Isoleucine, one of three essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), is not produced in the body and must be obtained through diet. Isoleucine, leucine and valine make up 70 percent of the amino acids in the body proteins, working together to maintain and repair muscle tissue and regulate blood sugar and energy.
Isoleucine is popular with body builders and athletes and is commonly found in muscle building supplements. Its supplementation has proven effective in preventing muscle deterioration and promoting tissue repair due to its anabolic effects on muscle protein synthesis, which prevent muscle protein loss. At the site of an injury, it aids blood clotting. Similarly, it is used to aid muscle and tissue recovery after surgery or trauma.
A second important function of Isoleucine is its ability to regulate blood sugar and energy levels. It is a necessary component of hemoglobin formation. As such, it is important in the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes. Notably, recent research has found a link between a genetic defect in tRNAs, genes in the mitochondra involved in the construction of protein cells, that transport isoleucine. This genetic defect, or mitochondrial malfunction, is now being linked to hypertension, high cholesterol and low magnesium, primary contributors to heart and stroke disease.
Isoluecine deficiency is typically found in protein deficient diets. Symptoms can be similar to those from hypoglycemia and may include fatigue, headaches, depression and dizziness. An inability to metabolize leucine, valine and isoleucine is known to contribute to Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a condition caused by the buildup of metabolites in the urine.
Isoleucine, which is obtained through dietary sources, can be found in meats, fish, dairy products (dairy foods), soy protein, grains (lentils, chickpeas), nuts (peanuts, almonds, and sesame seeds) and vegetables.
It is recommended that Isoleucine be taken with the two other BCAAs, valine and leucine, at 2 milligrams of leucine and valine for each 1 milligram of isoleucine, or a 2:1:2 ratio of valine, isoleucine and leucine, respectively. For an adult, the daily required dosages per kilogram of body weight is 10-12 mg.
The metabolism of BCAAs may be improved by combining them with other nutrient supplements, such as B12 and biotin.
References*: Electronic source, http:www.springboard4health.com-notebook-proteins_isoleucine.html*
*Electronic source * www.vitamins-supplements.org-amino-acid-isoleucine.php
