L-Isoleucine · Essential Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) for Nutrition & Fortification
L-Isoleucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) commonly used in sports nutrition, amino acid blends, protein powders, meal replacements and clinical nutrition formulations. Because it is essential, it must be obtained from diet or supplementation, and is often included in EAA/BCAA profiles to help balance amino acid composition in fortified foods and nutrition products. Atlas Global Trading Co. supplies food-grade L-isoleucine from qualified producers, supported by technical documentation, regulatory support and reliable global supply.
L-isoleucine is commonly used with other BCAAs and essential amino acids such as L-Leucine and L-valine (where used). Explore the full Amino Acids portfolio or browse our Product Index (A–Z) for complementary ingredients for sports, clinical and fortified food applications.
L-isoleucine: a key BCAA for balanced amino acid profiles in nutrition products
L-isoleucine is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), alongside L-leucine and L-valine. In product development, it is used to optimize amino acid composition in protein powders, amino acid blends, ready-to-mix beverages and medical nutrition formulas. Because amino acid balance matters for overall protein quality, isoleucine is often included in fortification strategies for plant proteins and specialty nutrition products.
Key characteristics
- Identity: L-Isoleucine (essential amino acid; BCAA).
- Typical production: commonly produced by fermentation and purification (process depends on producer and grade).
- Form: white crystalline powder or granules; suitable for dry blends and capsules/tablets (grade-dependent).
- Solubility: limited solubility in water; beverage applications may require dispersion and flavour strategy.
- Sensory: can contribute bitterness at higher inclusion levels; taste masking and flavour design are important.
- Function in nutrition products:
- Amino acid fortification to improve amino acid balance in protein systems,
- Component of BCAA and EAA blends,
- Used in sports and clinical nutrition formulations (claim positioning depends on local regulations).
- Labelling: typically declared as “L-isoleucine” or “isoleucine” in ingredient statements; regional rules apply.
Atlas supports formulators in selecting particle size and grade suitable for powders, capsules/tablets, premixes and beverage applications, including guidance on blend uniformity and sensory management.
Indicative specification points
Specifications vary by grade (food, supplement, pharmacopeial) and customer requirements. Typical parameters include:
- Assay/purity: high-purity L-isoleucine content according to agreed specification.
- Appearance: white crystalline powder; free from visible foreign matter.
- Optical rotation: within specified range for L-form identity.
- Loss on drying / moisture: controlled for flowability and stability.
- Residue on ignition (ash): controlled according to standard.
- Heavy metals and specific impurities: restricted to meet food/supplement requirements.
- Particle size distribution: options available for blending behavior and tableting/capsulation performance.
- Microbiology: low microbial counts suitable for nutrition applications (limits depend on standard and region).
Each batch is delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and technical data sheet. Additional documents (GMO status, allergen statements, dietary suitability, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates and others) can be supplied based on producer and grade to support audits and customer specifications.
Applications for L-isoleucine: amino acid blends, protein powders, supplements and fortification
L-isoleucine is used across sports nutrition, clinical nutrition and fortified food categories. Formulation strategy should consider solubility, taste management and compatibility with protein systems.
Sports nutrition & active lifestyle
- BCAA and EAA powders – included to balance BCAA ratios and improve the amino acid profile of blends.
- Protein powders and plant protein blends – helps optimize amino acid composition for fortification concepts.
- Intra-/post-workout mixes – used in powdered drink formats where solubility limitations can be managed.
- Single-serve sachets and stick packs – suitable for on-the-go amino acid blends.
Clinical nutrition & medical foods (where applicable)
- Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) – used to support amino acid composition in nutrition powders and RTD products (application-dependent).
- Specialty amino acid blends – used in formulations designed for specific nutritional profiles under regulatory and clinical requirements.
Dietary supplements
- Capsules and tablets – used alone or in amino acid blends; particle size and flow support manufacturing.
- Powder blends – common format; flavour systems help manage bitterness and mouthfeel.
Functional beverages & RTD concepts
- Powder-to-drink mixes – most common beverage format; evaluate dispersion and sedimentation.
- RTD beverages – possible with suitable processing, but requires careful solubility and stability management.
- Functional shots – used selectively; requires taste masking and stability testing.
Food fortification & speciality foods
- Protein bars and high-protein snacks – used to adjust amino acid composition and support balanced profiles.
- Meal replacements – included in amino acid premixes for powders and bars.
- Fortified foods – used in selected applications where amino acid profile enhancement is desired and permitted by regulation.
Formulation guidance
- Consider limited water solubility in beverages; pilot tests are recommended for RTD products.
- Manage sensory impact with flavours, sweeteners and acid systems as needed; bitterness may increase with higher dosing.
- Particle size affects flow, blend uniformity and mouthfeel; choose grade accordingly.
- Confirm permitted uses, purity standards, contaminants limits and labelling/claim requirements in each destination market.
Amino acid blends & premix solutions
Atlas can supply L-isoleucine as a stand-alone amino acid or as part of blend solutions together with other essential amino acids and BCAAs for sports nutrition, clinical nutrition and fortified foods. We help align purity standards, sensory performance, packaging format and documentation for your target markets.
Discuss L-isoleucine supplyQuality, documentation & global supply chain support for L-isoleucine
Atlas Global Trading Co. coordinates sourcing, documentation and logistics for L-isoleucine from qualified producers, serving sports nutrition, clinical nutrition and fortified food manufacturers worldwide from Ankara, Türkiye.
Quality & documentation
- Supplied as food-grade L-isoleucine with agreed specifications for purity, identity, impurities and microbiological criteria.
- Each batch is delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet.
- Additional documentation may include GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability, origin, contaminant/heavy metal statements and Halal/Kosher certificates depending on producer and grade.
- Production sites typically operate under recognised quality and food safety systems such as HACCP and FSSC/ISO 22000; further certifications may be available on request.
- Customers remain responsible for compliance with supplement/food rules, maximum levels, labelling and claims in each destination market.
Packaging, storage & logistics
- Standard packaging options include fibre drums, cartons or multiwall paper bags with inner liner depending on grade and supply route.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed original packaging to protect from moisture and odours.
- Maintain good handling practices to prevent caking and ensure blend uniformity in manufacturing.
- Shelf life is defined on the specification and COA; customers should verify flowability and performance during storage.
- Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara.
To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended format (powder blend, capsules/tablets, RTD beverage, bar, clinical formula), target purity/standard (food, FCC, pharmacopeial), annual volume, preferred packaging, documentation requirements (Halal, Kosher, non-GMO, etc.) and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable L-isoleucine grades and complementary amino acid options.