Tag: Leucine

While there is no common single-drug 'leucine injection,' studies show that administering intravenous amino acid mixtures containing leucine can significantly improve protein balance and synthesis in critically ill patients requiring nutritional support.

HMB, or beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. Given its effects on muscle preservation and growth, a common question in the fitness community is: **Is HMB like a steroid**? The answer lies in their fundamentally different pharmacological mechanisms, potency, and safety profiles.

In the human body, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) make up 35% of the essential amino acids found in muscle proteins [1.6.2]. Understanding what BCAA does to your body is key to optimizing athletic performance, muscle growth, and recovery [1.6.3].