For years, it was a well-kept industry secret that BCAAs were derived from animal sources such as swine, fur, hair and feathers. These animal sources were treated with acids and cleaned with certain chemicals, so that the amino acids could be extracted from these sources. Not very appetizing, socially conscious or sustainable, is it?
Plant based BCAA sources are derived from either soy or corn. But the challenge with plant-based BCAAs is that they can contain allergens, and many are sourced from GMO farms. Fortunately, there are solid sources of Non-GMO farms that are producing non-allergen plant-based BCAAs. Corn has become popular material in the fermentation process of BCAA’s because it is not considered an allergen like soy.
Nutrology uses trusted Non-GMO farms with a proven record of producing the highest quality plant-based BCAAs anywhere, non-allergen and with no artificial flavoring or coloring.
Solutions to Providing High Quality Plant-based BCAAs
When you shop for BCAAs, look for these qualities in the manufacturers to ensure you are getting the best quality BCAAs possible, while also supporting a humane and sustainable production environment:
● Uses proven allergen-free processing
● Uses proven non-GMO processing
● Uses no artificial coloring or flavoring
● Identifies ethical farmers/producers who support sustainable manufacturing
● Negotiates fair pricing to provide income to farmers and low cost to consumer
Why Do Producers Still Use Animal-Based BCAAs?
Why don’t all producers use Non-GMO sources plant-based BCAAs? Cost, plain and simple. It is cheaper to manufacture BCAAs using pig parts, feathers, hair and other components, and then add artificial flavoring, colors and sweeteners to make the final product more appealing to the consumer.
Nutrology’s BCAA Natural Product
To counter the production cost issue, Nutrology uses a long-term, trusted partner who believes in the production of quality plant-based BCAAs. Though it does cost a bit more to produce, the slight increase in production cost is largely absorbed by Nutrology and not passed onto the consumer. With BCAA Natural, you can be confident your product has their qualities:
● 100% Plant-based
● No Artificial Anything
● Outstanding source of BCAAs with proven health benefits
○ Supports building of lean muscle
○ Promoted protein metabolism and synthesis
○ Decreases muscle soreness post-workout
● Ethical, sustainable farming/manufacturing
● Commitment to socially aware, plant-based lifestyle
● Committed to supporting both ethical manufacturers and health-conscious consumers
Remember in the opening paragraph the three essential amino acids that account for 33% of muscle tissue? Each serving of Nutrology’s BCAA Natural is packed with:
● 2500 mg of Leucine
● 1250 mg Isoleucine
● 1250 mg Valine
Nutrology firmly believes that this approach – plant-based lifestyle, sustainable, humane sourcing, non-allergenic and socially aware – is the correct one for its consumers and for our planet.
Use BCAA Natural to maintain your overall health and wellness, and as an outstanding supplement to power your workouts and recovery. To learn more about Nutrology commitment to the highest quality natural products and its support for your healthy lifestyle, visit www.nutrologyonline.com today.
Joanne Tull, former Fitness America, Fitness Canada and Fitness Universe finalist. Joanne is a Co-Founder of Nutrology, the naturally based sports nutrition company that has innovated clean label nutritional products used by thousands of athletes, including elites in the NFL, MLB, NHL and Professional Boxing. Having appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports and TSN after finishing a storied athletic career as a state champion, collegiate and national level gymnast, Joanne’s approach to nutrition is simple yet powerful.