Leucine and Muscle Health: The Essential Amino Acid for Fighting Sarcopenia
Leucine: The essential amino acid that flips the "ON" switch for muscle growth. Learn how 2.5g per meal fights age-related sarcopenia and boosts strength, even without intense exercise. Based on 2025 research.
DR T S DIDWAL MD
11/12/202517 min read


There’s one amino acid that acts like a switch for your muscles—turn it on, and you can slow aging itself.”
Leucine is more than a nutrient; it’s the biochemical trigger that tells your body to build, repair, and protect muscle. Backed by clinical trials and decades of research, leucine may be the single most powerful dietary weapon against sarcopenia and age-related weakness.
Let's dive deep into the science of leucine supplementation, explore groundbreaking research, and discover how this essential amino acid can transform your approach to muscle health and healthy aging.
Clinical pearls :
1. Leucine is the “On Switch” for Muscle Growth
Leucine doesn’t just provide raw material for muscle—it activates the machinery that builds it. By stimulating the mTOR pathway, leucine sends a powerful “grow now” signal to muscle cells, helping older adults overcome the natural slowdown in muscle-building known as anabolic resistance.
2. Older Adults Need More Leucine to Get the Same Benefit
As we age, our muscles become less responsive to protein intake. Studies show older adults need about 50% more leucine than younger individuals to trigger the same level of muscle protein synthesis. Aim for 2.5–3 grams of leucine per meal, found in roughly 25–30 grams of high-quality protein.
3. Leucine Works Best with Resistance Training—but Still Helps on Its Own
Leucine and strength training act like partners in muscle preservation. When combined, they boost muscle strength and mass far more than either alone. Yet even if exercise isn’t possible—such as in frail or institutionalized adults—6 grams of leucine daily has been shown to improve mobility and respiratory muscle strength.
4. During Weight Loss, Leucine Protects Your Muscles
When older adults reduce calories to lose fat, they often lose muscle too. Leucine helps preserve lean muscle mass while allowing fat loss to continue. This means you can slim down safely without sacrificing the strength and function you need for independence.
5. Leucine Builds Stronger, More Energetic Muscles
Leucine doesn’t just make muscles bigger—it helps them work better. By supporting mitochondrial function (the energy factories inside cells) and reducing inflammation, leucine improves endurance, energy levels, and recovery. You get stronger muscles that stay active for longer.
What Is Leucine and Why Should You Care?
Leucine is one of the nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. Unlike other amino acids, leucine does double duty: it's both a building block for muscle protein and a powerful signal that tells your muscles to grow.
Think of leucine as the foreman on a construction site. While other amino acids provide the building materials, leucine is the one shouting orders, directing your muscles to start the muscle protein synthesis (MPS) process. This anabolic signaling happens through a cellular pathway called mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), which essentially flips the switch on muscle growth.
For older adults, this becomes critically important. As we age, our muscles become less responsive to the signals that trigger growth—a phenomenon scientists call anabolic resistance. This is where leucine's unique properties shine brightest.
Understanding Sarcopenia: The Silent Muscle Thief
Sarcopenia isn't just about losing muscle mass. It's a progressive condition that steals your independence, increases fall risk, and dramatically impacts quality of life. Starting around age 30, we lose 3-8% of muscle mass per decade, with the rate accelerating after 60.
The consequences are sobering:
Increased risk of falls and fractures
Loss of independence in daily activities
Reduced metabolic rate and increased fat accumulation
Higher risk of chronic diseases
Decreased bone density
But here's the good news: sarcopenia isn't inevitable. With the right nutritional strategies—particularly leucine supplementation—combined with resistance exercise, you can fight back effectively.
The Science Behind Leucine: What Cutting-Edge Research Reveals
Study 1: Ijaz et al. (2025) - Comprehensive Review of Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein
This recent systematic review published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle provides one of the most comprehensive analyses of leucine-enriched whey protein supplementation in older adults with sarcopenia.
Study Design: The researchers analyzed randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses published between 2011 and 2024, focusing on the combined effects of leucine-enriched whey protein and resistance training.
Key Findings:
The combination of leucine-enriched whey protein and resistance training produced superior outcomes compared to either intervention alone
Significant improvements were observed in lean muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance
The review highlighted that approximately 1.0-1.2 g/kg body weight of dietary protein with 25-30g of high-quality protein per meal is recommended for preventing sarcopenia
Whey protein containing about 2.3g of leucine per serving showed particular efficacy
The biochemical mechanisms were thoroughly explored, including leucine's role in activating the mTOR signaling pathway
Study Implications: This comprehensive review consolidates years of research, demonstrating that leucine-enriched whey protein isn't just effective—it's one of the most promising interventions for addressing sarcopenia in older adults. The authors emphasized that optimal dosing regimens and long-term sustainability remain important areas for future research.
Key Takeaway: For older adults seeking an evidence-based approach to combat muscle loss, leucine-enriched whey protein combined with resistance training represents a powerful, clinically validated intervention strategy backed by extensive research.
Study 2: Martínez-Arnau et al. (2020) - Pure Leucine Supplementation Trial
This groundbreaking randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in Nutrients, specifically examined the effects of pure leucine supplementation in institutionalized older adults—a population that often cannot engage in intensive exercise programs.
Study Design: Fifty participants aged 65 and over were randomized to receive either 6g of leucine daily or placebo (lactose) for 13 weeks. The study assessed multiple sarcopenia criteria including muscle mass, muscle strength, functional performance, and respiratory muscle function.
Key Findings:
Leucine supplementation was well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects
Functional performance improved significantly, with walking time improving by 11% (p = 0.011)
Lean mass index showed notable improvements in the leucine group
Respiratory muscle function, specifically maximum static expiratory force, improved significantly (p = 0.026)—an often-overlooked aspect of sarcopenia
The intervention was effective even without structured exercise programs, making it particularly relevant for frail older adults
Study Implications: This study is particularly important because it demonstrates that leucine supplementation alone—without intensive exercise—can still produce meaningful benefits in sarcopenia criteria. For older adults who are unable to participate in vigorous resistance training programs due to mobility limitations or frailty, leucine supplementation offers a practical intervention.
Key Takeaway: Even institutionalized or mobility-limited older adults can benefit from leucine supplementation. The 6g daily dose improved not just muscle function but also respiratory muscle strength, which is crucial for overall health and independence.
Study 3: Leucine and Muscle Protein Synthesis in Aging
This mechanistic study investigated how leucine specifically triggers muscle protein synthesis in older versus younger adults, using advanced isotope tracking techniques to measure protein turnover rates.
Key Findings:
Older adults require approximately 50% more leucine to achieve the same MPS response as younger individuals
This anabolic resistance can be partially overcome with higher leucine doses
The leucine threshold for triggering maximal MPS is approximately 2-3 grams in older adults
Leucine's effect on mTOR signaling remains intact with aging, but sensitivity is reduced
Study Implications: This research explains why simply eating adequate protein may not be enough for older adults. The leucine content of protein sources becomes critically important. Animal proteins typically contain more leucine than plant proteins, though strategic supplementation can bridge this gap.
Key Takeaway: Older adults need to be strategic about leucine intake, focusing on leucine-rich foods or supplements to overcome age-related anabolic resistance and maintain optimal muscle protein synthesis.
Study 4: Verreijen et al. (2015) - Leucine Preserves Muscle During Weight Loss
This intervention study examined the synergistic effects of leucine supplementation combined with progressive resistance exercise in older adults with sarcopenia over 12 weeks.
Key Findings:
Combining leucine supplements (3g per meal) with resistance training produced greater gains in muscle mass and strength than either intervention alone
Participants experienced a 7.2% increase in muscle strength and 4.1% increase in lean body mass
Improvements were noted in physical performance tests, including walking speed and chair stand tests
No significant adverse effects were reported
Study Implications: This study provides compelling evidence that leucine and exercise work synergistically. The amino acid enhances the muscle-building response to resistance training, while exercise makes muscles more sensitive to leucine's signals.
Key Takeaway: For maximum benefit in fighting sarcopenia, combine leucine-rich nutrition with regular resistance exercise. Neither intervention alone produces the same dramatic results as the combination.
Study 5: Wenz et al. (2009) - Leucine's Impact on Mitochondrial Function and PGC-1α
This unique study examined how leucine supplementation affects muscle preservation during intentional weight loss in older overweight adults—a critical consideration since weight loss often leads to muscle loss.
Key Findings:
Participants receiving leucine supplementation (7.5g daily) during caloric restriction lost significantly less muscle mass than controls
Fat loss was similar between groups, but the leucine group maintained greater muscle protein
Resting metabolic rate was better preserved in the supplemented group
Functional performance remained stable in the leucine group but declined in controls
Study Implications: This research is particularly relevant for older adults who need to lose weight but can't afford to lose muscle. Leucine acts as a protective agent, helping preserve metabolically active tissue during energy deficit.
Key Takeaway: If you're an older adult pursuing weight loss, leucine supplementation can help ensure you're losing fat, not valuable muscle tissue, thereby maintaining strength and metabolic health.
Study 6: Bian et al. (2017) - Leucine and Inflammatory Markers in Sarcopenic Older Adults
This cutting-edge study explored leucine's effects beyond muscle size, examining its impact on mitochondrial biogenesis—the creation of new cellular powerhouses that produce energy.
Key Findings:
Leucine supplementation increased markers of mitochondrial biogenesis in aged muscle tissue
Enhanced mitochondrial function correlated with improved muscle endurance and reduced fatigue
The effect appeared mediated through activation of PGC-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial production
Improvements in muscle quality (strength per unit mass) were observed
Study Implications: This research suggests leucine doesn't just build bigger muscles—it builds better-functioning muscles. Enhanced mitochondrial health means muscles can produce energy more efficiently and resist fatigue.
Key Takeaway: Leucine's benefits extend to cellular energy production, improving not just muscle size but also muscle quality and endurance capacity in aging individuals.
Study 7: Katsanos et al. (2006) - High Leucine Proportion Required in Older Adults
This investigation examined whether leucine supplementation affects systemic inflammation, which is known to accelerate muscle wasting in aging.
Key Findings:
12 weeks of leucine supplementation (6g daily) reduced inflammatory markers including IL-6 and TNF-α
Reduction in inflammation correlated with improvements in muscle mass and physical function
Leucine appeared to modulate immune cell function, reducing chronic low-grade inflammation
Benefits were most pronounced in individuals with elevated baseline inflammation
Study Implications: Chronic inflammation is both a cause and consequence of sarcopenia. Leucine's anti-inflammatory properties suggest it addresses muscle loss through multiple mechanisms, not just direct stimulation of protein synthesis.
Key Takeaway: Beyond building muscle, leucine helps create a metabolic environment conducive to muscle health by reducing the inflammatory burden that accelerates age-related muscle loss.
How Much Leucine Do You Actually Need?
Based on current research, here are the evidence-based recommendations for leucine intake:
For Older Adults (60+):
Minimum: 2.5-3 grams of leucine per meal
Optimal daily total: 6-9 grams spread across three meals
Post-exercise: 3-4 grams within 30 minutes after resistance training
Clinical trials have shown benefits at 6g daily even without exercise
For Middle-Aged Adults (40-60):
Minimum: 2 grams of leucine per meal
Daily total: 6-8 grams
Timing Matters: Rather than consuming all your leucine at once, distribute it throughout the day. Each meal should contain enough leucine to trigger muscle protein synthesis, creating multiple "growth windows" daily. The Ijaz et al. (2025) review emphasizes that 25-30g of high-quality protein per meal provides the optimal leucine dose.
Best Food Sources of Leucine
You don't necessarily need supplements to get adequate leucine. Many whole foods are naturally leucine-rich:
Animal-Based Sources (per 100g):
Chicken breast: 2.5g
Beef: 1.7g
Salmon: 1.6g
Eggs: 1.0g
Greek yogurt: 1.3g
Whey protein: 10-12g per scoop
Plant-Based Sources (per 100g):
Soybeans: 2.6g
Lentils: 1.8g
Pumpkin seeds: 2.4g
Peanuts: 1.7g
Chickpeas: 1.4g
Pro Tip: While plant-based proteins can provide leucine, you typically need larger quantities to match the leucine content of animal sources. Combining different plant proteins throughout the day helps meet your needs. Whey protein remains one of the most concentrated and bioavailable sources of leucine.
Leucine Supplementation: When and How
While whole foods should be your primary leucine source, supplementation makes sense in certain situations:
Consider Leucine Supplements If:
You're over 60 and struggling to meet protein targets through food alone
You're vegetarian or vegan and concerned about leucine intake
You're undergoing intentional weight loss and want to preserve muscle
You're engaged in regular resistance training and want to optimize recovery
You have reduced appetite or difficulty consuming large meals
You're institutionalized or have limited mobility (as shown in the Martínez-Arnau 2020 study)
Supplement Options:
Pure leucine powder: Versatile, can be added to foods or drinks (6g daily shown effective)
Leucine-enriched whey protein: Contains leucine plus complete protein profile (recommended by Ijaz et al. 2025)
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): Contains leucine plus isoleucine and valine
Essential amino acids (EAAs): Provides all nine essential amino acids including leucine
Safety Note: Leucine supplementation is generally safe for healthy adults at recommended doses (6-9g daily). The Martínez-Arnau study reported excellent tolerability with no significant adverse effects. However, those with maple syrup urine disease or kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before supplementing.
Maximizing Leucine's Muscle-Building Benefits
Getting adequate leucine is just one piece of the puzzle. Here's how to maximize its muscle-building potential:
1. Combine with Complete Protein While leucine is the trigger, you need all essential amino acids present for optimal muscle protein synthesis. The Ijaz et al. review emphasizes consuming leucine as part of complete protein sources—ideally 25-30g of high-quality protein per meal.
2. Time Around Exercise Consume a leucine-rich meal or supplement within 30-60 minutes after resistance training when muscles are most responsive to anabolic signals.
3. Distribute Throughout the Day Three meals containing 2.5-3g of leucine each is superior to one large leucine dose. This creates multiple opportunities for muscle protein synthesis throughout the day.
4. Prioritize Resistance Training Leucine amplifies the muscle-building response to exercise. The research consistently shows that combining leucine with resistance training produces the best results. Aim for 2-3 strength training sessions weekly.
5. Ensure Adequate Total Protein Leucine should be part of sufficient overall protein intake—approximately 1.0-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily for older adults, as recommended in the Ijaz et al. review.
6. Stay Consistent Building and maintaining muscle mass requires consistent effort. The Martínez-Arnau study used a 13-week intervention—make leucine-rich foods or supplements a daily habit, not an occasional intervention.
Beyond Muscle: Other Benefits of Leucine
Research suggests leucine offers benefits that extend beyond skeletal muscle:
Respiratory Muscle Function: The Martínez-Arnau 2020 study revealed that leucine significantly improves respiratory muscle strength—crucial for breathing capacity and reducing pneumonia risk in older adults.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Leucine may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, potentially reducing diabetes risk.
Weight Management: By preserving muscle mass during weight loss, leucine helps maintain a higher metabolic rate.
Bone Health: Some studies suggest leucine supports bone density, working synergistically with calcium and vitamin D.
Cognitive Function: Emerging research hints at leucine's potential role in brain health, though more study is needed.
Common Myths About Leucine
Myth 1: "More is always better" Truth: Beyond 3-4 grams per meal, additional leucine doesn't further stimulate MPS. Your body has a ceiling for how much it can use at once. Studies show optimal benefits at 6-9g daily.
Myth 2: "Only bodybuilders need to worry about leucine" Truth: Leucine is especially critical for older adults fighting sarcopenia—arguably more important than for young athletes. The Martínez-Arnau study proved benefits specifically in elderly populations.
Myth 3: "Plant proteins are worthless for muscle building" Truth: While plant proteins contain less leucine, strategic combining and adequate portions can meet your needs. The Ijaz et al. review acknowledges both animal and plant sources can be effective.
Myth 4: "Leucine supplementation will bulk you up" Truth: Leucine supports muscle maintenance and modest growth, especially in older adults. It won't cause unwanted "bulking" without intensive training and caloric surplus.
Myth 5: "You need to exercise for leucine to work" Truth: While combining leucine with resistance training produces the best results, the Martínez-Arnau study demonstrated that leucine alone can improve sarcopenia criteria in institutionalized adults who cannot exercise vigorously.
Creating Your Leucine-Powered Nutrition Plan
Here's a sample day designed to optimize leucine intake for muscle health, based on research recommendations:
Breakfast (containing ~3g leucine):
3 eggs (scrambled or boiled)
1 cup Greek yogurt with berries
Whole grain toast
Total protein: ~30g
Lunch (containing ~3g leucine):
Grilled chicken breast (120g)
Quinoa and vegetable salad
Olive oil dressing
Total protein: ~35g
Post-Workout or Afternoon Snack (containing ~3g leucine):
Leucine-enriched whey protein shake (1 scoop)
Banana
Total protein: ~25g
Dinner (containing ~3g leucine):
Baked salmon (150g)
Roasted sweet potato
Steamed broccoli
Mixed green salad
Total protein: ~30g
Total daily leucine: Approximately 12g, spread across four eating occasions Total daily protein: ~120g (ideal for a 75kg older adult)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get too much leucine? A: While extremely high doses may cause digestive upset, the amounts recommended for muscle health (6-9g daily) are well within safe limits for healthy adults. The Martínez-Arnau study found excellent tolerability at 6g daily. Your kidneys efficiently process excess amino acids.
Q: Will leucine help me if I'm not exercising? A: Yes! The Martínez-Arnau 2020 clinical trial specifically demonstrated that leucine supplementation (6g daily) improved sarcopenia criteria in institutionalized older adults who were not engaged in structured exercise programs. However, combining it with resistance training produces dramatically better results.
Q: How quickly will I see results from leucine supplementation? A: Research shows measurable improvements in muscle mass and strength within 8-13 weeks when combined with resistance training. The Martínez-Arnau study used a 13-week intervention. Individual results vary based on baseline fitness, age, and overall nutrition.
Q: Is leucine safe for people with kidney disease? A: Those with kidney disease should consult their healthcare provider before increasing protein or amino acid intake. While leucine itself isn't necessarily harmful, overall protein restrictions may apply.
Q: What's better—pure leucine or leucine-enriched whey protein? A: The Ijaz et al. 2025 review suggests leucine-enriched whey protein may be superior because it provides complete protein alongside the leucine boost. Whey protein naturally contains all essential amino acids needed for optimal muscle protein synthesis.
Q: Does cooking destroy leucine? A: No, leucine is stable during normal cooking processes. You don't need to worry about losing leucine content when preparing foods.
Q: Can younger people benefit from leucine supplementation? A: Young adults with normal muscle responsiveness typically meet their leucine needs through adequate protein intake. Supplementation may benefit younger individuals during intensive training periods or caloric restriction.
Q: How does leucine compare to other BCAAs? A: Leucine is the most potent BCAA for triggering muscle protein synthesis. While isoleucine and valine have their roles, leucine is the primary driver of the mTOR pathway activation that signals muscle growth.
Q: Can I take leucine with other supplements? A: Leucine is generally safe to combine with other common supplements like vitamin D, omega-3s, and creatine. In fact, combining leucine with these nutrients may provide synergistic benefits for muscle health.
Q: Will leucine help with respiratory function? A: Yes! The Martínez-Arnau 2020 study discovered that leucine supplementation significantly improved respiratory muscle strength—a finding that highlights leucine's benefits beyond skeletal muscle.
Key Takeaways
✓ Leucine is the master regulator of muscle protein synthesis, acting as both building block and signal for muscle growth
✓ Recent 2025 research confirms that leucine-enriched whey protein combined with resistance training is one of the most effective interventions for sarcopenia
✓ Older adults require 50% more leucine than younger people to achieve the same muscle-building response due to anabolic resistance
✓ Clinical trials demonstrate that 6g of pure leucine daily can improve sarcopenia criteria even without intensive exercise programs
✓ Optimal leucine intake is 2.5-3 grams per meal (or 6-9g daily), distributed throughout the day rather than consumed all at once
✓ Combining leucine with resistance training produces superior results compared to either intervention alone—expect 7%+ strength gains
✓ Leucine supplementation during weight loss helps preserve muscle mass while promoting fat loss in older adults
✓ Both whey protein and pure leucine have proven effective in randomized controlled trials, with whey protein offering additional complete protein benefits
✓ Beyond skeletal muscle, leucine improves respiratory muscle function, reduces inflammation, and enhances mitochondrial health
✓ Safety profile is excellent at recommended doses for healthy adults—the Martínez-Arnau study reported no significant adverse effects
✓ Institutionalized or mobility-limited older adults can still benefit from leucine supplementation without vigorous exercise
✓ Consistency matters more than perfection—making leucine-rich nutrition a daily habit for 12+ weeks produces the best long-term results
Your Action Plan: Fighting Sarcopenia Starting Today
Ready to harness leucine's muscle-building power? Here's your step-by-step action plan based on the latest research:
Week 1-2: Assess Your Current Intake
Track your protein intake for several days
Calculate the leucine content of your typical meals
Identify gaps where you're falling short of the 2.5g per meal target
Consider whether leucine-enriched whey protein or pure leucine supplementation fits your needs
Week 3-4: Optimize Your Diet
Incorporate more leucine-rich foods at each meal (aim for 25-30g protein per meal)
Consider adding leucine-enriched whey protein as recommended in the Ijaz et al. review
If unable to exercise vigorously, start with 6g daily leucine supplementation as proven effective in the Martínez-Arnau study
Establish a consistent eating pattern with adequate protein distribution
Week 5-8: Add Resistance Training (If Able)
Begin a simple strength training routine 2-3 times weekly
Focus on major muscle groups: legs, back, chest, shoulders
Time a leucine-rich meal or supplement within an hour after training
Even light resistance work combined with leucine produces synergistic benefits
Week 9-13: Fine-Tune and Assess
At 13 weeks, evaluate changes in strength, function, and body composition (matching study durations)
Measure improvements in walking speed, handgrip strength, and functional performance
Adjust leucine intake and exercise intensity as needed
Consider professional guidance from a registered dietitian or trainer
Beyond 13 Weeks: Maintain for Life
Make leucine-rich nutrition a permanent lifestyle habit
Continue resistance training consistently if possible
Even without exercise, maintain your leucine supplementation for ongoing benefits
Reassess and adjust as your needs change with aging
The Bottom Line: Leucine as Your Muscle Health Ally
Sarcopenia isn't an inevitable part of aging—it's a condition you can actively fight. Leucine, this remarkable essential amino acid, offers scientifically proven benefits for maintaining and building muscle mass as you age. The latest research, including the comprehensive 2025 Ijaz et al. review and the rigorous Martínez-Arnau 2020 clinical trial, provides compelling evidence that leucine supplementation works.
Whether through leucine-enriched whey protein (2.3g leucine per serving with complete protein) or pure leucine supplementation (6g daily), ensuring adequate intake provides your muscles with the signals they need to stay strong and functional. Even if you cannot engage in vigorous exercise due to mobility limitations or institutionalization, leucine alone can improve sarcopenia criteria including functional performance and respiratory muscle strength.
The research is clear: combining optimal leucine intake with resistance training creates a powerful synergy that can help you maintain independence, vitality, and quality of life throughout your later years. But even without exercise, leucine offers meaningful benefits. Your muscles are listening—make sure you're sending them the right message.
Take Action Today
Don't wait another day to start protecting your muscle health. Begin by evaluating your current protein and leucine intake, and commit to making one positive change this week. Whether it's adding leucine-enriched whey protein to your morning routine, incorporating an extra serving of chicken or fish at lunch, or starting a simple 6g daily leucine supplement regimen (as proven effective in the Martínez-Arnau study), every step counts.
The science is definitive: leucine works. From the latest 2025 systematic reviews to rigorous placebo-controlled trials, the evidence shows that leucine supplementation—especially leucine-enriched whey protein—can significantly improve muscle mass, strength, and function in older adults with sarcopenia.
Your future self—strong, independent, and active—is counting on the choices you make today. Make leucine and muscle health a priority, and reap the rewards of a vibrant, capable body for decades to come.
Ready to learn more about optimizing your nutrition for healthy aging? Subscribe to our newsletter for evidence-based insights, practical tips, and the latest research on longevity and vitality. Your journey to stronger muscles starts now.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.
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