Index
It is part of the group of nine essential amino acids that are part of the structure of humans.
Of the total amino acids in the body’s protein structures, leucine constitutes 80%. It is not produced by the body and must be provided by food in the daily diet.
Leucine is available in many foods, and deficiency is rare. When this happens, it can lead to muscle wasting, muscle weakness, depressive states, low energy levels, and changes in blood sugar levels.
When the daily diet is balanced, an excess of this amino acid is not produced. Still, when high doses of supplements are consumed, this can cause a decrease in the absorption of water at the intestinal level, causing gastrointestinal disturbances.
That is why supplements are recommended to be taken accompanied by a large intake of water throughout the day.
Similar to many other amino acids, leucine is found in many foods that are rich in protein, such as:
- Meat foods such as fish, chicken, turkey, and to a lesser extent, beef.
- Dairy products like buttermilk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Nuts include almonds, soybeans, hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, and pistachios.
- Other foods such as eggs, legumes, brewer’s yeast, corn, potatoes, and seeds
- Fruits also contain leucine but to a lesser extent.
Leucine (also known as 2-amino-4-methylpentaenoic acid) is an essential amino acid from the branched-chain amino acid class (along with isoleucine and Valine).
Of the three amino acids, leucine stands out for being the most potent activator of proteins; its activation can positively influence the synthesis of muscle proteins) and also for being an exclusively ketogenic amino acid that produces ketone bodies after catabolism. At the same time, the Valine is glucogenic and has glucose, and isoleucine is both ketogenic and glucogenic.
Leucine classification
Leucine can be classified as:
- L-Leucine is the natural amino acid version; it is found in the body’s proteins and is the main form used as a supplement.
- D-Leucine is the mirror image of L-Leucine, which is created in the laboratory and used as a supplement.
Leucine functions
Leucine is essential for growth as it is involved in producing the human growth hormone: somatotropin, so it could help slow down the aging process.
In addition, it has been recommended for use as humans age. It suffers from sarcopenia, a natural decrease in the muscle that leads to an increased risk of injury and disability.
Leucine aids in the growth, maintenance, and regeneration of muscle tissue and bone tissue; it also prevents the breakdown of muscle proteins after severe trauma or stress and may be beneficial for people with phenylketonuria.
Oral branched-chain amino acids are likely to improve symptoms and liver function in people with poor brain function caused by a liver disease known as hepatic encephalopathy.
Scientists believe that amino acids aid protein synthesis and prevent protein breakdown, which in turn helps prevent muscle fatigue and pain.
Substantial evidence supports branched-chain amino acids (including leucine) to reduce fatigue and exertion after prolonged or intense exercise, thereby helping you recover from intense exercise.
Oral branched-chain amino acids probably reduce the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary movement. It is most commonly caused by the long-term use of antipsychotic medications in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
In patients with burns, trauma, or sepsis (infection in the tissues), supplementation with branched-chain amino acids, including leucine and two other amino acids, reduces muscle wasting.
One study suggested that leucine supplementation can increase muscle strength.
Leucine is an essential chemical element involved in protein synthesis and other metabolic functions.
Leucine contributes to the regulation of blood sugar levels.
The leucine breakdown produces two molecules used for energy: acetyl-CoA and acetoacetate.
Scientists think that fasting can lead to increased levels of leucine in the blood and increased activity of the enzymes that convert leucine to ketone bodies and are used for energy.
Patients with deficiencies in the molecule that breaks down leucine into acetyl-CoA and acetoacetate (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase) develop acidosis (low blood pH) and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Leucine can play a crucial role in maintaining glucose levels and producing energy.
Presentations as a supplement
Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that is sold as a supplement.
The other two branched-chain amino acids are Valine and isoleucine, but leucine is the most popular of the three as a bodybuilding supplement.
Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations establish manufacturing standards for them but do not guarantee safety or effectiveness.
Despite the popularity of leucine among gym enthusiasts, the science to back most of its uses is weak.
Amino acids are available as individual amino acids or in combinations.
They also come as part of multivitamins, proteins, and food supplements. Forms include tablets, fluids, and powders.
Chemical composition
- C6H13NO2
Toxicity and interactions
Using a single amino acid supplement can lead to a negative nitrogen balance.
This can diminish the benefits of its use. It can make your kidneys work harder. In children, individual amino acid supplements can cause growth problems.
High doses of individual amino acids should not be taken for long periods.
Very high doses of leucine can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It can also cause pellagra. Symptoms can include skin lesions, hair loss, and gastrointestinal problems.
Pregnant or lactating women should not use leucine supplements.
People with maple syrup urine disease, a rare inherited problem, should not take it. Nor should they take the other branched-chain amino acids. These include isoleucine and Valine.
The interactions of leucine with glucose are not precise, so it should be consumed with caution in people with diabetes.
Leucine possesses both blood sugar lowering properties (it can release insulin from the pancreas, directly stimulate glucose uptake in a cell without insulin) and the reverse (by enabling S6K, it can inhibit insulin-stimulated glucose uptake).
Dose
Leucine tends to supplement in 39 mg / kg / day and 45 mg / Kg/day for sedentary people. It tends to be taken on an empty stomach or with meals accompanied by plenty of water.
Mechanism of action
Leucine or its metabolites appear to increase intracellular calcium, similar to muscle contractions, and the increase in calcium will activate proteins like mTOR, which then induce muscle protein synthesis.
However, unlike muscle contraction, leucine probably does this in all cells rather than localizing to skeletal muscle.
Leucine Side Effects
Branched-chain amino acids like leucine are possibly safe when used appropriately as oral supplements.
Pregnant and lactating women should avoid supplementation due to a lack of safety data.
Leucine absorption in the brain can be influenced by diet. High-carbohydrate, low-protein diets increase branched-chain amino acids and decrease the brain’s aromatic amino acids (serotonin precursors). In contrast, a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet can do the opposite.
The blood-brain barrier competes for the absorption in the brain of these amino acids; this competition can decrease the production of serotonin.
An overdose can lead to brain damage or liver disease, increasing ammonia levels in the blood.
Contraindications
It should not be used in people with kidney problems.
Leucine supplementation lowers glucose levels, which can lead to unhealthy levels in people with:
- People suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- People who take medicine to lower blood sugar.
