L-leucine is one of the eight essential amino acids, and belonging to the aliphatic amino acids within twenty kinds of proteins. L-leucine and L-isoleucine and L-valine are called three branched chain amino acids. L-leucineLeucine and D-leucine are enantiomers . It is a white shiny hexahedral crystal or white crystalline powder at room temperature , Odorless, slightly bitter . In the presence of hydrocarbons ,it is stable in the aqueous mineral acid. Per gram is dissolved in 40ml water and about 100ml acetic acid. Very slightly soluble in ethanol or ether, dissolved in formic acid, dilute hydrochloric acid, a solution of alkali hydroxides and a solution of carbonates.
L-leucine can promote insulin secretion, can lower blood sugar; promote sleep, reduce sensitivity to pain, migraine headaches, anxiety and ease tension, reduce symptoms of chemical reactions disorder in the body caused by alcohol , and helps control alcoholism; it has a role in the treatment of dizziness , also can promote skin wound and bone healing, so doctors usually advise patients to take leucine supplements after surgery. amino acid infusion and comprehensive amino acid preparations are often formulated to be used in the treatment or health care; also be used as food, cosmetics and feed additives and plant growth promoter.
The best food sources of leucine include brown rice, beans, meat, nuts, soy flour, and whole wheat. Excessive intake can also cause side effects, high intake can cause pellagra, vitamin A deficiency, dermatitis, diarrhea, mental disorders and other issues,which needs to be paid attention to . Diet containing too much leucine will increase the number of ammonia in the body and destroy the liver and kidney function. Therefore, patients with impaired liver or kidney function should not be excessive intake, otherwise it will exacerbate the condition.
