When you are training to develop a stronger, more powerful physique, it is essential to stimulate and fuel your muscles at the cellular level. BCAA's make up approximately 1/3 of muscle protein. They reduce muscle fatigue, speed recovery, decrease the loss of other amino acids from muscle during exercise and help the body absorb protein. A deficiency in any one of these amino acids will cause loss of muscle. Unlike other amino acids, BCAA's are metabolized in the muscle; not the liver.
BCAA's are rapidly depleted from the muscle when training. Taking BCAA's before and/or during a work out will increase performance and delay fatigue. Taking BCAA's immediately after or with a post-workout meal will lower cortisol levels and rapidly replace BCAA levels in the muscles.
The main component BCAA uptake is elevated blood sugar. Taking BCAA's with each meal and before and after a workout is ideal. They should also be taken within 30-60 minutes preceding and following an intense workout to help create muscle building conditions.