Amino acids are organic compounds that make up proteins. Among them there are replaceable ones that our body is able to synthesize, and irreplaceable ones that come only with food. Eight amino acids are essential (irreplaceable), including isoleucine - L-isoleucine.
Consider the properties of isoleucine, its pharmacological properties, indications for use.
Chemical properties
The structural formula of isoleucine is HO2CCH (NH2) CH (CH3) CH2CH3. The substance has mild acidic properties.
The amino acid isoleucine is a component of many proteins. It plays an important role in building the cells of the body. Since the compound is not synthesized on its own, it must be supplied in sufficient quantities with food. Isoleucine is a branched chain amino acid.
With a deficiency of two other structural components of proteins - valine and leucine, the compound is able to transform into them during specific chemical reactions.
The biological role in the body is played by the L-form of isoleucine.
Pharmachologic effect
Amino acid belongs to anabolic agents.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Isoleucine is involved in the building of muscle fiber proteins. When taking a drug containing an amino acid, the active ingredient bypasses the liver and is sent to the muscles, which accelerates its recovery after microtraumatization. This connection property is widely used in sports.
As part of enzymes, the substance increases erythropoiesis in the bone marrow - the formation of red blood cells, and indirectly participates in the trophic function of tissues. The amino acid acts as a substrate for energetic biochemical reactions, enhances the utilization of glucose.
The substance is an essential component of the intestinal microflora, it has a bactericidal effect against some pathogenic bacteria.
The main metabolism of isoleucine occurs in muscle tissue, while it is decarboxylated and further excreted in the urine.
Indications
Isoleucine-based drugs are prescribed:
- as a component of parenteral nutrition;
- with asthenia against the background of chronic diseases or starvation;
- for the prevention of Parkinson's disease and other neurological pathologies;
- with muscular dystrophy of various origins;
- in the rehabilitation period after injuries or surgery;
- in acute and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases;
- as a component of complex therapy and prevention of pathologies of the blood and cardiovascular system.
Contraindications
Contraindications for taking isoleucine:
- Disruption of amino acid utilization. The pathology can be caused by some genetic diseases associated with the absence or insufficient function of enzymes involved in the breakdown of isoleucine. In this case, the accumulation of organic acids occurs, and acidemia develops.
- Acidosis, which appeared against the background of various diseases.
- Chronic kidney disease with a pronounced decrease in the filtration capacity of the glomerular apparatus.
Side effects
Side effects while taking isoleucine are rare. Cases of the development of an allergic reaction, amino acid intolerance, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, headaches, an increase in body temperature to subfebrile values have been reported. The appearance of undesirable reactions in most situations is associated with an excess of the therapeutic dose.
Instructions for use
L-isoleucine is found in many drugs. The method of administration, the duration of the course and the dosage depend on the form of the drug and the recommendations of the attending physician.
Sports supplements with isoleucine are taken at the rate of 50-70 mg per 1 kg of body weight.
Before using a dietary supplement, you must read the instructions, as the dosage may differ. The duration of taking the supplement depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.
Overdose
Exceeding the maximum permissible dose leads to general malaise, nausea, and vomiting. Organic acidemia develops. This produces a specific smell of sweat and urine, reminiscent of maple syrup. In severe cases, the appearance of neurological symptoms, convulsions, respiratory distress, and an increase in renal failure are possible.
An allergic reaction in the form of eczema, dermatitis, conjunctivitis is possible.
Overdose treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and removing excess isoleucine from the body.
Interaction
No interaction of isoleucine with other drugs has been identified. The compound crosses the blood-brain barrier and can slightly inhibit tryptophan and tyrosine.
The maximum assimilation is noted with the simultaneous intake of a compound with vegetable and animal fats.
Terms of sale
Amino acid medicines are available without a prescription.
Special instructions
In the presence of decompensated diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory systems and chronic kidney disease, it is possible to reduce the therapeutic dose to the minimum.
It is not recommended to combine reception with folic acid, since the compound reduces its concentration.
The compound is prescribed with caution to patients with cardiac arrhythmias, since the amino acid reduces the concentration of sodium and potassium in the blood.
During pregnancy and lactation
Medicines belong to FDA group A, that is, they do not pose a danger to the child.
Isoleucine excess and deficiency
An excess of isoleucine leads to the development of acidosis (a critical shift in the balance of the body towards acidity) due to the accumulation of organic acids. At the same time, symptoms of general malaise, drowsiness, nausea appear, and mood decreases.
Severe acidosis is manifested by vomiting, increased blood pressure, muscle weakness, impaired sensitivity, dyspeptic disorders, increased heart rate and respiratory movements. Pathologies accompanied by an increase in the concentration of isoleucine and other branched-chain amino acids have the ICD-10 code E71.1.
Isoleucine deficiency appears with a strict diet, fasting, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic system and other pathologies. At the same time, there is a decrease in appetite, apathy, dizziness, insomnia.
Isoleucine in food
The largest amount of amino acids is found in foods rich in protein - poultry, beef, pork, rabbit, sea fish, liver. Isoleucine is found in all dairy products - milk, cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, kefir. In addition, plant foods also contain a beneficial compound. The amino acid is rich in soybeans, watercress, buckwheat, lentils, cabbage, hummus, rice, corn, greens, bakery products, nuts.
The table shows the daily requirement for amino acid depending on lifestyle.
| Amount of amino acids in grams | Lifestyle |
| 1,5-2 | Inactive |
| 3-4 | Moderate |
| 4-6 | Active |
Preparations that contain
The compound is part of:
- medicines for parenteral and enteral nutrition - Aminosteril, Aminoplasmal, Aminoven, Likvamin, Infezol, Nutriflex;
- vitamin complexes - Moriamin Forte;
- nootropics - Cerebrolysate.
In sports, the amino acid is taken in the form of BCAA supplements containing isoleucine, leucine and valine.
The most common are:
- Optimum Nutrition BCAA 1000;
- BCAA 3: 1: 2 from MusclePharm;
- Amino Mega Strong.
Price
The cost of the drug Aminovena for parenteral nutrition is 3000-5000 rubles per package, which contains 10 bags of 500 ml of solution.
The price of one can of a sports supplement containing an essential amino acid depends on the volume and manufacturer - from 300 to 3000 rubles.
