Isoleucine and valine represent two branded-chain amino acids (BCAAS) that contain structures that have been shown to impact the muscles. They commonly are found in eggs, meat and other foods that contain protein and may benefit the body in several ways.
To better understand isoleucine and valine, let’s examine both of these BCAAS and their benefits.
What Is Isoleucine?
Isoleucine – along with valine and leucine – is one of the BCAAS. Unlike valine and leucine, however, isoleucine acts as an intermediate to drive muscle protein synthesis (MPS).Leucine and isoleucine contain the same chemical composition but have varying atom arrangements, resulting in different properties.Isoleucine is stronger than valine but weaker than leucine, and as such, cannot significantly bolster glucose uptake and glucose usage during exercise. Moreover, isoleucine does not drive glycogen synthesis.
Leucine and isoleucine contain the same chemical composition but have varying atom arrangements, resulting in different properties.Isoleucine is stronger than valine but weaker than leucine, and as such, cannot significantly bolster glucose uptake and glucose usage during exercise. Moreover, isoleucine does not drive glycogen synthesis.
Leucine and isoleucine contain the same chemical composition but have varying atom arrangements, resulting in different properties.Isoleucine is stronger than valine but weaker than leucine, and as such, cannot significantly bolster glucose uptake and glucose usage during exercise. Moreover, isoleucine does not drive glycogen synthesis.
The benefits of isoleucine remain largely unknown due to a lack of testing. To date, studies have revealed isoleucine may support glucose uptake into cells and help break down energy more effectively than other amino acids.Isoleucine can serve as a hypoglycemic for diabetics. It also can provide a performance enhancer that athletes and bodybuilders can take before a workout to address a lack of carbohydrates in the body.
The daily recommended dosage of isoleucine usually ranges from 5 g to 10 g. Isoleucine deficiency may impact individuals who are not consuming sufficient amounts of protein daily. Also, isoleucine deficiency can affect athletes, bodybuilders and others who are dealing with intense physical activity and require higher amounts of the amino acid than an average individual. A person who is suffering from isoleucine deficiency may experience the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
If a person is dealing with isoleucine deficiency, he or she should consult with a physician. By doing so, this individual can determine whether an isoleucine supplement can help alleviate this issue.
What Is Valine?
Valine supports the central nervous system and is paramount for proper mental functioning. Plus, valine helps reduce the risk that the muscles will break down over time. Perhaps best of all, valine supplies additional glucose to support energy production during strenuous exercise. Furthermore, valine minimizes excess nitrogen from the liver. It can remove potentially hazardous nitrogen from the body and move nitrogen to assorted body tissues as well.
Some studies have indicated valine may provide an effective treatment for liver and gallbladder disease. It may help reduce the risk of damage to organs due to alcoholism or drug abuse, along with treat or reverse the effects of hepatic encephalopathy (alcohol-related brain damage).
As an essential amino acid (EAA), valine cannot be produced by the body. Instead, it must be ingested from assorted dietary sources, such as:
- Dairy products
- Meats
- Mushrooms
- Peanuts
- Soy protein
In some instances, valine deficiency has been reported in people. This problem may occur if a person fails to get sufficient amounts of valine in his or her daily diet. The daily recommended amount of valine is about 2 g.
Studies have indicated a valine deficiency can impact the myelin that covers nerves in the body. This can cause degenerative neurological conditions to develop.
To maintain a healthy diet, an individual should try to consume a mix of leucine, isoleucine and valine. Typically, the optimal combination consists of 2 g of leucine and valine for 1 g of isoleucine, i.e. a 2:1:1 ratio.
Over the years, many researchers have studied the 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAS and found it may help athletes improve the absorption of some amino acids by up to 66 percent. It also has been shown to aid athletes and bodybuilders by helping them increase their energy levels and reduce fatigue. Therefore, if an individual takes a BCAAS product with a 2:1:1 ratio before, during and/or after workouts, he or she may be able to boost MPS and muscle growth.
How Do Isoleucine and Valine Work Together?
Together with leucine, isoleucine and valine help increase the overall effectiveness of BCAAS. Isoleucine, valine and leucine all work in combination with one another to stimulate MPS. They also help boost the cell’s capacity for protein synthesis and reduce the rate of protein breakdown. That way, BCAAS promote muscle growth and development and can help athletes and bodybuilders achieve their performance goals faster.
Let’s not forget about how BCAAS can help individuals bolster workout intensity, either. BCAAS compete with the amino acid tryptophan to gain entry into the brain. Tryptophan can be transformed into the neurotransmitter serotonin. When a person exercises, his or her serotonin levels are likely to rise. This increases the perception of fatigue, which means a workout may feel less intense as it progresses.
On the other hand, BCAAS supplementation may help a person limit the amount of tryptophan that enters the brain. As a result, BCAAS supplementation reduces the amount of serotonin that is produced, resulting in a more intense workout. Ultimately, BCAAS supplementation may prove to be exceedingly valuable for athletes, bodybuilders and others who want to enjoy the best workouts possible. As a supplement, BCAAS require no digestion and can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. BCAAS supplements help raise the blood amino acid levels quickly and will have an instant impact on MPS and protein degradation.
BCAAS commonly bypass the liver and gut and move straight into the bloodstream. This ensures BCAAS serve as immediate energy sources during strenuous physical activity. Meanwhile, valine and isoleucine operate as glucogenic amino acids and will convert glucose into energy. They help individuals combat the effects of fatigue and boost athletic performance during workouts.
Ready to enjoy the benefits of BCAAS? Check out the wide range of BCAAS products available from Myokem, and you can move one step closer to maximizing your muscle mass.