Isoleucine is an amino acid that is required for numerous blood-related processes; including the regulation of blood sugar and energy levels as well as hemoglobin formation. In association with leucine and valine, isoleucine is categorized as one of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). All three of these amino acids are considered essential in human nutrition, and are needed to maintain the health of muscular tissues throughout the human body.

BCAAs also enhance and preserve glycogen stores in our skeletal muscles. [1] This is of great importance because muscle glycogen is instrumental in performing daily physical processes. Readily converted to energy by the body, glycogen is the primary carbohydrate energy source stored in muscle.

The members of the branched-chain amino acid family constitute nearly seventy percent of all bodily proteins. They provide constant structural and functional consistency within human biology.