How Much BCAAS Should You Take When Cutting?

A relevant question that I often receive is from individuals attempting to "cut" or lose weight. People want to know the optimal amount of BCAA intake in order to facilitate fat loss while also maintaining muscle mass. The answer is actually pretty simple, most studies point to a BCAA dosage, in the 2:1:1 ratio, of 2-5 grams per serving.

While that may be seem like a broad range, it really isn't and The Physique Formula BCAAs provide 5 grams per scoop. What's important to note is that BCAAs are never going to increase your fat loss, the role they play is in muscle retention and helping to maintain training intensity when calories are lower.

Timing of branched chain amino acid intake is more important than the actual amount. For cutting I recommend that the individual consume BCAAs during their workout. Physique Formula BCAAs contain glutamine which helps to prevent amino acid oxidation during training. The longer that you can keep BCAAs, particularly leucine, around in your body then the longer your anabolic signalling can be.

Your body breaks down muscle tissue when you train so "feeding" your body with BCAAs while you train is important. I also recommend that another serving of BCAAS are ingested in the middle of the day between meals with the last serving to be taken at night before bed.

So how much BCAAs should you take when cutting?

2-5 grams two to three times per day.