Isoleucine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that helps maintain, heal, and repair muscle tissue, skin, and bones. It is also needed for hemoglobin formation and helps regulate blood glucose levels and maintain energy.
The measurement of isoleucine, along with 23 other amino acids, is included in the Amino Acids in Plasma and the Amino Acids in Urine tests.
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Isoleucine (Ile/I), also known as L-isoleucine, is an essential amino acid that the body cannot synthesize on its own unless supplemented with isoleucine through foods. Isoleucine belongs to the group of hydrophobic amino acids.
Isoleucine is an essential amino acid of muscle tissue. It participates in muscle recovery after exercise. Some studies have shown that isoleucine supplementation can increase performance by up to 33% with the same level of training.
Besides, isoleucine promotes glucose production to provide immediate energy for the body, so the organism will feel less tired when exercising and keep blood sugar stable. While not able to act as much as leucine, isoleucine also promotes muscle building by its ability to stimulate the development of growth hormones. Isoleucine is required for the formation of hemoglobin. In addition, isoleucine affects blood clotting and protects the body against the risk of wound infection after exercise, a beneficial process to support muscles. Isoleucine is an essential amino acid for athletes and people who often exercise. Consuming enough L-isoleucine helps sports athletes and people who exercise regularly to prevent the deterioration of muscle tissue during exercise. L-isoleucine enhances strength and endurance and accelerates muscle repair after exercise. L-isoleucine, L-leucine, and L-valine work together to make up one-third of the protein in muscle tissue.
Isoleucine helps regulate blood sugar levels. A deficiency can lead to hypoglycemia, with symptoms such as hunger and dizziness. It can also cause neurological and cognitive problems, including depression. Adults need about 20 mg/kg body weight per day. Foods high in isoleucine include beef, chicken, pork, fish, tofu, dairy, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables like peas.
