Leucine

Leucine is an amino acid and belongs to the class which has hydrocarbon R-groups. Leucine is important for protein synthesis and many metabolic functions. Leucine contributes to regulation of blood-sugar levels; growth and repair of muscle and bone tissue; growth hormone production; and wound healing.

The primary metabolic end products of leucine metabolism are acetyl-CoA and acetoacetate; consequently, it is one of the two exclusively ketogenic amino acids, with lysine being the other.

* Amino acids which are essential amino acids which cannot be made by the human body and, therefore, must be obtained in the diet.