Leucine Unlocks Metabolic Door

Byron's Comments:

Proteins that provide higher branch chain amino acid content are vital for healthy weight loss and a return of improved metabolic function.

Study Title:

Potential importance of leucine in treatment of obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

Study Abstract:

Diets with total protein intake >1.5 g.kg(-1).d(-1) and carbohydrate intake <150 g/d are effective for treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the Metabolic Syndrome. These diets improve body composition and enhance glycemic control. During weight loss, protein-rich diets reduce loss of lean tissue and increase loss of body fat. Specific mechanisms to explain each of these clinical outcomes remain to be fully elucidated. We propose that keys to understanding the relationship between dietary protein and carbohydrates are the relationships between the branched-chain amino acid leucine and insulin and glucose metabolism. Leucine is known to interact with the insulin signaling pathway to stimulate downstream signal control of protein synthesis, resulting in maintenance of muscle protein during periods of restricted energy intake. Leucine also appears to modulate insulin signaling and glucose use by skeletal muscle. Whereas total protein is important in providing substrates for gluconeogenesis, leucine appears to regulate oxidative use of glucose by skeletal muscle through stimulation of glucose recycling via the glucose-alanine cycle. These mechanisms produce protein sparing and provide a stable glucose environment with low insulin responses during energy-restricted periods.

Study Information:

Layman DK, Walker DA. Potential importance of leucine in treatment of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. J Nutr.   2006 January  136(1 Suppl):319S-23S.
Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 16801, USA.

Full Study:

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/136/1/319S

My cart is empty.   View Cart |  Login

• How Protein Helps Weight Loss
  
• The Five Rules of The Leptin Diet
  
• The Facts on Magnesium Stearate
  
• Body Temperature and Thyroid Problems
  
• Unclog Your Liver & Lose Abdominal Fat – Leptin Diet Weight Loss Challenge #6
  



Connect with Wellness Resources: