The role of dietary branched chain amino acids in health and disease

Background: A healthy diet likely prevents the development of diseases. Although the composition of a healthy diet is under intense research, particular macronutrients, micronutrients and the balance between different macronutrients seem to be essential. Dietary protein content and its derived amino acids have been proposed to play a role in a number of diseases. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are of particular interest because they are highly elevated in Type II diabetic patients and on a molecular level activate the cellular master-regulator mTOR.

Aim: Provide a literature overview of the relation between BCAA intake and disease, as well as elucidate molecular mechanisms how BCAA contribute to disease pathology.