The Branched Chain Amino Acids Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine are so called because the side chains of these amino acids (the part of the molecule that differentiates the amino acids) are made up of non-linear (branching) carbon chains. BCAAs are essential amino acids, meaning that they must be consumed in the diet (rather than manufactured in the body) and constitute more than one-third of the amino acid composition of skeletal muscle. As a dietary supplement, BCAAs help support increased muscle metabolism and increased energy production, making them an ideal recovery aid following intense exercise.^✝ True Nutrition's Instantized Branched Chain Amino Acids are derived from fermented plant-based ingredients, are entirely vegan-friendly, and have been instantized using sunflower lecithin for ease in mixibility!