Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
Leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential amino acids which are not produced by the body and must be ingested from the diet.
They are found in large amount in muscles of meat and are necessary for synthesis of proteins in the body.
They are wasted during liver disorders, high catabolic processes (cancer, burns) and also used for dietary supplementation in sport and fitness.
At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found.
Around 20 amino acids (8 of them are essential) are normally present in breastmilk to which they reach through a selective-transport system of alveolar mammary epithelium (Ramirez 2001) with higher concentrations observed in the milk of obese mothers ( De Luca 2016).
Its concentration is higher in the plasma of both mother and newborn after vaginal delivery than after cesarean section. (Schulpis 2009).
BCAA supplementation does not alter the levels of prolactin (Bianchi 1992).
These are natural components of the body that are devoid of toxicity even at higher doses than those recommended (AESAN 2012) without harmful effect while breastfeeding.
Alternatives
We do not have alternatives for Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) since it is relatively safe.
Very Low Risk
Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.
Low Risk
Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.
High Risk
Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.
Very High Risk
Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.
Synonyms
- Isoleucine
- l-2-Amino-3-methylvaleric acid
- Leucine
- Valine
- α-Aminoisocaproic Acid
- α-Aminoisovaleric Acid
Writings
- βαλίνη; (Greek)
- Ισολευκίνη (Greek)
- Λευκίνη (Greek)
- إيسولوسين (Arabic)
- فالين (Arabic)
- لوسين (Arabic)
- Валин (Cyrillic)
- Изолейцин (Cyrillic)
- Лейцин (Cyrillic)
- 亮氨酸 (Chinese)
- 异亮氨酸 (Chinese)
- 缬氨酸 (Chinese)
- L-バリン (Japanese)
- L-ロイシン (Japanese)
- L-イソロイシン (Japanese)
- Iso: C6H13NO2 (Molecular formula)
- Leu: C6H13NO2 (Molecular formula)
- Val: C5H11NO2 (Molecular formula)
Drug trade names
References
- De Luca A, Hankard R, Alexandre-Gouabau MC, Ferchaud-Roucher V, Darmaun D, Boquien CY. Higher concentrations of branched-chain amino acids in breast milk of obese mothers. Nutrition. 2016Abstract
- AESAN. Informe del Comité Científico de la Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN) sobre condiciones de uso de determinadas sustancias distintas de vitaminas, minerales y plantas para ser empleadas en complementos alimenticios - 1. Revista del comité científico nº 17. 2012 Full text (in our servers)
- Schulpis KH, Vlachos GD, Papakonstantinou ED, Karikas GA, Vlachos DG, Roma E, Antsaklis A, Papassotiriou I, Tsakiris S. Maternal-neonatal amino acid blood levels in relation to the mode of delivery. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2009Abstract
- Ramirez I, DeSantiago S, Tovar AR, Torres N. Amino acid intake during lactation and amino acids of plasma and human milk. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2001Abstract
- Bianchi GP, Marchesini G, Zoli M, Abbiati R, Ferrario E, Fabbri A, Pisi E. Oral BCAA supplementation in cirrhosis with chronic encephalopathy: effects on prolactin and estradiol levels. Hepatogastroenterology. 1992Abstract