Leucine (BCAA) is an essential amino acid, which cannot be manufactured in the body
and is part of the three branched-chain-amino-acids. Leucine assists with the regulation
of blood-sugar levels, the growth and repair of muscle tissue, growth hormone production,
wound healing as well as energy regulation. It can assist to prevent the breakdown
of muscle proteins that sometimes occur after trauma or severe stress.
Deficiency is rare, however hypoglycemia (a state produced by a lower than normal
level of blood glucose) symptoms may appear if the diet is deficient and may include
dizziness, fatigue, headaches, irritability.
Leucine is involved in:
Regulation of blood-sugar levels.
Growth and repair of muscle tissue.
Growth hormone production.
Wound healing.
Energy regulation.
Assists in preventing the breakdown of muscle proteins that may occur after trauma
or severe stress.
It may also be beneficial for people with phenylketonuria - a condition in which
the body cannot metabolise the amino acid phenylalanine.
