The Effects of BCAA-Enriched Essential Amino Acid Mixture Intake on Appetite and GLP-1 Secretion: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Triple-Crossover Study

Abstract

Background: Obesity and related metabolic disorders necessitate safe and effective strategies for appetite control. Previous reports have indicated that protein and specific amino acids can stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, thereby helping regulate food intake. We developed a BCAA-enriched essential amino acid mixture (BEAA®) with a known muscle mass improvement effect, but its influence on appetite and GLP-1 secretion has not been fully clarified. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, triple-crossover study was conducted to evaluate the impact of BEAA® on appetite and GLP-1 secretion in healthy subjects. Subjects were assigned to consume one of three products—BEAA® (6 g), BEAA® (3 g), or placebo—in a random order, separated by a one-week washout. Appetite-related parameters (hunger, fullness, prospective food intake, satisfaction) were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at multiple time points up to 180 minutes post-intake. Blood samples were collected to measure active GLP-1 levels (ΔGLP-1) and calculate the net incremental area under the curve (niAUC). Results: Compared to the placebo, BEAA® (6 g) showed a trend toward lowering hunger scores at 90 and 120 minutes post-intake, though the differences were not statistically significant. GLP-1 levels (ΔGLP-1 at 30 minutes and niAUC) also trended higher with BEAA® (6 g) compared to the placebo but did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were observed for BEAA® (3 g), and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A single 6 g dose of BEAA® demonstrated a tendency to induce GLP-1 secretion and maintain mild hunger in healthy adults. These findings suggest that BEAA® may serve not only as a supplement for muscle mass enhancement but also as a potential functional food for appetite regulation.