Supplements

Branched Chain Aminos
Isoleucine, Leucine, & Valine

Valine, leucine, and isoleucine are the muscle-sparing amino acids. Also known as the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), they preserve our muscles and all other tissue except bones and fat from breakdown, which occurs as a natural part of metabolism.

This process is accelerated when the individual is afflicted with cancer, end-stage kidney failure, AIDS, or any other wasting disease. BCAA, along with glutamine and medium-chain triglycerides, is considered by progressive surgeons to be important intravenous support for critically ill patients.

After a group of healthy people received a single intravenous infusion of the amino acids, the amount of tissue breakdown that normally occurs overnight decreased by 50 percent. A daily dosage of 7.5-12 grams per day spared muscles completely for a group of marathoners and cross-country runners.

Isoleucine is needed for hemoglobin formation and also stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. Coupled with the other two branched-chain amino acids, it is valuable for athletes because they enhance energy, increase endurance, and aid in the healing and repair of muscle tissue.

Leucine works together with the other two branched-chain amino acids to protect muscle and act as fuel. They also promote the healing of bones, skin, and muscle tissue and are recommended for those recovering from surgery. Leucine also lowers elevated blood sugar levels and aids in increasing growth hormone production.

Valine, the third in the branched-chain amino acids also aids in muscle metabolism, tissue repair and the maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in the body. It may be helpful in treating liver and gallbladder disease, and it is good for correcting the type of severe amino acid deficiencies that can be cause by drug addiction.

Deficiency: Isoleucine deficiency can lead to symptoms similar to those of hypoglycemia. Isoleucine has been found to be deficient in people suffering from many different mental and physical disorders.

Sources: Isoleucine: Almonds, cashews, chicken, chickpeas, eggs, fish, lentils, liver, meat, rye, most seeds, and soy protein.
Leucine: Brown rice, beans, meat, nuts, soy flour, and whole wheat.
Valine: Dairy products, grains, meat, mushrooms, peanuts, and soy protein.

Precautions: An excessively high level of valine can lead to such symptoms as a crawling sensation in the skin and even hallucinations. Excessively high intake of leucine may also contribute to pellagra, and may increase the amount of ammonia in the body.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: Supplemental L-isoleucine should always be taken with a correct balance of the other two branched-chain amino acids, L-leucine and L-valine ­ approximately 2 mg each of leucine and valine for each mg of isoleucine. Combinations, sometimes labeled BCAA combine all three amino acids and can be more convenient to use.