Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
For the body system: Muscles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA), also known as leucic acid, is a metabolite of the branched-chain amino acid leucine. Its use for supporting the muscular system is primarily justified by scientific evidence, though the quality and quantity of studies are moderate. Several small-scale clinical trials and animal studies suggest that HICA supplementation may help reduce muscle soreness (delayed onset muscle soreness, DOMS), decrease muscle breakdown, and promote muscle mass gains in athletes and physically active individuals. The proposed mechanism is related to HICA's ability to inhibit muscle protein breakdown (proteolysis) and potentially enhance muscle protein synthesis.
For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Finnish soccer players (Mero et al., 2010) showed that three weeks of HICA supplementation resulted in greater increases in lean body mass and reduced muscle soreness compared to placebo. Other studies have indicated potential anti-catabolic and anabolic effects, but sample sizes have generally been small and the duration short.
While these results are promising, larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Currently, HICA is used in some sports nutrition products as an ingredient aimed at supporting muscle growth and recovery. Its use is not based on tradition or historical herbal practice, but rather on emerging scientific evidence, which, while positive, is not yet robust.
Other ingredients that support Muscles
acetyl l-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
beta-alanine
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
caffeine
calcium
cherry
chloride
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
devil's claw
dong quai root
fish protein
forskohlii root
l-isoleucine
iron
kale
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-proline
l-taurine
l-threonine
l-valine
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
milk
nicotinamide riboside
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
potassium
protein
quinoa
rhizome
sardines
black ginger
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
tongkat ali
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
whey protein
white willow
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
squawvine
sodium salt
solomon's seal
siler root
eucommia
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
guelder rose
polyphenols
trace minerals
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
wheat germ
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
arnica
17 alpha methyl 17 beta hydroxy 5 alpha androst 2 ene
17a-di methyl-bol
11-Ketotestosterone
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Animal Tissue
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Avocado
Anserina
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Acetylcholine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine silicate
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Biopeptide
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Black Gram
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
banana
BCAA
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Carnosine
Citrate malate
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cyanotis Vaga
Coca
Coconut Water
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Creatine
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Cyanotis arachnoides
DL-Methionine
Deer Velvet
Date
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Dipeptide
epicatechin
Epistane
Egg
Erythrina
Elk antler
Emu Oil
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Essential Oil Blend
Egg protein
fibroblast growth factor
glucose
Glycine
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Phosphate Salt
Potash
Quinoa Protein
salt
Soy Protein