Branched-chain amino acids constitute approximately 70 percent of the amino acids in the body proteins. That is, they are especially important in building body organs. Wound healing is enhanced with supplements of all three branched chain amino acids - valine, leucine and isoleucine - and they may be helpful in stress.
In injury and stress, the branched-chain amino acids in muscles, and in organs of the body, may be broken down by the liver to produce glucose. This may also occur in certain diets. Because the body has a great need for energy, after using up the glycogen resources in the liver, it turns first to the muscles for an energy source (and even to vital organs if the stress is prolonged).
Their breakdown produces raw materials for making fatty acids, which are used to make phospholipids. Phospholipids are the building blocks of cellular membranes - which are part of every bodily tissue and organ - especially the brain.
Low levels of these amino acids are found in the blood of those suffering with liver disease.
Valine
Valine is involved in the detoxification of ammonia, and may help to prevent muscle wasting in diabetes and ammonia-toxicity in hospitalized old people.
Leucine
Leucine may prevent protein wasting in injury, stress and starvation. It also helps the body to utilize insulin and may be useful in adult-onset diabetes.
Isoleucine
Isoleucine has the properties of the branched chain amino acids.