Leucine is an essential amino acid in the body, so the body can not synthesize it on its own. Leucine tends to deteriorate during aging and is involved in the decrease of muscle mass in the elderly. It is also used as a food additive for its sweet taste.
Characteristics of leucine:
- Part of BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) with valine and isoleucine
- Lets trigger muscle building
- Essential amino acid that the body can not synthesize
- Widely used by athletes to promote the development of muscle mass
- It is found mainly in foods of animal origin
Why consume foods rich in leucine?
Leucine: definition, roles and benefits
Leucine and bodybuilding
Leucine helps to rebuild muscle mass, so it can be interesting for high level athletes with a strong need for muscle recovery after exercise. It can be consumed in the form of leucine powder capsules.
Regeneration of tissues
Leucine allows bones, skin and muscles to recover properly after an injury or intense effort.
Regulates blood glucose
When leucine is ingested, the pancreas secretes insulin, so it will tend to lower the level of sugar in the blood.
20 foods rich in natural leucine
Since leucine is an amino acid, it is found mainly in foods rich in protein such as meat, spirulina or dairy products.
Food | Portion | Amount of leucine (mg) |
Chicken with skin | 100g | 5000 |
Spirulina | 100g | 4947 |
Parmesan | 100g | 4013 |
Skimmed milk powder | 100g | 3542 |
Steak | 100g | 3229 |
Gruyère | 100g | 3102 |
Bacon | 100g | 3008 |
Emmental | 100g | 2959 |
Escalope of veal | 100g | 2939 |
Lupine | 100g | 2743 |
Turkey | 100g | 2726 |
Goat cheese | 100g | 2631 |
Gouda | 100g | 2564 |
Liver of veal | 100g | 2507 |
Squash seed | 100g | 2419 |
Yellowfin Tuna | 100g | 1920 |
Broken Peas | 100g | 1760 |
Pistachio | 100g | 1542 |
Semi-skimmed milk | 100g | 341 |
Fresh cream | 100g | 211 |
How to use leucine properly?
The recommended intake of leucine for a healthy adult is variable according to their physical activity and therefore ranges from 1 to 20g per day.
Use of food supplements of leucine
As leucine is one of the main triggers of muscle building, it is mainly used by the sports population in the form of L-leucine. It is often found in combination with valine and isoleucine for complete and effective BCAA supplements (amino acids). In sports, it is recommended to choose food supplements containing at least 2g of leucine per serving.
Whatever the problem, it is best to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements.
Adverse effects of leucine
Consequences of a deficiency
There are no scientific studies on leucine deficiency to date.
Overdose in leucine, a health hazard
On the other hand, when one consumes leucine in excess, one can have a deficiency in isoleucine and valine, it is thus recommended to associate these amino amines in the event of supplementation and to avoid the side effects.
Interactions with other BCAA’s
Leucine works more effectively when combined with other BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), valine and isoleucine. In general, a diet rich in vitamins, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chlorine) and minerals allows better assimilation of this essential amino acid.
Chemical Properties
The leucine formula is C6H13NO2 and has a molecular weight of 131.1729 g / mol. It is one of the 9 essential amino acids for the body that can not synthesize it. L-Leucine has a sweet flavor that also allows its use as a flavor enhancer in the food industry. It is the food additive E641.
Nutrient History
According to recent studies, leucine could help regulate nitrogen balance in the rat. This discovery is rather promising since it is precisely the disruption of this nitrogen balance in humans that induces aging and associated loss of muscle mass. These results have yet to be confirmed before a larger scale use of leucine in the elderly.