Isoleucine is in the group of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are needed to help maintain, heal, and repair muscle tissue, skin, and bones. Isoleucine is needed for hemoglobin formation, and it helps to regulate blood glucose levels and maintain energy levels. Measurement of isoleucine is included in the Amino Acids, Plasma and Amino Acids, Urine tests along with 23 other amino acids.
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Isoleucine (Ile/I), also known as L-isoleucine, is an essential amino acid, which the body cannot synthesize on its own, supplemented with isoleucine through foods. Isoleucine belongs to the group of hydrophobic amino acids.
Isoleucine participates in the process of muscle recovery after exercise. Isoleucine is part of the genetic code and is an essential amino acid of muscle tissue. Some studies have shown that isoleucine supplementation can increase performance by up to 33% with the same level of exercise as before.
Besides, isoleucine is used to promote the production of glucose to provide immediate energy for the body, so the organism will feel less tired when exercising and blood sugar is kept stable. While not able to act as much as leucine, isoleucine also has the effect of promoting 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 very useful process to support muscles. Isoleucine is a very 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 as well as 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 of isoleucine 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.
