During extended exercise, which group of amino acids notably contributes to energy production?

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) play a significant role during extended exercise by serving as an important energy source. The BCAAs, which include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are unique because they are metabolized primarily in the muscle rather than in the liver. This feature allows them to be quickly utilized for energy during prolonged physical activity, especially when glycogen stores are depleted.

During extended exercise, the demand for energy increases, and the body may utilize BCAAs to help maintain blood glucose levels and support muscle function. The BCAAs can also contribute to the prevention of muscle protein breakdown, which further preserves muscle mass and performance during endurance activities.

Moreover, the use of BCAAs during prolonged exercise has been linked to reduced fatigue and improved endurance performance, enhancing the overall exercise experience. In contrast, while essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids also have their roles in muscle repair and recovery, they do not provide the same direct energy contribution during extended exercise as the BCAAs do. Complete proteins consist of all essential amino acids, but again, they are not immediately available for energy production during strenuous activity in the same way that BCAAs are.