INFORMATION ON L-LEUCINE

ONLY AVAILABLE IN DRINKS

L-leucine is one of the three Branched Chain Amino Acids (besides L-isoleucine and L-valine) known for its ability to stimulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis.

It is an essential amino acid and has to be ingested as it can’t be manufactured by the body.

Leucine slows down muscle degradation by promoting the production of the muscle proteins. It is used by the liver, body fat, and muscle and said to increase energy, endurance and help maintain muscle mass.

It is referred to as the primary BCAA for building muscle, but has a protective function as well, in that it preserves muscle from being broken down. L-leucine helps to maintain the nitrogen balance which is essential for generation of muscle tissue and beneficial for exercise and recovery time post exercise.

L-leucine is an important hypoglycaemic agent and helps maintain proper blood sugar levels, with some studies suggesting it may be rehabilitative in diabetes. Further research is ongoing.

It also plays an important role in the synthesis of haemoglobin and human growth hormone with some research showing a potential role in treating obesity.

How it works:

As a muscle builder, Leucine activates the protein mTOR, which then induces muscle protein synthesis.

L-leucine can release insulin from the pancreas and can directly stimulate glucose uptake into a cell without the need for insulin.