L-Luecine has an important, documented relationship to natural HGH production in the human body. L-Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid that’s broken down in fat cells. The other two essential branch chain aminos are L-Valine and L-Isoleucine.
L-Leucine can not be made by the body, and must be acquired through food intake or dietary supplementation. It can be found in nuts, brown rice and whole wheat grain products.
As one of the three BCAA’s, L-Leucine is essential to basic health and also has athletic performance and medical applications.
During strenuous exercise or lifting, it helps preserve lean muscle tissue, supplies the body with energy and saves the breakdown of muscle glycogen (glucose stored in muscle tissue used to power muscular contraction). In addition, L-Leucine maintains nitrogen balance which enhances mental faculties that can decline during intense exercise. It also aids in the healing process of body tissue and bone.
In addition, L-Leucine has been shown increase your body’s natural somatropin (HGH - Human Growth Hormone) secretion. And of course, that’s why you’re here: to learn about human growth hormone and its effects on the body.
The effects of L-Leucine in the diet are profound. As the strongest of the BCAA’s, L-Leucine is what’s known as a “limiting nutrient” - meaning that you must have enough L-Leucine in proportion to other amino acids in order for your body to make use of what you eat.
If you lack proper levels of L-Luecine, your body will not be able to make use of the protein that you give it - no matter how much protein you consume. This leads to lack of muscle gain.
When I work out, I take a series of pre-workout vitamins of which a major ingredient is L-Luecine. Since doing this, I have noticed a greater increase in stamina during my long cardio pushes.
On the flip side:
L-Leucine deficiency can result in muscle atrophy, depression, low energy levels, weakness, and blood sugar irregularities like hypoglycemia.
And as always, ask your doctor before taking any supplement.