Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) is a keto acid that is an intermediate in the metabolism of the branched-chain amino acid leucine. Its use as an athletic and exercise aid has been investigated primarily because of its potential role in attenuating muscle breakdown and improving exercise performance. The rationale is largely based on its relationship to leucine, which is known for its role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis and reducing muscle protein degradation. Some studies have evaluated KIC supplementation alone or in combination with other compounds (such as HMB, a downstream metabolite of KIC) for effects on muscle performance and exercise-induced muscle damage.

However, the scientific evidence supporting KIC's effectiveness as an athletic or exercise aid is limited and somewhat mixed. A few small clinical studies and trials have suggested mild benefits in reducing muscle damage markers or improving anaerobic performance, but these effects are not consistent across all studies, and the improvements observed are generally modest. Furthermore, many studies use KIC in combination with HMB or other amino acids, making it difficult to isolate the effects of KIC alone.

Overall, while there is a plausible biochemical rationale and some early-stage research suggesting potential benefits, the evidence base is weak, and authoritative reviews (such as those from sports nutrition organizations) do not currently endorse KIC supplementation for athletic performance. Thus, the scientific support for its use is rated as low (2/5).

More about Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Other health conditions supported by Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid

Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Exercise
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Wasting

Products containing Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.