Leucine Lowers Blood Sugar

A small adjustment to the diet may help prevent a condition called prediabetes. The research was done at the Joslin Clinic in mice. Mice put on a high-fat diet and given twice their usual amount of the amino acid leucine had lower blood sugar and less fat in their liver than animals on a similar high-fat diet. The researchers observed that mice given leucine were more metabolically efficient and handled sugar better. While the authors conclude that it is too soon to recommend leucine supplements for humans with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes, the research should continue to see how well this will work for people at risk of these common conditions.

[PLoS, June 22, 2011]