The effectiveness of leucine on muscle protein synthesis, lean body mass and leg lean mass accretion in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Xu, Zhe-rong; Tan, Zhong-ju; Zhang, Qin; Gui, Qi-feng; Yang, Yun-mei

doi:10.1017/s0007114514002475

Cited by 136Muscle metabolism and nutritionNutrition and Health in AgingMuscle Physiology and Disorders

The effectiveness of leucine on muscle protein synthesis, lean body mass and leg lean mass accretion in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Xu, Zhe-rong, Tan, Zhong-ju, Zhang, Qin, Gui, Qi-feng, Yang, Yun-mei·2015·British Journal of Nutrition

DOI 10.1017/s0007114514002475

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Abstract

In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the ability of leucine supplementation to increase the muscle protein fraction synthetic rate and to augment lean body mass or leg lean mass in elderly patients. A literature search was conducted on Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases up to 31 December 2013 for clinical trials that investigated the administration of leucine as a nutrient that affects muscle protein metabolism and muscle mass in elderly subjects. The included studies were randomised controlled trials. The primary outcome for the meta-analysis was the protein fractional synthetic rate. Secondary outcomes included lean body mass and leg lean mass. A total of nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the muscle protein fractional synthetic rate after intervention significantly increased in the leucine group compared with the control group (pooled standardised difference in mean changes 1·08, 95 % CI 0·50, 1·67; P < 0·001). No difference was found between the groups in relation to lean body mass (pooled standardised difference in mean changes 0·18, 95 % CI − 0·18, 0·54; P = 0·318) or leg lean mass (pooled standardised difference in mean changes 0·006, 95 % CI − 0·32, 0·44; P = 0·756). These findings suggest that leucine supplementation is useful to address the age-related decline in muscle mass in elderly individuals, as it increases the muscle protein fractional synthetic rate.

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A meta-analysis of RCTs revealed a significant increase in the rate of muscle protein fractional synthesis with leucine supplementation in older adults.
“A meta-analysis of RCTs revealed a significant increase in the rate of muscle protein fractional synthesis with leucine supplementation in older adults.47”
From Nutritional and exercise interventions in individuals with sarcopenic obesity around retirement age: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2023) · cites this paper as [47]

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Skeletal muscle-gut axis: emerging mechanisms of sarcopenia for intestinal and extra intestinal diseases
de Sire, R., Rizzatti, G., Ingravalle, F., Pizzoferrato, M., Petito, V., Lopetuso, L. R., Graziani, C., Alessandro de, S. I. R. E., Mentella, M. C., Mele, M. C., et al. (2018) · Minerva Gastroenterologica e Dietologica · doi:10.23736/s1121-421x.18.02511-4 · Cited by 93 · see citing works
The Favorable Effects of a High-Intensity Resistance Training on Sarcopenia in Older Community-Dwelling Men with Osteosarcopenia: The Randomized Controlled FrOST Study
Lichtenberg, T., von Stengel, S., Sieber, C. C., & KEMMLER, W. K. (2019) · Clinical Interventions in Aging · doi:10.2147/cia.s225618 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Efficacy and Safety of Leucine Supplementation in the Elderly
Borack, M. S., & Volpi, E. (2016) · Journal of Nutrition · doi:10.3945/jn.116.230771 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Protein Source and Muscle Health in Older Adults: A Literature Review
Putra, C., Konow, N., Gage, M. J., York, C., & Mangano, K. M. (2021) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu13030743 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
Supplements with purported effects on muscle mass and strength
Valenzuela, P. L., Morales, J. S., Emanuele, E., Pareja-Galeano, H., & Lucia, A. (2019) · European Journal of Nutrition · doi:10.1007/s00394-018-1882-z · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Side Effects of Amino Acid Supplements
Holeček, M. (2022) · Physiological Research · doi:10.33549/physiolres.934790 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of protein and amino acid supplements in older adults with acute or chronic conditions
Cheng, H., Kong, J., Underwood, C., Petocz, P., Hirani, V., Dawson, B., & O’Leary, F. (2018) · British Journal of Nutrition · doi:10.1017/s0007114517003816 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
“The result is consistent with recent reviews showing the short term impact of leucine on MPS but not longer term muscle mass or strength effects((86,87)).”
Result
Amino acid supplements and metabolic health: a potential interplay between intestinal microbiota and systems control
Bifari, F., Ruocco, C., Decimo, I., Fumagalli, G. F., Valerio, A., & Nisoli, E. (2017) · Genes & Nutrition · doi:10.1186/s12263-017-0582-2 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
Nutritional and exercise interventions in individuals with sarcopenic obesity around retirement age: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Eglseer, D., Traxler, M., Schoufour, J. D., Weijs, P. J. M., Voortman, T., Boirie, Y., Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., Reiter, L., Bauer, S., for the SO-NUTS Consortium, et al. (2023) · Nutrition Reviews · doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuad007 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
“A meta-analysis of RCTs revealed a significant increase in the rate of muscle protein fractional synthesis with leucine supplementation in older adults.(47) Another meta-analysis reported muscle mass gain in persons 65 years or older who received supplementation with b-hydroxy-b-methylbutyrate (a metabolite of leucine…”
Background
Effects of enriched branched-chain amino acid supplementation on sarcopenia
Ko, C.-H., Wu, S., Wang, S., Chang, Y., Chang, C., Kuan, T., Chuang, H.-Y., Chang, C., Chou, W., & Wu, C. (2020) · Aging · doi:10.18632/aging.103576 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
“Other studies [34, 35] have also reported that leucine supplements helped slow agerelated muscle mass reductions in the elderly.”
Background
Effect of whole-body electromyostimulation and / or protein supplementation on obesity and cardiometabolic risk in older men with sarcopenic obesity: the randomized controlled FranSO trial
KEMMLER, W. K., Kohl, M., Freiberger, E., Sieber, C. C., & von Stengel, S. (2018) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/s12877-018-0759-6 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Efficacy of Nutritional Interventions as Stand-Alone or Synergistic Treatments with Exercise for the Management of Sarcopenia
Damanti, S., Azzolino, D., Roncaglione, C., Arosio, B., Rossi, P., & Cesari, M. (2019) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu11091991 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
“A recent meta-analysis has confirmed that leucine is able to increase muscle protein synthesis in older people [89] and its consumption has been found to be directly correlated with muscle mass retention in healthy older people [90].”
Background
Wolffia globosa-Based Nutritious Snack Formulation with High Protein and Dietary Fiber Contents
On‐Nom, N., Promdang, P., Inthachat, W., Kanoongon, P., Sahasakul, Y., Chupeerach, C., Suttisansanee, U., & Temviriyanukul, P. (2023) · Foods · doi:10.3390/foods12142647 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
“Many studies have reported the positive effect of leucine on protein synthesis [57,58].”
Background
Sestrins in Physiological Stress Responses
Kim, M., Kowalsky, A. H., & Lee, J. H. (2020) · Annual Review of Physiology · doi:10.1146/annurev-physiol-031620-092317 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Uremic Sarcopenia: Clinical Evidence and Basic Experimental Approach
Nishi, H., Takemura, K., Higashihara, T., & Inagi, R. (2020) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu12061814 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Enhanced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and -6 in sarcopenia: alleviation through exercise and nutrition intervention
Chang, K. C., Wu, W., Chen, Y., Chen, L.-R., Hsu, W., Lin, Y., & Han, D. (2023) · Aging · doi:10.18632/aging.205254 · Cited by 65 · see citing works
“For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis have indicated that leucine supplementation, a branch-chain amino acid, can enhance muscle protein synthesis in older individuals and counteract age-related declines in muscle mass [17].”
Background
Primary Roles of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and Their Metabolism in Physiology and Metabolic Disorders
Bo, T., & Fujii, J. (2024) · Molecules · doi:10.3390/molecules30010056 · Cited by 65 · see citing works
“BCAAs are decreased in the sarcopenic population [144,145], and while the supplementation of BCAAs likely alleviates this symptom, other studies have reported opposite results [146–149].”
The role and therapeutic potential of stem cells in skeletal muscle in sarcopenia
Cai, Z., Liu, D., Yang, Y., Xie, W., He, M., Yu, D., Wu, Y., Wang, X., Xiao, W., & Li, Y. (2022) · Stem Cell Research & Therapy · doi:10.1186/s13287-022-02706-5 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Self-citation
Where to Find Leucine in Food and How to Feed Elderly With Sarcopenia in Order to Counteract Loss of Muscle Mass: Practical Advice
Rondanelli, M., Nichetti, M., Peroni, G., Faliva, M. A., Naso, M., Gasparri, C., Perna, S., Oberto, L., Paolo, E. D., Riva, A., et al. (2021) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.622391 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Sarcopenia: Molecular regulatory network for loss of muscle mass and function
Wu, J., Ding, P., Wu, H., Yang, P., Guo, H., Tian, Y., Meng, L., & Zhao, Q. (2023) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1037200 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Utilization of Hydroxyl-Methyl Butyrate, Leucine, Glutamine and Arginine Supplementation in Nutritional Management of Sarcopenia—Implications and Clinical Considerations for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk Modulation
Maykish, A., & Sikalidis, A. K. (2020) · Journal of Personalized Medicine · doi:10.3390/jpm10010019 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
“When mixtures containing essential, semi-essential and branched chain amino acids are used, blood plasma amino acid levels increase (especially Leu), while 3-methylhistidine and cortisol are decreased [43].”
BackgroundInfluential
l-Carnitine Supplementation in Older Women. A Pilot Study on Aging Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function
Sawicka, A., Hartmane, D., Lipinska, P., Wojtowicz, E., Lysiak-Szydlowska, W., & Olek, R. (2018) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu10020255 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
“Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that other supplements affect sarcopenia by their own properties; creatine delays muscle atrophy and improves strength in aging [55], L-leucine increases the muscle protein fractional synthesis rate in the elderly individuals [56], and vitamin D improves muscle strength in people ≥ 65…”
Background
The Effect of Leucine Supplementation on Sarcopenia-Related Measures in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 17 Randomized Controlled Trials
Guo, Y., Fu, X., Hu, Q., Chen, L., & Zuo, H. (2022) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.929891 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Skeletal muscle dysfunction with advancing age
Pabla, P., Jones, E. J., Piasecki, M., & Phillips, B. E. (2024) · Clinical Science · doi:10.1042/cs20231197 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“It is one of these EAA, leucine, that is recognised as the most potent dietary stimulator of MPS [208,209] via stimulation of the mTOR signalling cascade [202], and as such is often suggested as a key nutritional strategy to maintain muscle mass in advancing age.”
Background
Protein-Related Dietary Parameters and Frailty Status in Older Community-Dwellers across Different Frailty Instruments
Coelho‐Júnior, H. J., Calvani, R., Picca, A., Gonçalves, I. O., Landi, F., Bernabei, R., Cesari, M., Uchida, M. C., & Marzetti, E. (2020) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu12020508 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
“The impact of dietary protein on frailty is believed to be mainly related to the action of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) on skeletal muscle [29].”
BackgroundInfluential
Differential effects of leucine and leucine-enriched whey protein on skeletal muscle protein synthesis in aged mice
Dijk, F. J., van Dijk, M., Walrand, S., van Loon, L. J. C., van Norren, K., & Luiking, Y. C. (2018) · Clinical Nutrition ESPEN · doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2017.12.013 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Whey Protein, L-Leucine and Vitamin D Supplementation for Preserving Lean Mass during a Low-Calorie Diet in Sarcopenic Obese Women
Camajani, E., Persichetti, A., Watanabe, M., Contini, S., Vari, M., Di Bernardo, S., Faro, M., Lubrano, C., Gnessi, L., Caprio, M., et al. (2022) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu14091884 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“confirmed the efficacy of leucine on muscle protein synthesis, lean body mass and leg lean mass in older people [23].”
Background
Preclinical insights into the gut‐skeletal muscle axis in chronic gastrointestinal diseases
Ehlers, L., Bannert, K., Rohde, S., Berlin, P., Reiner, J., Wiese, M. L., Doller, J., Lerch, M. M., Aghdassi, A. A., Meyer, F., et al. (2020) · Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine · doi:10.1111/jcmm.15554 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Determination of the safety of leucine supplementation in healthy elderly men
Rasmussen, B., Gilbert, E., Turki, A., Madden, K. M., & Elango, R. (2016) · Amino Acids · doi:10.1007/s00726-016-2241-0 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Metabolomics in aging research: aging markers from organs
Fang, W., Chen, S., Jin, X., Liu, S., Cao, X., & Liu, B. (2023) · Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology · doi:10.3389/fcell.2023.1198794 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Muscle endocrinology and its relation with nutrition
Romagnoli, C., Pampaloni, B., & Brandi, M. L. (2019) · Aging Clinical and Experimental Research · doi:10.1007/s40520-019-01188-5 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Protein and amino acids for skeletal muscle health in aging
Thalacker‐Mercer, A. E., Riddle, E. S., & Barré, L. K. (2020) · Advances in food and nutrition research · doi:10.1016/bs.afnr.2019.08.002 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Sarcopenia in the Cirrhotic Patient: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Warner, E. R., & Satapathy, S. K. (2022) · Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology · doi:10.1016/j.jceh.2022.06.005 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Navigating the Intersection: Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Calvez, V., Becherucci, G., Covello, C., Piccirilli, G., Mignini, I., Esposto, G., Laterza, L., Ainora, M. E., Scaldaferri, F., Gasbarrini, A., et al. (2024) · Biomedicines · doi:10.3390/biomedicines12061218 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Dietary supplementation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC3201 alleviates sarcopenia by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites in dexamethasone-induced models
Kang, M., Kang, M., Yoo, J., Lee, J., Lee, S., Yun, B., Song, M., Kim, J., Kim, H., Yang, J., et al. (2024) · Food & Function · doi:10.1039/d3fo05420a · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Nutrition in Physical Therapist Practice: Setting the Stage for Taking Action
Berner, P., Bezner, J. R., Morris, D. M., & Lein, D. H. (2021) · Physical Therapy · doi:10.1093/ptj/pzab062 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Association of Dietary Protein Intake and Grip Strength Among Adults Aged 19+ Years: NHANES 2011–2014 Analysis
Pikosky, M. A., Cifelli, C. J., Agarwal, S., & Fulgoni, V. L. I. (2022) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.873512 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
The Implication of Nutrition on the Prevention and Improvement of Age-Related Sarcopenic Obesity: A Systematic Review
Abiri, B., Hosseinpanah, F., Seifi, Z., Amini, S., & Valizadeh, M. (2023) · The journal of nutrition health & aging · doi:10.1007/s12603-023-1986-x · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“In another meta-analysis (40) by the same research group, a low effect (0.18; -0.18 to 0.54 kg) of leucine supplementation on LBM in people aged approximately 65 years and older was observed.”
MethodInfluential
Protein and Peptides for Elderly Health
Shang, N., Chalamaiah, M., Bandara, N., & Wu, J. (2018) · Advances in protein chemistry and structural biology · doi:10.1016/bs.apcsb.2018.03.003 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Safety and Tolerability of Leucine Supplementation in Elderly Men
Elango, R., Rasmussen, B., & Madden, K. M. (2016) · Journal of Nutrition · doi:10.3945/jn.116.234930 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Molecular mechanisms and potential interventions during aging-associated sarcopenia
Luo, X., Wang, J., Ju, Q., Li, T., & Bi, X. (2024) · Mechanisms of Ageing and Development · doi:10.1016/j.mad.2024.112020 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Changes in Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Health After Detraining in Older Men with Osteosarcopenia: 6-Month Follow-Up of the Randomized Controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST) Study
KEMMLER, W. K., Schoene, D., Kohl, M., & von Stengel, S. (2021) · Clinical Interventions in Aging · doi:10.2147/cia.s299867 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Leucine and Glutamic Acid as a Biomarker of Sarcopenic Risk in Japanese People with Type 2 Diabetes
Nakajima, H., Okada, H., Kobayashi, A., Takahashi, F., Okamura, T., Hashimoto, Y., Nakanishi, N., Senmaru, T., Ushigome, E., Hamaguchi, M., et al. (2023) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu15102400 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on Skeletal Muscle, Glycemic Control, and Neuropsychological Performance in Elderly Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial
Matsuda, T., Suzuki, H., Sugano, Y., Suzuki, Y., Yamanaka, D., Araki, R., Yahagi, N., Sekiya, M., Kawakami, Y., Osaki, Y., et al. (2022) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu14193917 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“In fact, a meta-analysis demonstrated that leucine supplementation significantly increased myofibrillar protein synthesis compared when with placebo [16,17].”
Background
The nutritional support to prevent sarcopenia in the elderly
Giacosa, A., Barrile, G. C., Mansueto, F., & Rondanelli, M. (2024) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1379814 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Diet modeling in older Americans: The impact of increasing plant-based foods or dairy products on protein intake
Houchins, J. A., Cifelli, C. J., Demmer, E., & Fulgoni, V. L. I. (2016) · The journal of nutrition health & aging · doi:10.1007/s12603-016-0819-6 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“It is hypothesized that stimulation of muscle protein synthesis at each meal may be beneficial for maintenance of muscle mass (48), however, more data are needed to demonstrate improved lean body mass due to increased muscle protein synthesis in older males and females (49, 50).”
A role for nutritional intervention in addressing the aging neuromuscular junction.
Kougias, D., Das, T., Perez, A., & Pereira, S. (2018) · Nutrition Research · doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2018.02.006 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Sarcopenia prevention in older adults: Effectiveness and limitations of non-pharmacological interventions
Kim, D., Morikawa, S., Miyawaki, M., Nakagawa, T., Ogawa, S., & Kase, Y. (2025) · Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia · doi:10.1016/j.afos.2025.05.005 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“A separate meta-analysis by Xu et al. [36], which focused specifically on leucine supplementation, analyzed data from 16 randomized controlled trials involving 999 older adults.”
Seeking optimal non-pharmacological interventions for sarcopenia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Fu, Z., Wang, Y., Zhao, L., Li, Y., & Song, Q. (2025) · Aging Clinical and Experimental Research · doi:10.1007/s40520-024-02920-6 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Effect of Porcine Whole Blood Protein Hydrolysate on Slow-Twitch Muscle Fiber Expression and Mitochondrial Biogenesis via the AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway
Jin, S. W., Lee, G. H., Kim, J. Y., Kim, C. Y., Choo, Y. M., Cho, W., Han, E. H., Hwang, Y. P., Kim, Y.-A., & Jeong, H. G. (2022) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms23031229 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Αcute effects of essential amino acid gel-based and whey protein supplements on appetite and energy intake in older women
Butterworth, M., Lees, M. J., Harlow, P., Hind, K., Duckworth, L. C., & Ispoglou, T. (2019) · Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism · doi:10.1139/apnm-2018-0650 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“higher leucine content) for older people (Katsanos et al. 2006; Xu et al. 2015; Murphy et al. 2016; Phillips 2016).”
Background
Association between dietary branched-chain amino acid intake and skeletal muscle mass index among Korean adults: Interaction with obesity
Chae, M., Park, H. S., & Park, K. (2021) · Nutrition Research and Practice · doi:10.4162/nrp.2021.15.2.203 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“BCAA and leucine have also been reported to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in the mitochondria [34], thereby promoting muscle protein synthesis [9].”
Background
Influence of exercise and nutrition on sarcopenia in cardiovascular disease: a Scientific Statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology
Cornelissen, V., Hanssen, H., Hurst, C., Knaier, R., Marqués‐Sulé, E., Moholdt, T. T., Neunhäeuserer, D., Norman, K., Pedretti, R. F. E., Salzwedel, A., et al. (2025) · European Journal of Preventive Cardiology · doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf432 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
A cell-based evaluation of a non-essential amino acid formulation as a non-bioactive control for activation and stimulation of muscle protein synthesis using ex vivo human serum
Patel, B., Pauk, M., Amigo‐Benavent, M., Nongonierma, A. B., Fitzgerald, R. J., Jakeman, P. M., & Carson, B. P. (2019) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0220757 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Glycine increases fat‐free mass in malnourished haemodialysis patients: a randomized double‐blind crossover trial
Genton, L., Teta, D., Pruijm, M. T., Stoermann, C., Marangon, N., Mareschal, J., Bassi, I., Wurzner‐Ghajarzadeh, A., Lazarević, V., Cynober, L., et al. (2021) · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · doi:10.1002/jcsm.12780 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis
Mocini, E., Piciocchi, C., Defeudis, G., & Migliaccio, S. (2025) · Gerontology · doi:10.1159/000546501 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“Moreover, targeted supplementation might be particularly beneficial for individuals who are unable to consume adequate protein through diet alone [24].”
Dietary and circulating branched chain amino acids are unfavorably associated with body fat measures among Chinese adults
Zhang, Y., Rao, S., Zhang, X., Peng, Z., Song, W., Xie, S., Cao, H., Zhang, Z., & Yang, W. (2024) · Nutrition Research · doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2024.06.009 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Leucine Intake and Risk of Impaired Physical Function and Frailty in Older Adults
Vega-Cabello, V., Caballero, F. F., Rodríguez‐Artalejo, F., López‐García, E., & Struijk, E. A. (2022) · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · doi:10.1093/gerona/glac191 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Compositional and nutritional evaluation of viscera from commercially harvested wild-caught Australian abalones (Haliotis spp.)
Chung, W. H., Coorey, R., Takechi, R., & Howieson, J. (2023) · LWT · doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2023.115590 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Connection between nutrition and oncology in dogs and cats: perspectives, evidence, and implications—a comprehensive review
Amaral, A. R., Finardi, G. L. F., Marchi, P. H., de Oliveira, N. M. C., Príncipe, L. D. A., Teixeira, N., Pappalardo, M. C. F., Lima, L. O. C., Cirillo, J. V., Balieiro, J. C. D. C., et al. (2025) · Frontiers in Veterinary Science · doi:10.3389/fvets.2024.1490290 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Pyruvate Might Bridge Gut Microbiota and Muscle Health in Aging Mice After Chronic High Dose of Leucine Supplementation
Liao, Y., Li, D., Zhou, X., Peng, Z., Meng, Z., Liu, R. R., & Yang, W. Q. (2021) · Frontiers in Medicine · doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.755803 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Protein: what’s on in research on clinical nutrition
Tomé, D. (2018) · European Journal of Clinical Nutrition · doi:10.1038/s41430-018-0240-9 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
mTOR1c Activation with the Leucine “Trigger” for Prevention of Sarcopenia in Older Adults During Lockdown
Mai, K., Cando, P., & Trasino, S. E. (2021) · Journal of Medicinal Food · doi:10.1089/jmf.2021.0094 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“6 A body of evidence suggests that the proteogenic amino acid leucine can strongly stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in older adult, 7–10 and thus is now considered a key amino acid in the medical management of sarcopenia.”
Nutrition and physical activity interventions for the general population with and without cardiometabolic risk: a scoping review
Rozga, M., Jones, K., Robinson, J., & Yahiro, A. M. (2021) · Public Health Nutrition · doi:10.1017/s1368980021002184 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Enhancement of amino acid contents by germination in a Korean weedy rice germplasm
Cho, E. E., & Chung, N.-J. (2020) · Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology · doi:10.1007/s12892-020-00046-5 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
The efficacy and safety of leucine-enriched essential amino acids in knee osteoarthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial
Park, S., Nam, C. H., Ahn, H. S., & Kim, T. H. (2024) · Medicine · doi:10.1097/md.0000000000038168 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“[6] Aquatic exercise, [7] various forms of physiotherapy, [8,9] diet change for weight loss, [10,11] glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate [12,13] are frequently prescribed by primary physicians.”
Background
Association between the Intake of Different Protein Sources and Obesity Coexisting with Low Handgrip Strength in Persons near Retirement Age
Eglseer, D., Traxler, M., & Bauer, S. (2022) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu14214684 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“They additionally have a high leucine content which is known to increase muscle protein synthesis [23,24].”
Background
Functional properties, structural characteristics and biological activities of deer blood hydrolysates obtained by using different protease
Chang, L. I. U., Huang, J., Hu, Y., & Wu, X. (2022) · Food Science and Technology · doi:10.1590/fst.84722 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Effects of Porcine Whole-Blood Protein Hydrolysate on Exercise Function and Skeletal Muscle Differentiation
Jin, S. W., Lee, G. H., Kim, J. Y., Kim, C. Y., Choo, Y. M., Cho, W., Choi, J. H., Han, E. H., Hwang, Y. P., & Jeong, H. G. (2021) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app12010017 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Palmitate and oleate co-treatment increases myocellular protein content via impaired protein degradation
Bollinger, L. M., Campbell, M. S., & Brault, J. J. (2017) · Nutrition · doi:10.1016/j.nut.2017.07.017 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
The Effect of Leucine-Enriched β-Lactoglobulin Versus an Isonitrogenous Whey Protein Isolate on Skeletal Muscle Protein Anabolism in Young Healthy Males
Ely, I. A., Paul, M., Wall, J. J. S., Cox, J., Larsen, M. S., Scaife, P. J., Lund, J. N., Breen, L., Wilkinson, D. J., Smith, K., et al. (2025) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu17213410 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Despite this, peak plasma LEU concentrations and postprandial rates of MPS have been correlated in cohorts of young [30,31] and older men [32,33], which to our knowledge, is undetermined in women.”
The hallmarks of protein and amino acid restriction in aging and longevity
Knopf, B. A., & Lamming, D. W. (2026) · Cell Press Blue · doi:10.1016/j.cpblue.2026.100079 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“229,230 Leucine supplementation decreases body fat in aging rats, 231 consistent with our finding that leucine restriction in mice increases body weight, adiposity, and fat mass. 34 However, some groups have reported the opposite, finding that leucine restriction is effective at reducing fat mass…”
Potential Benefits of Medical Nutrition Therapy for Timely Ventilator Weaning in the Critically Ill
Rosa, S. D., Rauseo, M., Umbrello, M., Lassola, S., & Battaglini, D. (2025) · Anesthesiology · doi:10.1097/aln.0000000000005557 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
The efficacy of nutritional support and its role in the treatment of persons with sarcopenia
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Authors: Xu, Z.-R., Tan, Z.-J., Zhang, Q., Gui, Q.-F., & Yang, Y.-M.
Affiliations: First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University (CN)
ORCID: Zhang, Qin
Venue: British Journal of Nutrition
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published: 2014-09-19
Volume: 113
Issue: 1
Pages: 25-34
ISSN: 0007-1145 (ISSN-L)
1475-2662
DOI: 10.1017/s0007114514002475
OpenAlex: W2161210071
Cited by: 136
References: 52
Citations by year: 2026: 19 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 2
FWCI: 0.43
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Licence: www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified)
Locations: British Journal Of Nutrition (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: Science and Technology Program of Zhejiang Province
Topics: Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Nutrition and Health in Aging
Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Muscle Physiology and Disorders
Keywords: leucine supplementation, muscle protein synthesis, fractional synthesis rate, lean body mass, leg lean mass, sarcopenia, older adults, age-related muscle loss, muscle protein metabolism
MeSH terms: Aged, Body Composition, Humans, Leg, Leucine, Muscle Proteins, Body Mass Index, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Databases, Factual, Muscle, Skeletal, Dietary Supplements

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The effectiveness of leucine on muscle protein synthesis, lean body mass and leg lean mass accretion in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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