Isoleucine works with leucine and valine to repair muscle, control blood sugar, and provide energy to body tissues. It also increases growth hormone production and helps burn visceral fat. Because these fats are located inside the body, diet and exercise alone are not effective against them.
Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain amino acids that help promote muscle recovery after training. Among them, isoleucine is the most effective branched chain amino acid, which can effectively prevent muscle loss because it can be decomposed and converted into glucose faster. Increased glucose prevents damage to muscle tissue, so it’s especially good for bodybuilders.
Leucine can promote the healing of bone, skin, and damaged muscle tissue, and doctors usually recommend leucine supplements for postoperative patients.
The best food sources of isoleucine include brown rice, beans, meats, nuts, soy flour, and whole grains. Since it is an essential amino acid, this means that the body cannot produce it itself and can only be obtained through diet. People who generally engage in high-intensity physical activity and a low-protein diet should consider taking isoleucine supplements. But it is best taken with isoleucine and valine.