Difference Between BCAA And Amino Acids

Bcaa (Branched-chain amino acids) are the group of required amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These acids play a vital role in internal body development. Whereas amino acids are organic compounds of the amine group and carboxylic group. Both types of acids are important and possess many differences. This article describes the difference between both in detail. 

What is BCAA?

Bcaa stands for Branched-chain amino acid. Bcaa is defined as a branched chain of amino acids which consists of an aliphatic side group with branches. It consists of three or more carbon atoms that are attached together to one alpha-carbon. There are many metabolic and physiologic functions of Bcaa such as the Metabolism of glucose, synthesis of proteins, and helping in the proper functioning of the brain and immune system. In total, there are three branched-chain amino acids. These branched-chain amino acids can be achieved from many food products such as eggs, fish, nuts, dairy, seeds, etc. 

What are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are defined as an organic compound that consists of amine groups, carboxylic groups, and specific side chain. There are many vital functions of these amino acids such as the production of vitamins, proteins, and Biosynthesis. In total, there are 500 amino acids whereas out of which 20 are standard and 9 amino acids are essential for humans. These essential amino acids help in the proper development of the human body. There are various food products such as beef, fish, eggs, nuts, and meat that produces amino acids. These amino acids are further classified as α Amino Acid,β Amino Acid, and γ Amino Acid. 

Difference Between BCAA And Amino Acid

Characteristics	BCAA (Branched-chain amino acid)	Amino Acids
Definition	BCAA is defined as a branched chain of amino acids that consists of an aliphatic side group with branches.	Amino Acids are defined as an organic compound that consists of amine groups, carboxylic groups, and a specific side chain.
Structure	BCAA has a structure with three or more carbon atoms that are attached to one alpha-carbon.	Amino Acids have the structure of Carboxylic acids with an amino group.
Types	BCAA consists of amino acids such as: leucine isoleucine valine.	According to the location of the carboxylic group amino acids are classified as: α Amino Acid   β Amino Acid  γ Amino Acid
Function	Metabolic roles of Bcaa: To promote the synthesis and turnover of protein To signal the pathways Metabolism of glucose Physiologic roles of Bcaa: To help the immune system To help in the functioning of the brain.	The production of Proteins, vitamins Biosynthesis Transport of neurotransmitter
Source	Bcaa is synthesized from supplements or food.	Amino Acids are synthesized in the body or from the sources of food.
Metabolization Location	Bcaa is metabolized in the muscles.	Amino acids are metabolized in the liver.
Number	In total, there are 3 Branched-chain amino acid	In total, there are 500 amino acids, out of which 20 are standard and 9 amino acids are essential for humans.
Sources of Food	Food that consists of Bcaa includes eggs, nuts, meat, fish, seeds, dairy, soy, etc.	Food that consists of amino acids includes beef, eggs, nuts, meat, fish, quinoa, and buckwheat.
Example	Examples of Bcaa are:  Leucine Isoleucine Valine.	Examples of Amino Acids are:  Threonine Isoleucine Tryptophan  Leucine Histidine  Valine Phenylalanine

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bcaa (Branched-chain amino acid) is one of the forms of Amino Acid. Both acids have their own properties and constitution. Bcaa consists of three different amino acids. Both the Bcaa and Amino acids have their own functions that are essential for the development of the body. 

FAQs on BCAA and Amino Acids

Q1: Do amino acids build muscle? 

Answer: 

Yes, amino acids help in building of muscles, enhancing the performance of workout. 

Q2: What are the sources of food that consist of Bcaa and Amino Acids together?

Answer:

The sources of food that consists of Bcaa and Amino Acids together are meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. 

Q3: What is the difference between the structure of Bcaa and Amino Acid?

Answer: 

The difference between the structure of Bcaa and amino acid is that Bcaa has a structure with three or more carbon atoms that are attached to one aplha-carbon whereas Amino acids have the structure of carboxylic acids with an amino group.