Cited by 80Muscle metabolism and nutritionSports Performance and TrainingBiochemical effects in animals

Isolated Leucine and Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation for Enhancing Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review

Plotkin, Daniel L., Delcastillo, Kenneth, Van Every, Derrick W., Tipton, Kevin D., Aragon, Alan A., Schoenfeld, Brad J.·2021·International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Abstract

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are one of the most popular sports supplements, marketed under the premise that they enhance muscular adaptations. Despite their prevalent consumption among athletes and the general public, the efficacy of BCAA has been an ongoing source of controversy in the sports nutrition field. Early support for BCAA supplementation was derived from extrapolation of mechanistic data on their role in muscle protein metabolism. Of the three BCAA, leucine has received the most attention because of its ability to stimulate the initial acute anabolic response. However, a substantial body of both acute and longitudinal research has now accumulated on the topic, affording the ability to scrutinize the effects of BCAA and leucine from a practical standpoint. This article aims to critically review the current literature and draw evidence-based conclusions about the putative benefits of BCAA or leucine supplementation on muscle strength and hypertrophy as well as illuminate gaps in the literature that warrant future study.

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0356

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66 of 66 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Plotkin, D. L., Delcastillo, K., Van Every, D. W., Tipton, K. D., Aragon, A. A., & Schoenfeld, B. J.
Affiliations
  • Lehman College (US)
  • CUNY Lehman College
  • Institute of Performance Nutrition
  • California State University System (US)
Corresponding author
  • Plotkin, Daniel L.
  • Delcastillo, Kenneth
  • Tipton, Kevin D.
  • Aragon, Alan A.
  • Schoenfeld, Brad J.
Venue
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
Published
2021-05-01
Volume
31
Issue
3
Pages
292-301
ISSN
  • 1526-484X (ISSN-L)
  • 1543-2742
OpenAlex
W3136533142
Cited by
80
References
66
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 25 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 1
FWCI
1.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Biochemical effects in animals
Keywords
branched-chain amino acids, leucine supplementation, muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, sports supplements, muscle protein metabolism, athletes
MeSH terms
Age Factors, Amino Acids, Branched-Chain, Dietary Proteins, Humans, Leucine, Muscle Proteins, Muscle, Skeletal, Dietary Supplements, Muscle Strength, Resistance Training

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