calcium alpha-ketoisocaproate

Calcium alpha-ketoisocaproate is a calcium salt of the alpha-keto acid analogue of the essential amino acid leucine. In the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is used to provide the carbon skeleton of leucine without the associated nitrogen load. Upon ingestion, the molecule undergoes transamination, a process where it picks up a nitrogen group from waste products like urea or non-essential amino acids to form L-leucine. This mechanism helps to recycle nitrogenous waste, thereby reducing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels and slowing the progression of renal dysfunction. Additionally, the calcium component helps address mineral imbalances common in CKD, such as hyperphosphatemia. It is typically administered as part of a restricted protein diet to maintain nutritional status while minimizing uremic symptoms.

Other names

calcium 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoatecalcium4-methyl-2-oxopentanoatecalcium-4-methyl-2-oxopentanoatecalcium 4-methyl-2-oxovaleratecalcium4-methyl-2-oxovaleratecalcium-4-methyl-2-oxovalerateketoleucine calcium