Isoleucine – an essential amino acid, Isoleucine is need for the production of hemoglobin and may help regulate the blood sugar levels in the body. It is a branched chain amino acid and may help in muscle recovery after exercise
A member of the aliphatic side-chain amino acid family and composed of hydrophobic biochemicals that are found in the interior of proteins and enzymes.
Other members of this family of amino acids include valine and leucine.
Isoleucine is found abundantly in meats, cheese, fish, seeds and nuts and eggs and is concentrated into the muscle tissues by the human body.
Supplemental doses of isoleucine may be very helpful in preventing muscle wasting and promoting tissue repair after surgery or trauma. Research by Amen and Yoshumira provides evidence indicating that isoleucine, leucine, and valine are important for stimulating anabolic function in humans. Isoleucine is also converted in the liver to blood sugar; therefore, it can be helpful in maintaining proper blood glucose levels.
The absorption of amino acids occurs along the entire length of the small intestine. Amino acids are not stored, about 1/3 of the amino acids not used are broken down for energy and the rest is broken down by the liver to produce urea. Since isoleucine is metabolized in the muscle, it is beneficial for repairing damaged muscle tissue and thus appears prominently in bodybuilding supplements, where it may also help in promoting endurance and energy.
Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: F.A. Davis Company. Groff, J., Gropper, S., and Hunt, S., (1995) Davis, F.A., (1993). . Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. St. Paul Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Gropper and Hamilton., (1987). The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J., (1996). Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America. Recommended Dietary Allowance. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1987). Nutrition Almanac. New York, New York: McGraw Hill. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998)
