Leucine

Leucine, also known as Leu, is an Essential Branched Chain Ketogenic Amino Acid.  Of the three Branched Chain Amino Acids, Leucine is recognized as the most important/potent.

Metabolism

 Leucine may help to stabilize elevated Blood Sugar levels.  ^[1]

 Leucine may be utilized within the body in the production of Energy.  ^[2]

 Leucine is released from muscles during Exercise for use in the production of Alanine.

 Excessive Exercise or Endurance Exercise can cause depletion of Leucine and supplemental Leucine can help to counteract this Exercise-induced loss of Muscle Leucine.  ^[3]

 Leucine deficiency may cause Hypoglycemia in infants.  Anecdotal Evidence

 Leucine may be useful for increasing Insulin sensitivity in persons with Insulin Resistance.  ^[4]

 Leucine may help to protect the Liver from various types of damage.  ^[5]

 Leucine may facilitate weight loss in persons afflicted with Obesity.  ^[6]

Musculoskeletal System

 Leucine may accelerate healing of the Bones.  Anecdotal Evidence

 Leucine may stimulate Proteins synthesis in Muscles stimulating Muscle Growth and may accelerate the healing of damaged muscle tissues. ^[7]

 This process is believed to occur via the metabolism of Leucine to Ketoisocaproate (KIC) and Hydroxy Methylbutrate (HMB) within the body.  

 Leucine may increase Muscle Strength.  ^[8]

 Leucine may stimulate the uptake of insulin into muscles and may accelerate the healing of muscle tissues:  ^[9]

 Leucine may stimulate the growth of Skeletal Muscle and may facilitate the recovery of Skeletal Muscles following Exercise.  ^[10]

 Leucine may help to prevent and treat age-related Muscular Atrophy (Sarcopenia).  ^[11]