What is the point of having an energy drink containing BCAAs for a runner?
Runners need energy, hydration, and optimal recovery to power through training sessions and races. While energy drinks are already well-known for maintaining performance, those enriched with BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) offer additional benefits. But why add these famous BCAAs to your energy drink? And more importantly, is it really useful for running? Spoiler: yes, and we'll explain why!
What exactly are BCAAs?
BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) are three essential amino acids:
• Leucine: plays a key role in muscle recovery and protein synthesis.
• Isoleucine: promotes energy production during exercise.
• Valine: helps reduce central fatigue and improves endurance.
They are called “essential” because the body cannot produce them: they must be provided by food or supplements.
Why BCAAs in an energy drink for runners?
A typical energy drink primarily provides carbohydrates and electrolytes for energy and hydration. Adding BCAAs offers several specific benefits for runners.
1. Reduction of muscular and central fatigue
During prolonged exercise, the body uses its glycogen stores, then begins to draw on muscle protein for energy. BCAAs in a drink limit this muscle breakdown, thus delaying muscle fatigue, which is very useful for runners and endurance athletes.
Additionally, valine helps regulate tryptophan levels, a precursor to serotonin. An increase in serotonin during exercise can accelerate the feeling of fatigue. By consuming BCAAs through a long-distance drink for running and endurance sports, you can delay this feeling of mental fatigue.
2. Optimization of muscle recovery
BCAAs, particularly leucine, stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which accelerates muscle fiber repair after exercise. The result? Less muscle soreness and better recovery between workouts.
3. Improved endurance and performance
Isoleucine promotes glucose uptake by muscles, thus improving the utilization of energy reserves. An energy drink with BCAAs therefore allows for more efficient energy delivery, extending endurance over long distances.
4. Reduction of muscle catabolism
During intense exercise, the body can cannibalize its own muscles to produce energy. BCAAs provide an alternative energy source, thus limiting muscle loss during long runs.
BlackBelt Energy Drink: A Perfect Balance for Runners
At BlackBelt, we have designed an energy drink enriched with BCAAs, specifically designed for the needs of runners.
An ideal formula for endurance
• An optimized carbohydrate intake for constant energy.
• Essential electrolytes for effective hydration.
• An ideal dosage of BCAAs for improved recovery and reduced muscle fatigue.
An asset for long and intense efforts
Whether you're training for a half marathon, a marathon, or a trail run, our energy drink with BCAAs helps you last longer and recover better.
When and how to consume an energy drink with BCAA?
Before the race
• 30 minutes before exercise, to recharge energy reserves and limit muscle catabolism.
During the effort
• Every 30 to 45 minutes to maintain stable energy levels and reduce muscle fatigue.
• Ideal for distances over 1h30, where real-time recovery becomes crucial.
After the effort
• A protein ideally dosed in BCAA, In addition to a post-race snack, to optimize muscle repair. Here is an article that explains the benefits of proteins for runners and why to consume them.
Conclusion
BCAAs in an energy drink are a real asset for runners, providing:
• A reduction in muscular and mental fatigue.
• Better recovery between workouts.
• Improved endurance and more stable energy.
At BlackBelt, we have developed a BCAA-enriched energy drink designed for demanding runners . Its perfect balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes and amino acids makes it an ideal ally for performance without compromising recovery.
🔥 Ready to boost your endurance? Discover the BlackBelt drink now!
