Leucine

Leucine

Leucine is an essential amino acid which means that it is not produced by the body, thus it has to be taken as an important component of proteins particularly the amino acids L-isoleucine and L-valine through the food we eat.

L-Leucine is a major component of the buffer proteins ferritin, and astacin. Ferritin is a kind of protein found in cells that stores iron and releases it in a limited way. It is called a buffer protein because it protects the body when it is deficient in iron or when it has reached iron toxicity level.

Leucine is substantially used in the production of sterols or fat-like substances (most famous of which is cholesterol) in the liver, adipose and muscles tissues, but seven times more active in the muscle and adipose tissues than in the liver.

It is a perfect dietary supplement as evidenced in an experiment with laboratory rats which showed that it delayed the deterioration of muscle tissues by significantly increasing the production of muscle proteins.

Because of these properties, L-Leucine is highly recommended as a dietary supplement for athletes to increase their strength, power, and endurance. This property of L-leucine makes it an ideal supplement for those recuperating from major surgery or in cases where there is severe muscle pain and serious injury.

Leucine is believed to promote the growth of new muscles in the body due to its ability to increase production of muscle proteins thus making this the perfect supplement for body builders and athletes.

Leucine is also perfect for weight watchers. It has the ability to dissolve visceral fat, the kind of fact that is found in the deepest layer of the skin that does not respond to ordinary, uninvasive method of fat loss.

Leucine provides the body with energy it needs especially during intense athletic performance and other strenuous activities. This can be attributed to leucine's role in the production of fat-like substances called sterols in the adipose and muscle tissues. It prevents the deterioration of muscle tissues and the early onset of fatigue during exercise. It also regulates blood sugar levels, increases energy and stimulates the development of human growth hormones.

A high toxic level of L-Leucine can lead to Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a disorder caused by the lack of the branched chain amino acid keto hydrogenase complex leading to the accumulation in the blood and urine of the proteins leucine, isoleucine and valine and their toxic by-products. An infant suffering from MSUD has a sweet smelling urine much like maple syrup, thus the name of the disease.

Foods rich in leucine include soy beans and cowpeas, beef and fish, eggs, chicken, lentils, cashew nuts and brown rice. Since leucine is not synthesized by the body, it is advisable that you eat lots of these foods or take dietary supplements to be able to optimize the full benefits of this important protein.