Health Guide

Threonine alpha-hydroxyisocaproic acid

Threonine is an **essential amino acid**, meaning your body cannot produce it on its own—you must get it from food or supplements. It is a building block for proteins, muscle tissue, and the protective sheaths around your nerves. While the term 'Alpha-Hydroxyisocaproic Acid' sounds highly chemical, it refers to a specific metabolic derivative involved in muscle energy and recovery. Think of Threonine as the 'recovery and structure' amino acid—vital for keeping your muscles strong and your digestion healthy.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Threonine alpha-hydroxyisocaproic acid
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Protein Synthesis Stimulation (Relative Activity)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Activity Level (Index)
Amino Acid

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Muscle Health & Recovery: Threonine helps prevent muscle breakdown during exercise and supports the repair of tissue.
  • Gut & Digestion: It is a key component of mucin, a protein that creates a protective lining in your stomach and intestines, helping to prevent issues like 'leaky gut.'
  • Nervous System Support: It aids in the production of glycine and serine, amino acids essential for a healthy nervous system.
  • Collagen Production: It supports the synthesis of collagen and elastin, keeping skin and connective tissue healthy.

Deep Dive

Threonine is one of the three amino acids that form the structural backbone of collagen (along with glycine and proline). Without adequate Threonine, your body struggles to build the collagen needed for skin elasticity and joint health. Additionally, because it converts to glycine in the brain, it plays a subtle but important role in maintaining a calm, balanced mood and supporting cognitive function.

Natural Food Sources

You can easily meet your needs through a balanced diet. Animal proteins are the most concentrated sources, but plant-based options are effective too.

FoodAmount% DV (approx)
Canned Sardines3 oz78%
Chicken Breast3 oz58%
Pumpkin Seeds1 oz45%
Greek Yogurt1 cup40%
Lentils1 cup cooked35%

Supplementation

If you follow a strict vegan diet or have high-intensity training demands, you might consider a supplement. For the 'Alpha-Hydroxyisocaproic Acid' (HICA) form, typical dosages in studies range from 1.5 to 3 grams per day, often taken post-workout to aid in reducing muscle soreness (DOMS).

Top Food Sources

Sardines
Best natural source per serving
Pumpkin Seeds
Best plant-based source
Chicken/Turkey
Lean protein staple
Lentils
Great for gut health
Greek Yogurt
Contains probiotics + amino acids

Frequently Asked Questions

Not exactly. Threonine is the essential amino acid. HICA (Alpha-Hydroxyisocaproic Acid) is a metabolite (breakdown product) of Leucine, but it is often chemically combined with Threonine to enhance stability and absorption for muscle recovery.
Yes, but you need to eat a variety of sources like lentils, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa. Since plant proteins are not 'complete' (lacking some amino acids), you must ensure you are getting enough protein overall.
Indirectly, yes. By preserving lean muscle mass during a calorie deficit, Threonine helps keep your metabolism high. It does not burn fat directly.
Deficiency is rare but can lead to digestive issues, low energy, and confusion. In extreme cases, it can cause movement coordination issues (ataxia).

Safety & Side Effects

Threonine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when taken within recommended dietary allowances. High doses (above 5g daily) can cause mild side effects like nausea or stomach upset. Those with Liver Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) should consult a doctor before supplementing, as amino acid metabolism can be altered in these conditions.

Scientific References

  • [1]Le, B., & Yang, S. H. (2018). 'Threonine in collagen structure and function.' *Amino Acids*.
  • [2]Tipton, K. D., & Wolfe, R. R. (2001). 'Exercise, protein metabolism, and muscle growth.' *International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism*.
  • [3]Holecek, M. (2017). 'Branched-chain amino acids and threonine in health and disease.' *Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism*.