Leucine as a food supplement – Who is it suitable for?
In order for leucine to have a therapeutic effect as a food supplement, a daily intake of at least 1000mg is necessary. Due to its special properties, leucine can have positive effects on a variety of complaints and clinical pictures as well as in muscle building and endurance sports. For the following groups of people, leucine as a supplement is therefore definitely to be considered useful: Diabetes Athletes Obesity patients to support a diet Depressions Exhaustion Muscle loss Overall, the individual leucine requirement and the question of whether supplementation is necessary must always be decided on a case-by-case basis and preferably in consultation with a physician.
- Diabetes
- Athletes
- Adiposity patients to support a diet
- Depressions
- States of exhaustion
- Muscle loss
Leucine is used by many athletes in the field of muscle building. Due to its special properties, the amino acid has a positive influence on the protein biosynthesis and thus, for example, prevents the breakdown of proteins in the body after physical exertion, which leads to the preservation of the muscles and results in an increased protein balance. Leucine belongs to the ketogenic amino acids, which means that a ketone body is formed when the amino acid is broken down.
In contrast, the non-ketogenic amino acids are involved in the new formation of glucose. Leucine inhibits the breakdown of glucose in the body during training and thus has a positive effect on the body’s own energy production, so that with a sufficient supply of leucine, a sustained increase in performance is the result. Through this mechanism of action, leucine also prevents the release of other amino acids that would otherwise be used for gluconeogenesis, the new formation of glucose and thus for energy production.
Through this effect, leucine prevents muscle catabolism, the breakdown of muscle mass.Another effect of leucine is the stimulation of insulin secretion. If the body’s own leucine concentration increases, the pancreas secretes insulin in larger quantities. Among other things, insulin serves the body to transport amino acids and glucose into the body cells.
Leucine then makes more amino acids available to the muscle cells in particular for muscle building. At the same time, leucine also has an effect on the cortisol level. This is lowered by the amino acid, which also counteracts muscle breakdown.
As already mentioned, leucine also has an influence on the release of growth hormones. In childhood and adolescence, these provide for length and bone growth, in adulthood, however, they promote muscle growth, as they have a positive effect on the relationship between muscle tissue and fat cells. Because of this, leucine is also particularly suitable during a diet or definition phase. The amino acid has been proven to increase the basic energy metabolism. In summary, leucine plays a special role in muscle growth, as it not only ensures the maintenance of muscle mass, but also provides more energy for training and increases performance.
