Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) important for protein synthesis and muscle growth. It is sold as a dietary supplement and is found naturally in foods like chicken, turkey, and cheese. Some research suggests leucine may help improve muscle mass, athletic recovery, inflammation, and blood sugar levels.

Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) — just like valine and isoleucine — and is important for repairing and building muscle. In fact, getting enough leucine may prevent muscle wasting among older adults (1, 2, 3). Leucine also appears to help manage blood sugar levels.

Leucine is an essential branch chained essential amino acid. Studies suggest that they enable controlling of blood sugar levels. Leucine also helps in wound repairing. In addition, it improves the secretion of growth hormones. Leucine also improves skin quality. In general, it plays a vital role in the growth and functioning of bones and muscles.

Leucine is considered a vital amino acid for the protein synthesis and various metabolic functions - in other words, it is an essential amino acid, which helps in regulating the blood-sugar levels, promotes the growth and the recovery of muscle and bone tissues, as well as the production of the growth hormone.

Leucine can also regulate cellular processes such as protein synthesis, tissue regeneration, and metabolism. Therefore, leucine supplementation has been studied in various conditions such as aging, muscle loss, protein or energy deprivation, obesity, and diabetes mellitus.