Isoleucine: Difference between revisions

In the human body, isoleucine is involved in muscle metabolism and is heavily concentrated in muscle tissue. It is also significant in hemoglobin synthesis and regulation of blood sugar and energy levels. Isoleucine's role as a BCAA makes it vital for repairing muscle tissue, especially after exercise, and in the maintenance of healthy muscle mass, which tends to decline with age.

Isoleucine, like other branched-chain amino acids, is associated with insulin resistance: higher levels of isoleucine are observed in the blood of diabetic mice, rats, and humans.{{pmid|25287287}} In diet-induced obese and insulin resistant mice, a diet with decreased levels of isoleucine (with or without the other branched-chain amino acids) results in reduced adiposity and improved insulin sensitivity.{{pmid|29266268}}{{pmid|33887198}} Reduced dietary levels of isoleucine are required for the beneficial metabolic effects of a [[wikipedia:Low-protein_diet|low protein diet]]. In humans, a protein restricted diet lowers blood levels of isoleucine and decreases fasting blood glucose levels.{{pmid|27346343}} Mice fed a low isoleucine diet are leaner, live longer, and are less frail.{{pmid|37939658}} In humans, higher dietary levels of isoleucine are associated with greater [[wikipedia:Body_mass_index|body mass index]].