BCAAs, Muscle Protein Synthesis and Glucose Uptake

The Role of Branched-chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) in the Stimulation of Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Glucose Uptake in Healthy Young Volunteers

The present study aims to quantify the insulin sensitivity and the skeletal muscle protein synthetic response to consuming a test drink containing all amino acids or all amino acids except for BCAAs.

Twenty-eight healthy, young volunteers will receive a stable isotope tracer infusion (7.5h) combined with repeated blood and muscle sampling, to measure muscle protein synthesis rate in the postabsorptive state following ingestion of a drink containing all amino acids (n=14) or all amino acids except for BCAAs (n=14).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged from 18-35 years
• 18.5 < Body mass index < 30 kg·m2
• Recreationally active (performing non-competitive physical exercise at least one time per week for minimally 30 minutes)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking
• Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or genetic form of diabetes)
• Any diagnosed cardiovascular (heart) disease or high blood pressure (≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic)
• Chronic use of any prescribed or over the counter pharmaceuticals (excluding oral contraceptives and contraceptive devices)
• Known allergy to lidocaine
• Regular use of dietary protein and/or amino acid supplements (>3 times per week)
• Currently involved in a structured progressive resistance training programme (>3 times per week)
• A personal or family history of thrombosis (clots), epilepsy, seizures, or schizophrenia.
• Any previous motor disorders or disorders in muscle and/or lipid metabolism
• Presence of an ulcer in the stomach or gut and/or strong history of indigestion
• Known severe kidney problems
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Unable to give consent