How does isoleucine work?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Isoleucine is an amino acid used by the body during protein synthesis, which is required for muscle growth and recovery. In terms of glucose metabolism and transport, research in rodents suggests that isoleucine reduces blood glucose levels by enhancing the uptake of glucose by skeletal muscle cells, increasing the overall breakdown of glucose into energy, and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver (hepatic gluconeogenesis).[1][2]

    References

    1. ^Masako Doi, Ippei Yamaoka, Mitsuo Nakayama, Kunio Sugahara, Fumiaki YoshizawaHypoglycemic effect of isoleucine involves increased muscle glucose uptake and whole body glucose oxidation and decreased hepatic gluconeogenesisAm J Physiol Endocrinol Metab.(2007 Jun)
    2. ^Masako Doi, Ippei Yamaoka, Tetsuya Fukunaga, Mitsuo NakayamaIsoleucine, a potent plasma glucose-lowering amino acid, stimulates glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubesBiochem Biophys Res Commun.(2003 Dec 26)