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Leucine & Essential Amino Acids for Sugar Control

June 01, 2016 - Admin

Leucine is an essential amino acid and an important regulator of protein synthesis. Feeding leucine triggers the mTOR pathway, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. This leucine amino acid is also important for regulating blood sugar. Combining leucine with glucose helps reduce blood sugar levels by balancing the secretion of insulin, which decreases blood glucose, and the hormone glucagon, which increases glucose levels. Increasing leucine in the blood for prolonged periods has a dampening effect on insulin. A Chinese study found that the suppressing effect of leucine on insulin decreased when blood leucine levels were reduced. The take-home message is that leucine benefits include being an important supplement for moderating blood sugar responses to diet, making it a valuable component of amino acid supplements.

References:

(Molecular Medicine Reports, published online April 8, 2014)