L-Isoleucine is an essential alpha-amino acid that is considered both, a ketogenic and a glucogenic amino acid. Since that L-Isoleucine is an essential amino acid, it cannot be synthesized by the body, therefore it needs to be ingested. The primary source of L-Isoleucine is as a component of proteins. It has become a prominent component of nutritional supplements, mostly with the body building and similar athletic communities, where it is believed that L-Isoleucine has the capability to increase endurance, but also to repair muscle tissue. It has been observed that L-Isoleucine ingestion allows power athletes to recover easier from very tough trainings and exhausting activities. This branched chain amino acid is one of the three main BCAA in the body, the other ones being valine and leucine.

L-Leucine- Leucine is a hydrophobic essential alpha amino acid, which as an additive under the name L-Leucine has an E number E641, which classifies this amino acid as a flavor enhancer. The natural source of leucine includes whole wheat products, several species of nuts and brown rice. L-Leucine is one of the most abundant amino acids found in skeletal muscle tissues. L-Leucine became in recent times a very popular dietary supplement, particularly with the body building communities, because of the evidence that it slows down the degradation of muscle tissue in rats by elevating the production of muscle proteins. There are additional claims in circulation, which state that L-Leucine also controls the nitrogen balance and aids to the mental and cognitive abilities during high power workouts.

L-Valine, an essential amino acid, promotes the smooth functioning of the body. It is derived from animal and vegetable proteins like seafood, poultry, meat, cottage cheese, sesame seeds, dry whole lentils and roasted peanuts. It regulates the immune system, assists protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. It also promotes growth of muscles and repair of tissues that get damaged due to stress, disease, surgery or injury. It maintains the body’s nitrogen level and energizes the muscles. L-Valine helps detoxify the body against ammonia and prevents muscle wasting in diabetics. It assists in correcting drug addiction related amino acid deficiencies, gallbladder and liver diseases and is linked with treating neurological conditions and brain damage due to alcohol intake. One should consult a physician before consuming the supplement.