Leucine (abbreviated as Leu or L) is a branched chain essential amino acid pertains to lipotropic compounds that human body cannot synthesize it. With a hydrocarbon side chain, leucine is classified as a hydrophobia amino acid. It has an isobutyl R group. Leucine is a major component of the sub units in ferrittin, astacin and other 'buffer' proteins.
As it is an essential amino acid, and leucine is not synthesized in animals; it must be ingested, usually as a component of proteins. Enzymes involved in a typical leucine biosynthesis include
- Acetoactate synthase,
- Acetohydroxy acid isomer reductase,
- Dihydroxyacid dehydratase,
- α-Isopropylmalate synthase,
- α-Isopropylmalate isomerase,
- Leucine aminotransferase.
· Leucine is the only dietary protein that has the capacity to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. As a dietary supplement, leucine has been found to slow the degradation of muscle tissue by increasing the synthesis of muscle proteins in aged rats. While once seen as an important part of the three branch chained amino acids in sports supplements, leucine has since earned more attention on its own as a catalyst for muscle growth and muscular insurance. Supplement companies once marketed the "ideal" 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, iso-leucine and valine; but with furthered evidence that leucine is the most important amino acid for muscle building; it has become much more popular as the primary ingredient in dietary supplements.
· Leucine potently activates the mammalian target of rapamycin kinase that regulates cell growth. Infusion of leucine into the rat brain has been shown to decrease food intake and body weight via activation of the mTOR pathway.
· Leucine toxicity, as seen in decompensate Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), causes delirium and neurologic compromise, and can be life-threatening.
· Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) since it possesses an aliphatic side-chain that is non-linear.
L-Leucine can be a valuable tool in not only muscle building but can also plays a critical role in weight loss. As per a study reported and published in the Journal of Nutrition. It is reported that they performed a 10-week study involving two groups of women. One group followed a high protein diet (which included a high dosage of L-Leucine) verses a low protein, high carb diet.
The results were interesting. Each of the women consumed about 1,700 calories per day. By the end of the 10 weeks they found that both groups of women lost an average of 16 pounds. But those that stayed on the protein rich diet (consuming a plentiful amount of L-Leucine) lost more body fat and retained leaner muscle mass than those in the high-carb group.
This supports the claim about L-Leucine and its ability to aid in weight loss while not burning muscle mass. Leucine is a valid ingredient and could play a significant role in either your diet or your bodybuilding regime. Recent research has discovered that L-Leucine acts in a unique way: it can help burn fat without burning muscle.
