All amino acids are not created equal. Sure, they're all important for overall health but among the most crucial for muscle-building and recovery are the branched-chain amino acids also known as branch chain amino acids or BCAAs. The BCAA's - leucine, valine and isoleucine - serve multiple roles in muscle tissue; actively supporting anabolic processes, sparing other amino acids, supplying energy and inhibiting muscle breakdown. One of the reasons bodybuilders and other strength athletes rely so heavily on whey and egg proteins is their high content of BCAA's. These and other kinds of users rely on Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000 to keep their muscles supplied with these crucial aminos in-between or in addition to their protein shakes. A typical BCAA 1000 user is completely committed and works out intensely but is a hard-gainer who loses muscle strength and tone very easily. BCAA 1000 just may give you the anabolic edge you've been looking for, but won't cut very deeply into your supplement budget.