alpha-ketoisocaproic acid

Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid (α-KIC) is a branched-chain ketoacid and a metabolic intermediate produced from the breakdown of the essential amino acid leucine[4][5]. It is generated during the oxidative decarboxylation of leucine by the branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. In human metabolism, α-KIC can be further converted in the liver to isovaleryl-CoA (the main product), cholesterol, or acetyl-CoA depending on enzymatic context[5]. Clinically and experimentally, α-KIC has been used as a nutritional supplement for managing chronic renal failure and acute renal dysfunction[2], often as part of amino/keto-acid mixtures. It has also been studied for its potential to reduce skeletal muscle damage after eccentric exercise and may play roles in protein synthesis and muscle regeneration[1][4][5]. Mechanistically, it can directly inhibit ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels) in pancreatic beta-cells—contributing moderately to insulin secretion—and modulate mTORC1 signaling in skeletal muscle cells[6][8]. Elevated levels are associated with disorders such as maple syrup urine disease due to impaired branched-chain amino acid metabolism[4][5].

Brand names

PureKIC

Other names

α-KIC2-oxoisocaproic acid4-methyl-2-oxovaleric acidalpha-ketoisocaproate