Alpha-Ketoisocaproate (Known as KIC, Alpha-Ketoisocaproate)

Muscle Builder 
Part of the Amino Acid group 


Alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC) is a keto acid of the amino acid leucine. Branched-chain keto acids are very similar to branched-chain amino acids, the only difference being the presence of a keto group instead of an amino group. KIC is anti-catabolic, which means it contributes to muscle growth by helping to move the body from a catabolic (muscle wasting) to anabolic (muscle building) state.

Since any intense physical exercise is catabolic, some feel that KIC will is of immense value to bodybuilders, strength athletes and regular gym users wanting to gain muscle size and strength.

The interest in KIC started when Dr. Steve Nissen began researching the amino acid leucine (pronounced loo-seen) and how it affects muscle growth. Nissen and his colleagues discovered that it was a compound called alpha-ketoisocaproate (known simply as KIC) that was active in animals.

Every muscle in your body is made up of millions of muscle cells. When you exercise, these cells are subject to tremendous amounts of stress. Think of them like a car tyre - when you train, you create several punctures in the tyre. Proteins then leak from these damaged cells until they are repaired several days later.

KIC works in a very similar way to HMB, in that it plugs the leaks in muscle cells, leading to greater gains in lean mass, muscle strength and a reduction in muscle damage during periods of intense training [2]. Most experts believe that KIC is most effective when combined with HMB, as there is very little evidence to show that it's effective when taken alone, unless very large doses are used.

The standard dose is 50-100 milligrams of KIC for every 1000 milligrams of HMB. Take 150-300 milligrams daily.

KIC and HMB have a significant effect on muscle size and strength within 2-3 weeks. Most users report feeling a difference in strength after 10-12 days.KIC should be used in combination with HMB and a diet rich in protein with a high biological value (such as whey).

1. Di Pasquale MG (1997) Amino Acids and Proteins for the Athlete: The Anabolic Edge. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press
2. Nissen, S., Sharp, R., Ray, M., Rathmacher, J.A., Rice, D., Fuller, J.C., Connelly, A.S., & Abdumrad, N. (1996). Effect of leucine metabolite b-hydroxy-b-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training. Journal of Applied Physiology, 81, 2095-2104

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