Synopsis

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

4-Hydroxyisoleucine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid found primarily in fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Its use in supporting or treating metabolic syndrome is based primarily on scientific research, rather than tradition. Several preclinical studies (cell culture and animal models) and a limited number of small human trials have investigated its effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. The proposed mechanism of action is the stimulation of insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, potentially helping to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity—two key aspects of metabolic syndrome.

A handful of randomized, controlled human studies have suggested that fenugreek seed extracts enriched in 4-hydroxyisoleucine may modestly improve glycemic control and lipid profiles in individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. For example, published clinical trials have reported reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and triglycerides, though the study sizes are small and methodologies variable. Most direct evidence for 4-hydroxyisoleucine itself comes from animal and in vitro studies, which demonstrate improvements in insulin secretion, sensitivity, and lipid metabolism. However, robust, well-powered, long-term clinical trials specifically evaluating purified 4-hydroxyisoleucine in metabolic syndrome are lacking. While the results are promising and mechanistically plausible, the overall quality and quantity of evidence currently rates as low to moderate (2/5).

In summary, scientific evidence—not tradition—supports the potential use of 4-hydroxyisoleucine for metabolic syndrome, but further research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety in humans.

More about 4-hydroxyisoleucine
More about Metabolic Syndrome

Other ingredients used for Metabolic Syndrome

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alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
anthocyanins
asparagus
bacillus subtilis
banaba
barley
berberine
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beta-sitosterol
bifidobacterium longum
bitter melon
black garlic
blueberry
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
campesterol
camu camu
canola oil
caterpillar mushroom
chia seed
chokeberry
chromium
cinnamon
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
ginger
glucomannan
guar gum
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
krill oil
l-carnitine
lactobacillus helveticus
licorice root
mackerel
maitake mushroom
maqui berry
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
moringa
naringin
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
palmitoleic acid
quinoa
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reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rye
sardines
spirulina
tocotrienols
trans-pterostilbene
Urolithin A
vanadium
vanadyl sulfate
vitamin C
vitamin D
wheat grass
whey protein
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
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kidney beans
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
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3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
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anthocyanidins
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Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
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Arjunolic acid
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blakeslea trispora
Bean
Betanin
Brazil nut
Charantin
California chia
Cardarine
Cyanobacteria
Capsinoids
Cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
Capsiate
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Calanus finmarchicus
Crocetin
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corosolic acid
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Dunaliella
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Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Ergothioneine
Evodiamine
Ecklonia
Fucosterol
Foxtail millet
Fucoxanthin
Flavanols
Fructan
Ginsenosides
Glucan peptides
Galactooligosaccharides
Guanidinopropionic Acid (GPA )
Guggulsterones
Glucoraphanin
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Hydroxytyrosol
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Isoalantolactone
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Lipstatin
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Lentil
Lupin
Monacolin
Maslinic Acid
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Phlorizin
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Polychitosamine
Polysaccharides
Pinitol
Polydatin
punicalin
Polyunsaturated Fat
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Punicalagins
Palatinose
Punicic acid
peanut
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Rebaudioside
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Schizochytrium Oil
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Salidroside
Syringic acid
Salacia
Sesamolin
Sesamin
Sinensetin
Sulforaphane
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Other health conditions supported by 4-hydroxyisoleucine

Diabetes
Fatty Liver Disease
Metabolic Syndrome
Triglycerides (high)

Products containing 4-hydroxyisoleucine

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