BCAA May Support Immune System in Endurance Athletes
INDIANAPOLIS--In the July issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, it was reported that supplementation through branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) may bolster endurance athletes' immune systems.
Researchers found that long, intense exercise may lead to immune suppression, decreasing the level of plasma glutamine and leading to an increased incidence of symptoms for infections. Twelve male triathletes [who swam 1.5 km, cycled 40 km and ran 10 km] were studied as they competed in two triathlons over two years. Half were given the BCAA supplement while the other half were given a placebo. Those given the supplement retained normal levels of plasma glutamine; the placebo group experienced a 22.8-percent decrease in plasma glutamine levels. For more information, visit www.ms-se.com.