Nutritional status affects branched-chain oxidized-chain oxoacid dehydrogenase activity during exercise in humans

The effects carbohydrate and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) availability on the activity of branched-chain oxoacid dehydrogenase (BCOAD) was analyzed during prolonged exercise in healthy individuals. Analysis of muscle metabolism during prolonged exercise indicated the role of low glycogen concentration in increasing the levels of BCOAD in active state. Furthermore, muscle endurance was not enhanced by BCAA supplementation during low-carbohydrate conditions.