Leucine is one of the 20 most common amino acids and coded for by DNA. It is isomeric with isoleucine. Nutritionally, in humans, leucine is an essential amino acid.

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.

The major food sources of leucine are whole grains and milk and milk products. Eggs, pork, beef, chicken, pulses, soya beans, and leafy vegetables are good sources of leucine.

External links

• Leucine biosynthesis
• Computational Chemistry Wiki
• Leucine prevents muscle loss in rats
• Leucine helps regulate appetite in rats

External links

Branched-chain amino acids | Essential amino acids

Leucin | Leucina | Leŭcino | Leucine | Leucina | לאוצין | Leucin | Leucinas | Leicīns | Leucine | ロイシン | Leucyna | Leucina | Лейцин | Leusiini | Leucin | 亮氨酸