What Is Leucine?
Leucine is an essential amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins, used as building blocks. Leucine metabolism occurs in many tissues in our body, especially in the liver, adipose tissue, and muscle tissue.
Essential means that the body cannot synthesize it, and therefore must be ingested through our diet.
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Leucine Is Important With Many Health Benefits
Leucine is one of nine essential amino acids in humans. Leucine is important for protein synthesis and many metabolic functions. (source π)
Leucine, together with isoleucine and valine, make up about one-third of muscle protein. They are branched-chain amino acids. (source π)
Leucine is beneficial in the regulation of blood-sugar levels and growth, among other things. You can see the benefits of leucine in Leucine: 6 Research-Backed Benefits .
Leucine In Food
Leucine cannot be synthesized in the body, it must be obtained from the diet. (source π)
Dietary sources of leucine are foods that contain protein, meats, dairy products, soy products, and beans, and other legumes. (source π)
If you are interested in a list of foods where you can find this nutrient. Go to our nutrition tool and check out leucine.
Because leucine is available in many foods is deficiency rare. (source π)