Ingredient Information

Function

L-Isoleucine is an essential amino acid which means that this amino acid is not produced naturally by the human body but must be ingested through the foods that we eat. No mammal is capable of producing L-Isoleucine; however, many animals are capable of storing large amounts of this amino acid. L-Isoleucine is generally used as an additive in many supplements that are designed to promote recovery after intense physical training or an injury. L-Isoleucine is also used occasionally as a food preservative. Many foods that are rich in Vitamin B have L-Isoleucine added to them because the two work together to complete many crucial bodily functions.

Other Use and Industries

L-Isoleucine is used almost exclusively in nutritional supplements; however, because animals are so adept at storing this amino acid, some animal feed is enriched with Isoleucine and other branched chain amino acids. The addition of Isoleucine to animal feed makes the animals an excellent source of the amino acid when consumed by humans.

Health Effects

L-Isoleucine promotes rapid healing in human bodies that have experienced injury, illness or muscle strain due to intense activity. This amino acid is also useful in producing hemoglobin and regulating the blood sugar levels in animal blood. Humans may supplement with L-Isoleucine to improve healing or to deal with diabetes, though most humans receive ample amounts of L-Isoleucine with a regular, balanced diet. Supplements are likely to contain starch and gluten as part of their inactive ingredients.

L-isoleucine is an amino acid which is regarded as safe only in small ammounts. Over consumption may lead to liver disease, excesive urination, and depression. Not enough is known about L-isoleucine as a supplement to clear it for consumption during pregnancy. Patients with amyotrophic lateral disease must avoid it.

Origins

L-Isoleucine can be found in food such as soy, beans, peas, beef, fish, eggs, and dairy products. It can also be isolated from strains of bacteria: a process which was first discovered in the early 1900s. The synthetic production of L-Isoleucine is most commonly used when the amino acid will be added to health supplements.