Branched chain amino acids are amino acids with a structure that contains a branch. In this regard they are structurally unique amongst the amino acids. Branched chain amino acids are found in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and their main function is to provide structure to muscle to allow the skeleton to move. However, branch chain amino acids can affect the brain because they have the ability to interfere with the large neutral amino acid transporter. This has an effect on the brain because many of the amino acids that can affect the brain also use this transporter. By interfering with the transporter, the branch chain amino acids may therefore be able to moderate the uptake of important amino acids to the brain, and this may affect the ratios of amino acids in the brain. That is not to say the modification is detrimental, just that branched chain amino acids can clearly affect this system. Branched chain amino acids supplements may therefore have neurological effects in humans.
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