Ingredients / Amino acids & muscle

BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine)

Also listed as: branched-chain amino acids

What it is

Three essential amino acids, meaning you have to get them from food. They are found in all protein foods.

Why it is in energy drinks

Marketed for muscle recovery and training.

Worth knowing

BCAAs are about muscle, not alertness. If you already eat enough protein, extra BCAAs add little.

General information, not medical advice. We read what the label lists and don't test what an ingredient does.