California Gold Nutrition's Sport BCAA Powder features a clinically relevant 2:1:1 ratio of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine—delivered in free-form for rapid absorption. The product is formulated to support muscle protein synthesis, exercise recovery, and metabolic function, particularly in the context of resistance training or age-related muscle loss. Each serving provides 2.5 g of L-Leucine, the key anabolic trigger that activates the mTOR pathway, which regulates muscle growth.
As a dietary supplement, this product falls within the sports nutrition category and is intended for use around workouts or with low-protein meals to enhance the anabolic response. The inclusion of AjiPure® branding suggests high-purity amino acids, potentially improving bioavailability. While BCAA supplements are not a substitute for complete protein, they can be strategically used to augment protein intake, especially in populations with increased needs or suboptimal dietary intake.
Quick Summary
All ingredient amounts are clearly disclosed with no proprietary blends, ensuring full transparency and enabling accurate dose assessment.
The primary ingredient, L-Leucine, is dosed at 2.5 g (83% of clinical midpoint), which is effective for stimulating muscle protein synthesis, especially when combined with resistance training. Supporting BCAAs are below clinical midpoints but contribute to metabolic and recovery benefits.
Free-form amino acids like those in this product are rapidly absorbed and bioavailable. The use of AjiPure® suggests high-purity L-amino acids, which may enhance absorption and justify a +10% bioavailability credit.
BCAAs are generally safe for healthy adults, but contraindications exist for metabolic disorders and potential interactions with levodopa. Long-term high-dose safety is not fully established.
Suggested: 2 servings/day to reach clinical midpoint
Why Take This Product
Key Benefits
- Supports Muscle Recovery and Performance: BCAA supplementation, especially in a 2:1:1 ratio, may reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and perceived soreness, supporting faster recovery between training sessions.
- Enhances Metabolic Flexibility: L-Isoleucine may improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, supporting metabolic health during and after exercise [5].
Who Should Take This
Potential Side Effects
Ingredient Breakdown
The formulation centers on the three branched-chain amino acids, with L-Leucine as the primary driver of anabolic signaling. L-Isoleucine and L-Valine play supportive roles in metabolism and nitrogen balance.
Primary Ingredients
L-Leucine
Muscle protein synthesis, mTOR activation, anabolic signaling
Dose is 83% of the clinical midpoint (4 g). Evidence shows 2.5–5 g enhances myofibrillar protein synthesis post-exercise [3]. At 2.5 g, it approaches but does not fully reach the optimal 3–5 g range for sarcopenia or resistance training support.
L-Leucine is the primary driver of muscle protein synthesis, acting as both a substrate and signaling molecule via the mTOR pathway. It is especially effective in older adults and during low-protein states.
Supporting Ingredients
There are 2 supporting ingredients.
Practical Recommendations
- Optimize Timing Around Workouts: Consume one serving 30–60 minutes pre- or post-exercise to support muscle protein synthesis and reduce breakdown during training.
- Combine With Protein For Maximum Benefit: Use BCAAs to supplement, not replace, whole protein sources. Pair with meals or a protein shake to ensure all essential amino acids are available for muscle repair.
- Consider For Older Adults With Low Protein Intake: Older individuals may benefit from adding this to low-protein meals to overcome anabolic resistance and support sarcopenia prevention.
Is it Safe?
BCAA supplements are generally safe for healthy adults at recommended doses. However, contraindications exist for certain metabolic and neurological conditions, and long-term high-dose safety is not fully established.
Safety & Considerations
- Contraindication: Do not use in maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) or methylmalonic acidemia due to impaired BCAA catabolism.
- Drug Interaction: May interfere with levodopa absorption; separate dosing by at least 2–3 hours.
- Metabolic Caution: High-dose BCAA supplementation may alter neurotransmitter balance; use caution in ALS or hepatic encephalopathy.
- Glucose Monitoring: L-Isoleucine may enhance insulin sensitivity; monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients.
Reports for Similar Products
The Science
The product delivers a near-clinical dose of L-Leucine, the most potent BCAA for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. When used strategically, it can enhance muscle recovery and lean mass gains, particularly in suboptimal protein states.
Leucine supplementation improves sarcopenia-related parameters in older adults, including muscle mass and strength.
Leucine supplementation showed beneficial effects on sarcopenia criteria, including lean mass and physical performance.
Adding 5 g leucine to a low-protein beverage enhanced myofibrillar protein synthesis in young men post-exercise.
Meta-analysis found leucine increases muscle protein synthesis and lean body mass in older adults.
Chronic isoleucine supplementation prevents diet-induced weight gain and improves glucose tolerance in mice.
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