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.
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