BCAAs, especially leucine, stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) via the mTOR pathway, aiding muscle growth and repair. This process is enhanced by adequate protein intake and resistance exercise.
Muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is the biological process of building new muscle tissue. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), especially leucine, play a crucial role by activating the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. mTOR is a central regulator of cell growth and protein synthesis. When BCAAs, particularly leucine, are present, mTOR is activated, leading to increased protein synthesis and muscle growth and repair after exercise-induced muscle damage. Adequate protein intake and resistance exercise are essential for maximizing MPS.