2-Amino-4-Methylvaleric Acid
Description
Leucine is an essential amino acid and should be part of your daily diet. It is known as a Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA), which prevents other amino acids from being broken down.
Leucine works in combination with isoleucine and valine to protect muscle tissue. Found in high concentrations in muscle tissue, it is metabolized and used as fuel. Together, these amino acids promote healing of muscle, bones, skin, wounds, and assist in recovery after surgery
Leucine is essential for growth and stimulates protein synthesis in muscle.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Leucine helps stabilize blood sugar levels and assists in increasing the production of growth hormones. It helps increase and maintain muscle mass, promotes healing, prevents stress, and increases energy.
Conditions that leucine may prevent or help treat include hepatic encephalopathy (liver damage associated with alcoholism) and Lou Gehrig's disease / Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / ALS, a wasting and weakening of muscles.
Source
Oatmeal is an excellent source of leucine, at 106mg per gram of protein. Skim milk rates second at 96.6mg/g. Brown rice and cooked soy beans roughly tie for third at 87.2 and 85mg/g respectively.
Leucine is found in beans, chicken, dairy products, oats, poultry, red meats, soy flour, wheat germ, and whole wheat.
It is also available in supplement form, as part of a multi-amino acid complex, protein powder, or in isolated form.
Optimal Absorption
L-leucine is the most absorbable form of leucine.
Branched-chain amino acids become depleted during times of increased stress, sickness, and intense physical exercise.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
If supplementing with L-leucine, balance with L-isoleucine and valine supplementation as these amino acids work together.
Leucine should be taken in moderation, or symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)may result.
It is not recommended to take a single amino acid for an extended period of time without supplementing with other amino acids as well. Long-term isolated amino acid supplementation can create an imbalance in the body.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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