Branched-Chain Amino Acids in the Context of Protein Restriction
There is some interest in the research community in identifying the specific triggers by which lowered intake of protein leads to beneficial shifts in metabolism and modestly slowed aging. Scientists have shown that reducing only protein intake (such as via reduced intake of methionine, an essential amino acid required for all protein synthesis) while retaining the same level of dietary calories can have similar effects to the practice of calorie restriction, an overall reduction in food intake. Thus methionine sensing is important. It isn't the only mechanism relevant to the benefits to health that result from a lower intake of macronutrients, however. Here, researchers focus on the role of branched-chain amino acids in this context, putting forward the case for branched-chain amino acid sensing to also be an important factor.
The proportion of humans suffering from age-related diseases is increasing around the world, and creative solutions are needed to promote healthy longevity. Recent work has clearly shown that a calorie is not just a calorie - and that low protein diets are associated with reduced mortality in humans and promote metabolic health and extended lifespan in rodents. Many of the benefits of protein restriction on metabolism and aging are the result of decreased consumption of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Here, we discuss the emerging evidence that BCAAs are critical modulators of healthy metabolism and longevity in rodents and humans, as well as the physiological and molecular mechanisms that may drive the benefits of BCAA restriction. Our results illustrate that protein quality - the specific composition of dietary protein - may be a previously unappreciated driver of metabolic dysfunction and that reducing dietary BCAAs may be a promising new approach to delay and prevent diseases of aging.
If I remember correctly BCAAs are more present in animal products. Big Food Distribution / Big Agriculture make way more profit by selling plant calories / protein (no refrigeration / huge shelf life / less sanitary controls). They are financing the vegan craze. I would look at this article's conflicts of interest with an Atomic Force Microscope.