2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Isoleucine is an essential amino acid that, together with valine and leucine, forms the BCAA group - branched chain amino acids that are responsible for the production of glucose, proteins and a number of other amino acids necessary for the proper functioning of basic vital functions. For the first time isoleucine was isolated in the distant 1904 from isoleucine.
Benefits of isoleucine
Isoleucine is involved in the formation of hemoglobin and regulates blood sugar levels.
Isoleucine is one of the three branched chain amino acids. These amino acids are very important for athletes because they increase the body's energy, increase endurance, support the healing and recovery of muscle tissue.
The additional intake of isoleucine with food or in the form of food supplements increases physical endurance and helps recovery from surgery or trauma. At the same time it accelerates wound healing.
Due to its involvement in the production of hemoglobin and regulation of blood sugar levels, the amino acid isoleucine present in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes and anemia.
Experiments conducted in animals have found a reduction in tremors, but there is still no conclusive evidence of benefits in this regard.
A few years ago, a team of Japanese scientists conducted a study proving the properties of isoleucine as a powerful weight loss tool. The study was performed with laboratory mice that were subjected to a high-calorie diet.
Experimental rodents were divided into two groups, receiving the same amount of food, but only the mice in the first group received isoleucine.
The results showed that the animals that took the amino acid accumulated less excess fat and the insulin level remained lower, with no changes in triglyceride, fatty acid and glucose levels.
According to the authors of this study, isoleucine may initiate the production of new drugs for weight loss. The amino acid not only speeds up the metabolism, but also reduces the already accumulated fat.
Sources of isoleucine
The foods from which leucine can be obtained are high-protein foods. Excellent sources of isoleucine are chicken, almonds, cashews, eggs, chickpeas, liver, fish, lentils, most types of seeds, soy proteins, rye and meat. Of course, it can also be obtained in the form of supplements.
Isoleucine intake
Additives with isoleucine should always be taken well balanced against other branched chain amino acids - leucine and valine.
It is customary to take about 2 mg of leucine and valine per 1 mg isoleucine. There is a combined supplement that provides all three branched chain amino acids, which is also more convenient to use.
Isoleucine deficiency
Lack of leucine it can only occur in people who follow low protein diets. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, depression, fatigue, irritability and confusion.
Very often the deficit of isoleucine may mimic the symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Isoleucine deficiency is found in people suffering from various physical and mental illnesses.
Harms from isoleucine
People who have kidney and liver problems should not take isoleucine because high doses of amino acids can make their condition worse.
It is recommended that the intake of any amino acids be performed under supervision and in the correct doses to avoid unwanted complications.
