*Taste: Bitter *Properties: Readily soluble in formic acid, poorly soluble in water, and practically insoluble in ethanol. Soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid. Major effects and applications of BCAAs

In this series, we herein present our research on the physiology and usefulness of Branched-Chain Amino Acids. As often presented in the preceding issues of the journal, of the nine essential amino acids, valine, leucine and isoleucine, which have branched side chains, are called Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). BCAAs play important roles, particularly during exercise and in the maintenance and growth of skeletal muscle. BCAAs, which make up about 40% of the free essential amino acids in blood plasma, are used an energy source during exercise as necessary, and play an important part in glyconeogenesis (a mechanism for reusing the glucose used for energy in muscle). In patients with liver cirrhosis, a significant decrease in plasma BCAA level may lead to malnutrition or seriously hepatic encephalopathy. It was found that the supplementation of BCAAs to such patients improved nutritional status and lengthened survival time. "Amino Acids of the 21st Century" (6) Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)-