ID 450 - Aminokwasy rozgałęzione

PL: Aminokwasy rozgałęzione
EN: Branched chain amino acids
Pdf: branched-chain amino acids

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituents that are the subjects of the health claims are proteinogenic branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which are amino acids having aliphatic side-chains that are non-linear, i.e., leucine, isoleucine and valine. The content of BCAA in foods can be measured by established methods.
Leucine, isoleucine and valine are indispensable amino acids provided by mixed dietary protein intakes from different sources. A claim on protein and growth or maintenance of muscle mass has already been assessed with a favourable outcome (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), 2010).
BCAA can also be consumed as food supplements. Different mixtures are available in the market. From the references and conditions of use provided in relation to the health claims considered in this opinion, the Panel assumes that the food constituent under evaluation is BCAA consumed in addition to adequate protein intakes.
The Panel considers that the food constituent, branched chain amino acids, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.

2.5. Zmniejszenie stopnia odczuwania wysiłku podczas ćwiczeń (ID 450)

The claimed effect is “BCAAs improve performance during sustained exercise”. The Panel assumes that the target population is active individuals in the general population.
In the context of the proposed wordings and clarifications provided by Member States, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to a reduction in perceived exertion during exercise.
The Panel considers that a reduction in perceived exertion during exercise is a beneficial physiological effect.

3.5. Zmniejszenie stopnia odczuwania wysiłku podczas ćwiczeń (ID 450)

Only one of the two references provided for the scientific substantiation of this claim addressed the effects of BCAA on perceived exertion during exercise (Blomstrand et al., 1997).
In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover intervention (Blomstrand et al., 1997), seven endurance-trained cyclists were given 150-200 mL of either a solution of BCAA (7 g/L of BCAA (40 % valine, 35 % leucine and 25 % isoleucine), corresponding to 90 mg BCAA/kg body weight) or flavoured water (placebo) before and every 15 min during an 80 min exercise (60 min 70 % VO2max + 20 min at maximal effort). Every 10 min during exercise the subjects rated their perceived exertion on the 15 degree (6 to 20) category scale developed and validated by Borg (1970).
The area under the curve for ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during the 60 min period of exercise at fixed work rate was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to placebo (-7 %). No significant differences were observed between groups with respect to RPE during the last 20 min of exercise performed at maximal intensity. The Panel notes that the number of subjects recruited was small, and that the study was not adequately controlled for energy intake (i.e. energy content of the BCAA drink was higher than that of placebo), which could have accounted for the differences in RPE observed between groups, all of which greatly limit the conclusions that can be drawn from this study for the scientific substantiation of the claimed effect.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of BCAA and a reduction in perceived exertion during exercise.

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

90 mg per kg of bodyweight during exercise 90 mg per kg of bodyweight during exercise