Available in every health food store and nutritional supplement outlet, BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) are a staple for athletes, gym-goers, and everyone in-between. BCAAs include leucine, isoleucine and valine. All three are among the nine essential amino acids, and are involved in several important physiological functions such as protein synthesis, metabolism of glucose and cell signaling. The reason they are called essential amino acids is because they cannot be made out of other amino acids.
Why do we need BCAAs?
BCAAs are contained in foods containing protein. They are found in large quantities in poultry, beef and eggs. BCAAs are like rocket fuel for muscles, stimulating them, and providing nutrients for muscle growth. It has been well-established that BCAAs not only increase the rate of protein synthesis, but also increase the cell’s capacity for protein synthesis. They have been used to treat burn, trauma, and sepsis patients. Studies have also shown them to be effective for relieving symptoms of liver diseases, as the liver is very active in producing proteins used in the human body.
Why are BCAAs important for hair growth?
Having a sufficient amount of BCAAs in one’s diet is important for general health as well as hair growth. First, because BCAAs are involved in protein synthesis, they are required to make potassium ion channels. Potassium ion channels are small protein structures that control the transport of potassium ions across the hair follicle’s cell membrane. Potassium ion channels have been implicated in a vast array of diseases ranging from hepatitis C to diabetes. Recently, Oxford Biolabs® scientists discovered that potassium ion channels are present within human hair follicles, and demonstrated that they are responsible for maintaining the proper functioning of each individual follicle. As a person experiences hair loss, the activity of potassium ion channels diminishes, resulting in shrinking follicles and thinning hair.
BCAAs are also important for creating keratin, the protein that gives hair its strength. The book Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair, goes into detail about how much of each amino acid is present in hair. BCAAs were found in a significant concentration in all types of human hair. What’s surprising is that bleached or chemically-altered hair is deprived of essential amino acids like BCAAs, so taking BCAAs if one has dyed, bleached, or thinning hair is essential for keeping it healthy, and restoring the strength and fullness of hair.
The synergy of ingredients in TRX2®
In TRX2®, biotin and BCAAs work in tandem to support and maintain protein synthesis in hair follicles. Like the other ingredients in TRX2®, they act as a complete synergy to address hair thinning and loss from multiple angles. When experiencing hair loss, the last thing anybody wants is for it to get worse, and that’s why TRX2® includes a scientifically proven formula designed to improve the functioning of hair follicles.
