Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 – Branched-Chain Amino Acids

Key Ingredients / Formula

• L‑Leucine — 500 mg per 2-capsule serving 
• L‑Isoleucine — 250 mg per serving 
• L‑Valine — 250 mg per serving 
• Ratio = 2 : 1 : 1 (Leucine : Isoleucine : Valine) 
• Other ingredients: Gelatin (capsule), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate. 

Features & Benefits

1. Supports Muscle Recovery
   • BCAAs are essential amino acids that the body cannot produce, so supplementing helps ensure sufficient intake. 
   • These amino acids are “building blocks” of muscle and can support recovery and repair. 
   1. Maintains Nitrogen Balance
      • May improve nitrogen retention, which helps spare other amino acids for tissue repair. 
2. Convenient Form
   • Easy-to-swallow capsules make it simple to take, especially if you don’t like powders. 
   • Versatile usage: can be taken between meals, before workouts, or after workouts. 
3. Performance Support
   • According to ON: leucine in particular helps “switch on” muscle protein synthesis via mTOR signaling. 
   • BCAAs can also act as fuel for working muscles during prolonged or intense activity. 

Usage / How to Use

• Suggested Serving: 2 capsules (this provides 1,000 mg BCAAs) 
• Timing:
  • Take between meals
  • Or 30‑45 minutes before a workout
  • Or immediately after a workout 
• Dose Frequency: According to some sources, 1–3 times daily depending on training and diet. 

Safety & Precautions

• General Safety: BCAAs are generally safe when used as directed.
• Warnings:
  • Consult a physician if you are on medication or have a medical condition.
  • Not recommended for use by people under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women (as per label). 
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. 

Mechanism of Action (How It Works)

• The 2:1:1 ratio is a classic BCAA ratio — leucine is especially important because it strongly triggers mTOR, which is a key signal for muscle protein synthesis. 
• During exercise, BCAAs can be oxidized in muscles as a quick energy source, which may help reduce muscle breakdown. 
• By increasing amino acid availability in muscles, these capsules may help speed up recovery post-workout.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy to use — capsules, no need to mix powders
• Good leucine dose for stimulating muscle protein synthesis
• Flexible timing — can be used pre, post, or between meals

Cons:

• Capsules may be less convenient than powders if you need large doses
• BCAAs alone don’t provide all essential amino acids — not a full protein
• Effectiveness depends on overall diet; if you're already getting enough BCAAs from food or protein powder, the benefit may be limited

Who It’s For

• Weight-lifters / strength athletes who want support for recovery
• People doing endurance training who want to reduce muscle breakdown
• Anyone who wants a BCAA supplement but prefers capsules over powder