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Home » Categories » Health » Alternative » Leucine Functions in Body » Printer Friendly

Leucine Functions in Body

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Submitted Wednesday, March 29, 2006
star herb (381)
Jmaes John
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Article on Leucine Leucine For Health - What To Do Leucine is one of the 20 most common amino acids on Earth, and coded for by DNA. It is isomeric with isoleucine. Nutritionally, in humans, leucine is an essential amino acid. Amino Acid One of three branched-chain amino acids (the others are valine and isoleucine) that enhance energy, increase endurance, and aid in Leucine is the most common amino acid found in proteins, and is essential for optimal growth in infancy and childhood and for nitrogen equilibrium in adults. It is suspected that Leucine plays a part in maintaining muscles by equalizing synthesis and breakdown of proteins.

Leucine zipper: A secondary protein structure in which projecting leucine residues on two polypeptide chains interdigitate to form a stable dimer. Configuration of a DNA-binding protein in which leucine residues on two protein alpha-helices interdigitate in zipper fashion to stabilize the protein. A structural motif characteristic of DNA-binding proteins consisting of a protein dimer formed by two interacting a helices from separate proteins. A protein domain that mediates dimer formation and is normally adjacent to a basic DNA-binding domain. It is characterized by a pattern of five leucine residues each separated by six residues.

How Leucine Works: 1 -Leucine works with the amino acids isoleucine and valine to repair muscles, regulate blood sugar, and provide the body with energy. It also increases production of growth hormones, and helps burn visceral fat, which is located in the deepest layers of the body and the least responsive to dieting and exercise.

2 - Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and all three of them help promote muscle recovery after exercise. Leucine is the most effective BCAA for preventing muscle loss because it breaks down and is converted to glucose more quickly than isoleucine and valine. Increased glucose supplies prevent the body’s cannibalization of muscle for energy during intense workouts, so it is no surprise that this amino acid supplement is popular among professional body builders. Leucine also promotes the healing of bones, skin, and muscle tissue after traumatic injury, and is often recommended for those recovering from surgery.

33 - Because it is so easily converted to glucose, leucine helps to regulate blood sugar a deficiency of leucine produces symptoms similar to those of hypoglycemia, which may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, confusion, and irritability.

4 - Natural sources of leucine include brown rice, beans, meat, nuts, soy flour, and whole wheat. Leucine is an essential amino acid, which means that it cannot be manufactured in the body and must be obtained through dietary sources. People that exercise a lot, have a low-protein diet, or are seriously trying to build muscle mass should consider leucine supplementation. Leucine is also available in stand-alone supplemental form, but should always be taken together with the other two branched-chain amino acids, isoleucine and valine. The ideal balance is 2 milligrams of leucine and valine for each 1 milligram of isoleucine. Combination supplements that provide all three of the BCAAs may be more convenient.

5 - An excessively high intake of leucine has also been linked to the development of pellagra, a deficiency of the vitamin niacin that causes dermatitis, diarrhea, and mental disorders. Too much leucine in the diet can disrupt liver and kidney function and increase the amount of ammonia in the body. People with impaired liver or kidney function should not take isoleucine without first consulting a physician, as large doses of amino acids may aggravate these conditions.

Author By James John



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Comments on this article: (2 total)


» left by Anonymous (1 year 330 days ago.)
Reader Rating: 4 out of 5
this does not help me at all.
i just want a clear explination of what leucine does.

Respond to this comment

» left by wendy from norwalk (168 days 16 hours ago.)
Reader Rating: 4.5 out of 5
yes! good ! great help

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