L-Leucine
Amino Acids
Nutritional Enhancers
Flavoring Agents
61-90-5
E641
C₆H₁₃NO₂
$26.68 ~ $40.02
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/barrel
One unit of:25kg/barrel
25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is L-Leucine?
L-Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid widely used as a nutritional supplement to promote muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
How is L-Leucine made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medium Preparation | Prepare and sterilize the fermentation medium, typically containing a carbon source (like glucose), a nitrogen source, and various minerals. | Complete sterilization is critical to prevent contamination by unwanted microbes. The precise composition of the medium directly impacts the final yield. |
| 2 | Fermentation | Inoculate the sterile medium with a high-yield L-Leucine producing microbial strain (e.g., Corynebacterium glutamicum). | Maintain strict control over pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. Aseptic conditions must be ensured throughout the process to prevent competing microbial growth. |
| 3 | Cell Separation | Separate the microbial biomass from the fermentation broth, which now contains the dissolved L-Leucine. | This is typically achieved via centrifugation or microfiltration. Efficient separation is key to maximizing the recovery of the target amino acid. |
| 4 | Broth Purification | Pass the cell-free broth through an ion-exchange chromatography column to isolate L-Leucine from other amino acids and impurities. | The pH and flow rate of the broth and eluting solutions are critical parameters for ensuring selective binding and release of L-Leucine from the resin. |
| 5 | Concentration & Crystallization | Concentrate the purified L-Leucine solution and induce crystallization by adjusting the pH and temperature. | The pH is adjusted to the isoelectric point of L-Leucine (approx. pH 6.0) to maximize precipitation. A controlled cooling rate ensures desired crystal size and purity. |
| 6 | Crystal Separation & Washing | Separate the L-Leucine crystals from the remaining liquid (mother liquor) using a centrifuge, followed by washing. | Crystals are washed with purified cold water to remove residual surface impurities without re-dissolving a significant amount of the product. |
| 7 | Drying | Dry the washed L-Leucine crystals to a specified low moisture content. | Vacuum or fluid bed drying at controlled, low temperatures is used to prevent thermal degradation. Final moisture content (LOD) is a critical quality parameter. |
| 8 | Milling & Sieving | Mill the dried product and/or pass it through sieves to achieve a uniform and specified particle size distribution. | Control of mesh size is essential to meet final product specifications. Use of magnets and metal detectors is crucial to prevent foreign metal contamination. |
| 9 | Quality Control & Packaging | Conduct final analysis of the product for purity and other specifications. Package the final powder into sealed, airtight containers. | Testing includes purity by HPLC, identity, heavy metals, and microbiological limits. Packaging occurs in a controlled, low-humidity environment to ensure product stability. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 61-90-5 |
| Chemical Formula | C₆H₁₃NO₂ |
| Solubility | Soluble in water (~24–45 mg/mL at 20 °C); insoluble in non-polar solvents |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, avoid moisture and light |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Protein synthesis supplement
sports nutrition
feed additive
flavor enhancer
pharmaceutical excipient
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | L-Leucine |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Flavor Enhancer; Nutrient; Processing Aid (Lubricant) |
| Key Ingredients | L-Leucine (C₆H₁₃NO₂), an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) |
| Mechanism of Action | Interacts with taste receptors to mask bitterness and enhance savory notes. As a lubricant, its hydrophobic side chain forms a boundary layer between tablet granules and die surfaces, reducing frictional forces during tablet ejection. As a nutrient, it directly stimulates the mTOR signaling pathway, a primary regulator of muscle protein synthesis. |
| Application Effect in Product | Masks off-notes in high-protein beverages and artificial sweeteners; improves production efficiency and prevents die-wall sticking in vitamin/confectionery tablet pressing; provides essential nutritional value in sports supplements, infant formulas, and clinical nutrition products. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-Leucine | Single Amino Acid (BCAA) | The primary BCAA responsible for activating the mTOR pathway, which triggers Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS). | Most potent single ingredient for initiating the muscle-building signal. Can be added to meals to reach the leucine threshold. | Lacks the other essential amino acids required as building blocks for new muscle. Can cause an imbalance of other BCAAs if taken in isolation. | Supplementing a meal low in protein, taking between meals to stimulate MPS, fortifying a protein shake. | To specifically maximize the anabolic signal from a meal or supplement with a minimal, targeted dose. |
| BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) | Amino Acid Blend | A combination of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine, typically in a 2:1:1 ratio. Can reduce exercise-induced fatigue. | Prevents potential amino acid imbalances from isolated leucine. Often cited for reducing muscle soreness (DOMS). | Ineffective for MPS without the other six essential amino acids. Outperformed by complete protein or EAA supplements for post-workout growth. | Intra-workout consumption to decrease fatigue and muscle breakdown, especially during fasted training. | For reducing perceived exertion and muscle soreness during and after exercise, rather than maximizing muscle growth. |
| EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) | Complete Amino Acid Blend | Provides all nine essential amino acids, including the three BCAAs, which the body cannot produce on its own. | Supplies both the trigger (leucine) and all the necessary building blocks for MPS in a fast-digesting form. More effective than BCAAs alone. | More expensive than isolated leucine or BCAAs. Taste can be an issue for some unflavored products. | Pre- or post-workout for rapid amino acid delivery. A low-calorie, dairy-free alternative to whey protein. | For a complete and fast-acting source of all essential building blocks to optimize muscle repair and growth. |
| Whey Protein | Complete Protein Powder | A high-quality, complete protein derived from milk. Naturally rich in all EAAs, with a very high L-Leucine content. | The gold standard for post-workout recovery. Provides a strong leucine trigger plus all other amino acids and beneficial peptides. Highly cost-effective. | Slower to digest than free-form amino acids. Contains more calories. Unsuitable for individuals with dairy allergies or severe lactose intolerance. | Post-workout recovery shakes, increasing daily protein intake, convenient meal replacement base. | For a proven, cost-effective, and complete food-based protein source to support overall muscle growth and dietary needs. |
| HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) | Leucine Metabolite | A metabolite of leucine that is primarily anti-catabolic, meaning it helps reduce muscle protein breakdown. | More potent at preventing muscle breakdown than leucine itself. May preserve lean mass during calorie deficits or layoffs from training. | Does not stimulate muscle protein synthesis as effectively as leucine. Its benefits for experienced, well-fed athletes are debated. | During cutting/dieting phases, periods of injury or detraining, or for beginners starting a new, intense program. | To focus primarily on minimizing muscle loss (anti-catabolism) rather than maximizing muscle gain (anabolism). |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, MSDS, technical dossier
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Provided
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications