Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are essential nutrients found in protein-rich foods like meat, dairy, and legumes, and are popular supplements among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. They include three critical amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—which are uniquely capable of triggering muscle protein synthesis (MPS), the process responsible for muscle growth and repair. Understanding how BCAAs influence MPS can help you maximize your anabolic response and enhance both muscle growth and recovery.