| ISOLEUCINE Isoleucine, one of the essential amino acids, is needed for hemoglobin formation and also stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. It is metabolized in muscle tissue. It is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). These amino acids are valuable for athletes because they enhance energy, increase endurance, and aid in the healing and repair of muscle tissue. Main Functions: • Muscle tissue uses Isoleucine as an energy source. • Required in the formation of hemoglobin. • Isoleucine is also converted in the liver to blood sugar; therefore, it can be helpful in maintaining proper blood glucose levels. Isoleucine Deficiency: Isoleucine has been found to be deficient in people suffering from many different mental and physical disorders. A deficiency of isoleucine can lead to symptoms similar to those of hypoglycemia. Deficiencies are seen in: • Obesity • Hyperinsulinemia • Panic Disorder • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Note: Deficiencies in BCAA in CFS, GWS, FM are associated with muscle weakness, fatigue, and post-exertional exhaustion). • Acute hunger • Kwashiorkor (starvation) Rich Food Sources of Isoleucine Food sources of isoleucine include almonds, cashews, chicken, chickpeas, eggs, fish, lentils, liver, meat, rye, most seeds, and soy protein. |