Leucine

Leucine, Valine and isoleucine are essential branched chain amino acids. Branched chained amino acids constitute ~40% of the required intake of total essential amino acids.

Leucine is metabolized like fat, valine like a carbohydrate and isoleucine like a fat and carbohydrate.

=Properties= -Stimulates protein synthesis -A source of energy -Stimulates the release of insulin

=Complements= Transaminase (dependant on B6)

=Antagonists= Prostaglandin 2 and arachidonic acid

=Excess= Isovaleric acidemia ( a genetic dis-ease)

=Therapeutic Indications= -Increases muscle mass -Anti-Stress -Inhibits the catabolism of muscle through the release of insulin

=Contraindications= None Known

=Food Sources= Food w/ high protein content, such as meat, fish, legumes and nuts

=Therapeutic Dose= Leucine: 16mg./kg. (1120mg./70kg) Not necessary for those who do perform body building