Leucine is an essential amino acid, which means it cannot be synthesized in the human body. Amino acids are the building blocks from which proteins are made, and leucine is a component of femtin and astacin, two "buffer" proteins. The chemical formula of leucine is HO2CCH(NH2)CH2CH(CH3)2, and it is classified as a hydrophobic, meaning water-insoluble, protein.
Sources
Leucine is not synthesized in animals and must be ingested, usually as a component of plant protein. Plants and microorganisms can synthesize leucine from a simple organic compound known as pyruvic acid, through a number of complicated, enzyme-catalyzed steps. According to VitaminStuff.com, "Natural sources of leucine include brown rice, beans, meat, nuts, soy flour, and whole wheat."
Benefits: Muscles
One of the major uses of leucine--together with the two other branched-chain amino acids, isoleucine and valine--in the human body is in the repair of muscle tissue, and leucine supplements are commonly taken by body builders. Leucine breaks down readily into glucose, which helps prevent cannibalization of muscle for energy during exercise.
Benefits: Blood Sugar Regulation
Due to the fact leucine is easily converted to glucose, it helps in regulation of blood sugar. In fact, the symptoms of leucine deficiency are the same as the symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and include dizziness, nausea and fatigue.
Benefits: Weight Loss
Donald K. Layman of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explains leucine plays a unique role in weight-loss diets, as it appears to help maintain lean muscle mass during calorie-restrictive diets and maintain constant blood glucose levels. His proposed explanation of the ability of leucine to maintain muscle mass through a "direct link to translational regulation of muscle protein synthesis through the insulin signaling cascade."
Leucine Supplementation
According to VitaminStuff.com, leucine supplementation should be accompanied by supplementation of isoleucine and valine, in the proportion of 2 mg leucine: 2 mg valine: 1 mg isoleucine. While combination supplements are available from several sources, most do not have this particular balance of the branched-chain amino acids, so you should take care in reading the labels on these supplements.
Effects of Excess Leucine Intake
Excessive intake of leucine can lead to a deficiency of the vitamin niacin, a condition known as pellagra, according to VitaminStuff.com. Symptoms of pellagra include mental disorders, diarrhea and dermatitis. Excessive leucine intake can also cause liver and kidney problems and lead to excessive ammonia levels in the body.
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