L-Leucine
- An essential branched-chain amino acid important
for hemoglobin formation. L-Leucine may be the major
fuel involved in anabolic (tissue-building) reactions,
and is important in the storage of proteins in the body.
This makes it a common addition in body-building
supplements and is used widely by other athletes in
sports that demand explosive strength.
Branched-chain
amino acids have created much interest in the
neurological research community. A a pilot study
indicated that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
patients showed symptomatic improvement when given large
doses of BCAAs, and it was therefore considered that
BCAAs may protect against neuronal damage from the
neuroexcitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.
Studies
conducted on people with alcoholic cirrhosis show a
benefit when consuming L-valine, L-leucine, and L-isoleucine,
as they appear to enhance protein synthesis in liver
cells and muscle cells and help restore liver function
and may help prevent chronic encephalopathy.
