L-Leucine

[rainman777]

I have read that comsuming L-Leucine with protein meals, can increase the meal's anabolic potential becuase L-Leucine plays a major role in protein synthesis. Is there any truth to this, if so how much more potent can it make your meals? thanks

[LukeN.Good]

Sounds unlikely. Leucine = one of the amino acids (that, of course, make up a "protein" molecule). So by taking protein, you're inherently already getting Leucine (the L- preceding it just denotes the isomer, or spacial atomic arrangement, of the same molecule...it's not important to add it).

BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine) apparently make up about 1/3 of the protein in your muscle tissue, I've always found that interesting when considering whether or not to take it. They're capable of being metabilized in the muscle as well as opposed to just the liver.
So logically supplementation could be beneficial, but I've never heard of a synergy between BCAA's and "food". I can't really see how adding it to protein meals would have THAT profound of an effect.

(Not sure what you already knew about it.)

Do you remember where you read that? Sounds like it might be worth researching a little.

[Blast_]

Originally Posted by LukeN.Good

Sounds unlikely. Leucine = one of the amino acids (that, of course, make up a "protein" molecule). So by taking protein, you're inherently already getting Leucine (the L- preceding it just denotes the isomer, or spacial atomic arrangement, of the same molecule...it's not important to add it).

BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine) apparently make up about 1/3 of the protein in your muscle tissue, I've always found that interesting when considering whether or not to take it. They're capable of being metabilized in the muscle as well as opposed to just the liver.
So logically supplementation could be beneficial, but I've never heard of a synergy between BCAA's and "food". I can't really see how adding it to protein meals would have THAT profound of an effect.

(Not sure what you already knew about it.)

Do you remember where you read that? Sounds like it might be worth researching a little.

On the contrary, there's research that shows that l-leucine can be THE amino acid that triggers protein synthesis. Pubmed a bit and find the studies... I don't feel like it right now.

[LukeN.Good]

Originally Posted by Blast_

On the contrary, there's research that shows that l-leucine can be THE amino acid that triggers protein synthesis. Pubmed a bit and find the studies... I don't feel like it right now.

Triggers or simply plays a major role in it?
(To clarify, my response was more concerned with questioning the necessity of it with the consumption of protein.)

It's been a long ass time since I researched BCAAs, I ultimately just reverted back to keeping it simple in my diet/supplementation. I might browse around tomorrow and see what I find, if it's what the OP was looking for I'll post it here.

[antihero]

Originally Posted by LukeN.Good

Triggers or simply plays a major role in it?
(To clarify, my response was more concerned with questioning the necessity of it with the consumption of protein.)

It's been a long ass time since I researched BCAAs, I ultimately just reverted back to keeping it simple in my diet/supplementation. I might browse around tomorrow and see what I find, if it's what the OP was looking for I'll post it here.

There are alot of studies showing that extra leucine supplementation both increases protein synthesis and reduces protein degradation. There are also studies that show post-exercise consumption of leucine induces hyperinsulinemia and hyperaminoacidemia. All of which are good to promote muscle growth.

[rainman777]

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_...ential_of_food

Thats the article from tnation; tnation usually has good stuff but I was skepital since they were trying to sell a product.

[lednasmr]

layne norton talks about it alot. there is a powerpoint on his website biolayne.com that ya'll would probably find interesting