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

1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
7-Keto-DHEA
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Agmatine
Algae
Algal protein
Alpha D-ribofuranose
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
amino acids
antler
arachidonic acid
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
Arginine aspartate
arginine creatine
Arginine malate
Arginine nitrate
Arginine silicate
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
ba ji tian
bacillus subtilis
BCAA
bee pollen
Beef Protein
beet
beta-alanine
bicarbonate
black ginger
black tea
bovine
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
brown rice protein
Bulbine natalensis
caffeine
Camellia sinensis
capsaicinoids
capsiate
capsicum
capsinoids
cardarine
casein
cistanche
citrate malate
cocoa
coconut
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
D-Aspartic Acid
D-Ribose
deer velvet
dihydrocapsiate
ecdysteroids
ecdysterone
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
eleuthero
elk antler
Ephedra
ephedrine
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Eurycoma Longifolia
eurycomanone
Fadogia agrestis
ginseng
Ginsenosides
glucose
Glutamine
Glycerol
Glycocyamine
GMS-ribose
green tea
guanidinoacetic acid
guarana
Guaranine
guayusa
Higenamine
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
horny goat weed
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
isomaltulose
jiaogulan
ketone salts
kola nut
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
l-isoleucine
L-leucine
L-ornithine
L-taurine
l-tyrosine
L-valine
lactalbumin
Laxogenin
maca
macaenes
macamides
magnesium
maral root
Mate
Methylliberine
Methylxanthine
Milk Protein
Mineral ascorbate
Muira puama
Mushroom
Nitrous Malate (TM) Diarginine Malate
omega-3 fatty acids
Ornithine
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Palatinose
paraxanthine
Peppermint
Peptides
Phosphatidic Acid
Phosphocreatine
Phytoecdysteroid
Piper nigrum
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline quinone
pyruvate
Quinoa Protein
Rhaponticum
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ribose
robusta coffee
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salt
sea salt
Sida cordifolia
spirulina
suma
Synephrine
Teacrine
Theacrine
Theobromine
Tongkat ali
tribulus
Tribulus Terrestris
Trichilia catigua
Trichopus zeylanicus
Turkesterone
Valine alpha-hydroxyisocaproate
vitamin C
Watermelon
Whey protein
Xanthine
Yerba mate
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.