In the liver, α-KIC can be converted to a vast number of compounds depending on the enzymes and cofactors present, including cholesterol, acetyl-CoA, isovaleryl-CoA, and other biological molecules.

[8] It is important to note that studies have also suggested that ɑ-KIC taken alone did not have any significant positive impacts on physical performance, so it should be taken in conjunction with other ergogenic substances.

There is not much research into the specific mechanisms taking part in these processes, but there is a noticeable correlation between ɑ-KIC ingestion and increased skeletal muscle protein synthesis, regeneration, and proteolysis.

[2] Multiple studies have demonstrated that there have been no adverse effects on humans nor animals that ingested α-KIC or HMB.

[10][11] In patients with maple syrup urine disease, who are unable to metabolize the branched chain alpha keto acids, α-KIC is believed to be one of the key mediators of neurotoxicity.