Isoleucine

Isoleucine, one of the essential amino acids, is needed for hemoglobin formation and also stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. It is metabolized in muscle tissue. It is one of the three branched-chain amino acids. These amino acids are valuable for athletes because they enhance energy, increase endurance, and aid in the healing and repair of muscle tissue.

Isoleucine has been found to be deficient in people suffering from many different mental and physical disorders. A deficiency of isoleucine can lead to symptoms similar to those of hypoglycemia.

Food sources of isoleucine include almonds, cashews, chicken, chickpeas, eggs, fish, lentils, liver, meat, rye, most seeds, and soy protein. It is also available in supplemental form. Supplemental isoleucine should always be taken with a correct balance of the other two branched-chain amino acids, leucine and valine-approximately 2 milligrams each of leucine and valine for each milligram of isoleucine. Combination supplements that provide all three of the branched-chain amino acids are available and may be more convenient to use.

How much to take

Take isoleucine in a combination supplement. Since it is a three branched chain amino acid, isoleucine should be taken with a two branched chain amino acid, to maintain a proper balance. Use the most bio-available form, identified by 'L-'. The best ratio in a combination supplement is 1 part L-isoleucine, 2 parts L-leucine an 2 parts L-valine.

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