Which of the following are the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)?

The three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are valine, leucine, and isoleucine. These specific amino acids are essential to human health, meaning they cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet. They are unique because of their branched chemical structure, which differentiates them from other amino acids.

BCAAs play significant roles in muscle metabolism, energy production, and recovery during and after exercise. They are often highlighted for their potential to reduce muscle soreness and promote protein synthesis, making them particularly valuable for athletes and individuals engaged in resistance training.

Options that include other amino acids like alanine, methionine, serine, tyrosine, and cysteine do not represent branched-chain amino acids. These amino acids serve different functions in the body, but they are not categorized as BCAAs due to their structural differences and metabolic pathways.