Evidence supporting the use of: L-leucine
For the health condition: Wasting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
L-leucine is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and has been extensively studied for its role in muscle protein synthesis. Scientific evidence supports its use in the management of wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), cachexia (muscle wasting associated with chronic illness), and other forms of muscle atrophy. L-leucine acts as a key regulator of the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Clinical studies have demonstrated that supplementation with L-leucine, either alone or as part of a BCAA or protein supplement, can enhance muscle protein synthesis rates, particularly in elderly individuals or those experiencing catabolic stress. In cases of wasting, adequate leucine intake may help preserve lean body mass, support recovery, and improve functional outcomes. While the effect size can vary and the optimal dosing is still a topic of research, the overall scientific consensus is that L-leucine is beneficial in supporting muscle mass retention and mitigating the effects of muscle wasting, especially when combined with resistance exercise and adequate protein intake. It is important to note that while L-leucine supplementation is generally safe, it should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under medical supervision, especially in individuals with compromised kidney function or other underlying health concerns.
Other ingredients used for Wasting
Acetyl L-carnitinealpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
apricot
astragalus
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
L-leucine
Lentinula edodes mycelia
magnesium
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
vitamin B12
Whey protein
Zinc
animal Tissue
arginine creatine
Albumin
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
animal protein
Beef Protein
beef
Beef liver
bone marrow
BCAA
Codonopsis
creatine
deer velvet
Eurycoma Longifolia
guanidinoacetic acid
glucose
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
Lentinan
Lysine alpha-ketoisocaproate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lactalbumin
Marine protein
Phosphocreatine
Other health conditions supported by L-leucine
Athletic and Exercise AidsBody Building
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Surgery (healing from)
Wasting
Weight Loss
Products containing L-leucine
Designs For Health
Amino Acid Supreme™
Designs For Health
Amino Acid Synergy
Thorne
Amino Complex Berry
Thorne
Amino Complex Lemon
Pure Encapsulations
Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations
Amino Replete
Pure Encapsulations
BCAA
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BCAA
Pure Encapsulations
BCAA
Designs For Health
BCAA Powder with L-Glutamine
Metagenics
BCAAs Orange Mango
Metagenics
BioPure Protein® Powder
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Detox Antiox™
Designs For Health
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Designs For Health
DHEA
Pure Encapsulations
Essential Aminos
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Free Form Amino
Klean Athlete
Klean BCAA + Peak ATP®
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Klean Essential Aminos + HMB®
Klean Athlete
Klean Isolate ™
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Muscle Protect™ with HMB®
Designs For Health
MyoStim™
Metagenics
Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
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Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
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Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
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Red Yeast Rice
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Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
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Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
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Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
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Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
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UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
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UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
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UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
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UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
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UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
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UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
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UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
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UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
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UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
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UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
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UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla
Designs For Health
Vitamin D Supreme
Designs For Health
Vitamin D Synergy