Leucine / Fat Oxidation

[WORKOUT SOLUTIONS]

Effects of a leucine-containing nutraceutical on fat oxidation in overweight and obese adults

Michael B Zemel1 and Xiaocun Sun1

1 Nutrition, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

ABSTRACT We have previously shown leucine to modulate energy partitioning between adipose tissue and myocytes by suppressing adipocyte lipid storage, increasing myocyte fatty acid oxidation and stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis in both cell types. Consequently, we have now evaluated the efficacy of a nutraceutical preparation (InnutriaTM) containing 2.25 g leucine/d in 3 daily doses on fat oxidation. 20 overweight and obese subjects were randomized to receive Innutria-supplemented or control tea three times/day for 28 days. All subjects maintained their usual diets and modestly increased their physical activity by walking (steps increased from baseline 3882+713 steps/day to 8406+925 steps/day during treatment; no difference between groups). Respiratory quotient (RQ) and fat oxidation were assessed by respiratory gas exchange on day 0 and day 28. There were no significant changes in RQ or fat oxidation in the control group (RQ change, 0.011; fat oxidation change, -0.23+0.28 g/hr, -5.6 g/d, NS), while the supplemented group exhibited a decrease in RQ (-0.019, p<0.04) and a corresponding increase in fat oxidation (+1.4+0.4 g/hr, 33.6 g/d, p<0.01). These data demonstrate that a nutraceutical blend containing leucine effectively increases fat oxidation and may thereby contribute to weight management in overweight and obese subjects.

Big increase in fat oxidation even with the small dose of leucine. Zemel may be producing this product so that may trouble some people with the results. Would be nice to see another research group do the same dosing protocal above but with a more demanding exercise program.

[natron]

"preperation"? I'm interested in the other ingredients but am unable to find them???

Anyone else?

[Dr Pangloss]

The initial studies on HMB were done by the patentholder/seller. Turned out they were wrong.

you are wise to suggest waiting for a second, independent study.

[Frosty]

Amino acids are one group of supplements that I believe can be quite powerful and effective. Afterall look at tyrosine, phenylalanine, GABA, tryptophan or 5-HTP that have pretty significant obvious effects. So I wouldn't be terribly surprised if leucine could have a powerful effect.

However with that said, it would be nice to see more, better evidence. Leucine does seem to have a lot of potential.

[WORKOUT SOLUTIONS]

Natron: No I can't find the other ingredients either I'm not into "propriety blends". If I dont know what and how much of whatever ingredients are in the supplements then I wont look at it.

Dr. Pangloss: HMB didnt pan out as expected, especially at the 3 gram reccomendation. I think HMB could have its uses during dieting phases, but I think 6+ grams a day would have to be used (1 gram every 2 hours). I gave up on HMB years ago.

Leucine has worked great for us over the past 10 years. Worth while supplement to invest in if $ isnt a problem.

[natron]

[quote=WORKOUT SOLUTIONS;647158]Natron: No I can't find the other ingredients either I'm not into "propriety blends". If I dont know what and how much of whatever ingredients are in the supplements then I wont look at it.

Dr. Pangloss: HMB didnt pan out as expected, especially at the 3 gram reccomendation. I think HMB could have its uses during dieting phases, but I think 6+ grams a day would have to be used (1 gram every 2 hours). I gave up on HMB years ago.

Leucine has worked great for us over the past 10 years. Worth while supplement to invest in if $ isnt a problem.[/quote]

Agreed, however most of us get adequate leucine daily via whey protein or other forms of protein intake. On top of that, most of us using whey or other types of protein, take them at the times leucine "could" be beneficial ie upon wakening, before/during/after workouts.

The studies are interesting though, but like mentioned before, this is a situation in which a company is paying for studies and concluding results on their own, not ideal.

My guess is this is an undenatured milk protein isolate type supplement, but I am merely speculating.