Leucine
Overview
Leucine (C6H13NO2) is an essential branched-chain amino acid and primary mTORC1 activator triggering muscle protein synthesis. A leucine threshold (~2–3 g/meal) is required for maximal anabolic response. A meta-analysis found leucine-enriched supplementation (combined with whey protein and vitamin D) significantly improved muscle strength and function in sarcopenia with exercise; appendicular muscle mass improved even without exercise. Particularly important for elderly populations and sarcopenia prevention. Renal caution at high doses.
Dosage
2000 mg · Any time · Can take on empty stomach
Key Interactions
25 verified interactions found
Leucin und Alpha-Ketoglutarat interagieren im Aminosäurestoffwechsel durch Transaminierungsreaktionen. Die klinische Relevanz für orale Supplementierung ist gering, aber in der Intensivernährung bedeutsam.
Leucin verbraucht Alpha-Ketoglutarat für den Aminosäurestoffwechsel; kombinierte Supplementierung kann die Wirkung beider Substanzen verändern. Moderate Dosierungen wählen und nicht in Hochdosis kombinieren.
View details →Leucin und andere verzweigtkettige Aminosäuren konkurrieren mit Tryptophan um den Transport über die Blut-Hirn-Schranke. Hohe Leucin-Einnahmen können die Serotoninsynthese im Gehirn reduzieren.
Leucin und andere verzweigtkettige Aminosäuren (BCAAs) konkurrieren mit Tryptophan um den Transport durch die Blut-Hirn-Schranke. Für optimale Tryptophan-Wirkung mindestens 2h Abstand zu BCAA-Produkten einhalten.
View details →Leucin-Supplementierung kann die Plasma-Spiegel von Isoleucin und Valin senken. Bei hochdosierter BCAA-Einnahme sollte das Aminosäuren-Verhältnis ausgeglichen bleiben.
Hochdosiertes Leucin kann Valin-Plasma-Spiegel senken. Bei BCAA-Supplementierung ausgewogene Verhältnisse (2:1:1 Leucin:Isoleucin:Valin) bevorzugen, um Ungleichgewichte zu vermeiden.
View details →In maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), elevated branched-chain amino acids like leucine can deplete tyrosine and tryptophan in the brain by competing for the same transporter, impairing dopamine and serotonin production.
Erhöhte BCAA-Spiegel (Leucin, Isoleucin, Valin) können Tyrosin-Verfügbarkeit im Gehirn reduzieren. Bei gezielter Tyrosin-Supplementierung mindestens 2h Abstand zu BCAA-Produkten einhalten.
View details →High-dose vitamin E reduces chronic red blood cell destruction in people with a specific type of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, protecting blood cells from oxidative damage.
Hochdosiertes Vitamin E kann bestimmte Leucin-abhängige Prozesse beeinflussen. Standarddosen beider Substanzen (Vitamin E ≤300mg, Leucin ≤3g) sind unkritisch.
View details →Scientific Sources
- PubChem CID:6106
- Effects of Whey Protein, Leucine, and Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Sarcopeni... (Nutrients, 2023 Jan 19)
- pubmed_ncbi_api
- pubmed_ncbi_api
- pubmed_ncbi_api
- Leucine catabolism in human term placenta. (1983)
- α-Ketoisocaproic acid and leucine provoke mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction (2010)
- Effects of alpha-ketoglutarate on bone homeostasis and plasma amino acids in tur (2005)
- Regulation of insulin release by factors that also modify glutamate dehydrogenas (1988)
- The stimulus-secretion coupling of amino acid-induced insulin release. Metabolic (1982)
- Neutral amino acid availability in two major psychiatric disorders (1995)
- Interaction between amino acids on the performances of individually housed pigle (2015)
- Dietary amino acid precursors: Effects on central monoamines, aggression, and lo (1980)
- Possible role for dietary leucine in the pathogenesis of pellagra. (1969)
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Amino Acids in Pathological Gamblers and Healthy Controls (2007)
- Leucine supplementation does not enhance acute strength or running performance b (2002)
- The separate and combined effect of leucine and insulin on muscle free amino aci (1994)
- Dairy protein and leucine alter GLP-1 release and mRNA of genes involved in inte (2009)
- High Density Lipoprotein Endocytosis by Scavenger Receptor SR-BII Is Clathrin-de (2006)
- Hepatocyte transplantation (HTx) corrects selected neurometabolic abnormalities (2009)
- Interactions of p59fyn and ZAP-70 with T-cell receptor activation motifs: defini (1994)
- Transport of benzenoid amino acids by system T and four broad scope systems in p (1990)
- Evolution of glioblastoma (2009)
- Can acetaminophen cause hemolysis in G6PD deficiency? (1982)
- Feeding level in the period previous to the late fattening phase influences fat (2005)
- Polyphenols in Almond Skins after Blanching Modulate Plasma Biomarkers of Oxidat (2019)
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)
- PubChem Compound 6106
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Leucine used for?
Leucine (C6H13NO2) is an essential branched-chain amino acid and primary mTORC1 activator triggering muscle protein synthesis.
What is the recommended dosage for Leucine?
2000 mg. Any time. Can take on empty stomach.
Does Leucine interact with other supplements?
Leucine has 25 verified interactions. Top: Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Tryptophan.
When is the best time to take Leucine?
Any time. Can take on empty stomach.
Is Leucine safe to combine with other supplements?
Always check interactions before combining supplements. Use VitalStack to verify your full stack for free.
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Check Your Stack →Not medical advice. VitalStack is not a medical device. For personalized health recommendations, consult a healthcare provider.