an FAO and WHO panel, who concluded that there were no concerns at the likely levels of intake. Biology Since isovaleric acid and its esters are natural components of many foods, it is present in mammals including humans. Also, Isovaleryl-coenzyme A is an intermediate in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids. Isovaleric acid is a major component of the cause of intense foot odor, as it is produced by skin bacteria metabolizing leucine and in rare cases a condition called isovaleric acidemia can lead to heightened levels of this metabolite. Salts and esters An isovalerate or 3-methylbutanoate ion is (CH3)2CHCH2COO−, the conjugate base of the acid. It is the form found in biological systems at physiological pH. An isovalerate or 3-methylbutanoate compound is a salt or ester of the acid. Examples Ethyl isovalerate Menthyl isovalerate Isovaleryl-CoA Testosterone isovalerate See also 2-Methylbutanoic acid, an isomer Valeric acid, an isomer References Flavors Alkanoic acids Hemiterpenes Acids in wine GABA analogues GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators