King Grub
2012-09-05, 18:20
Background:
Leucine has been suggested to improve athletic performance. Therefore, the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), especially leucine, are popular as dietary supplements in strength-training athletes; however, the intake of leucine in excess of requirements raises concerns regarding adverse effects. Currently, the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for leucine is unknown.
Objective:
The objective of the current study was to determine the UL for leucine in adult men under acute dietary conditions.
Design:
Five healthy adults (20–35 y) each received graded stepwise increases in leucine intakes of 50, 150, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1, which corresponded to the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and the EAR ×3, ×5, ×10, ×15, ×20, and ×25 in a total of 29 studies. The UL of leucine was identified by the measurement of plasma and urinary biochemical variables and changes in leucine oxidation by using l-[1-13C]-leucine.
Results:
A significant increase in blood ammonia concentrations above normal values, plasma leucine concentrations, and urinary leucine excretion were observed with leucine intakes >500 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1. The oxidation of l-[1-13C]-leucine expressed as label tracer oxidation in breath (F13CO2), leucine oxidation, and α-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) oxidation led to different results: a plateau in F13CO2 observed after 500 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1, no clear plateau observed in leucine oxidation, and KIC oxidation appearing to plateau after 750 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1.
Conclusion:
On the basis of plasma and urinary variables, the UL for leucine in healthy adult men can be suggested at 500 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1 or ∼35 g/d as a cautious estimate under acute dietary conditions.
Determination of the tolerable upper intake level of leucine in acute dietary studies in young men. Am J Clin Nutr, September 5, 2012.
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2012/09/03/ajcn.111.024471.full.pdf+html
Leucine has been suggested to improve athletic performance. Therefore, the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), especially leucine, are popular as dietary supplements in strength-training athletes; however, the intake of leucine in excess of requirements raises concerns regarding adverse effects. Currently, the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for leucine is unknown.
Objective:
The objective of the current study was to determine the UL for leucine in adult men under acute dietary conditions.
Design:
Five healthy adults (20–35 y) each received graded stepwise increases in leucine intakes of 50, 150, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1, which corresponded to the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and the EAR ×3, ×5, ×10, ×15, ×20, and ×25 in a total of 29 studies. The UL of leucine was identified by the measurement of plasma and urinary biochemical variables and changes in leucine oxidation by using l-[1-13C]-leucine.
Results:
A significant increase in blood ammonia concentrations above normal values, plasma leucine concentrations, and urinary leucine excretion were observed with leucine intakes >500 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1. The oxidation of l-[1-13C]-leucine expressed as label tracer oxidation in breath (F13CO2), leucine oxidation, and α-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) oxidation led to different results: a plateau in F13CO2 observed after 500 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1, no clear plateau observed in leucine oxidation, and KIC oxidation appearing to plateau after 750 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1.
Conclusion:
On the basis of plasma and urinary variables, the UL for leucine in healthy adult men can be suggested at 500 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1 or ∼35 g/d as a cautious estimate under acute dietary conditions.
Determination of the tolerable upper intake level of leucine in acute dietary studies in young men. Am J Clin Nutr, September 5, 2012.
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2012/09/03/ajcn.111.024471.full.pdf+html