Leucine Cautions
Article navigation
Leucine supplements need to be taken together with isoleucine and valine to ensure the balance of these amino acids is in the correct ratio. 1 mg of isoleucine for 2mg each of leucine and valine.
In general, leucine supplements produce no major problems for otherwise healthy individuals, but certain people should not take leucine supplements without first consulting their doctor for advice:
- People with liver or kidney disease
- People with any type of medical condition
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Toxic Levels of Leucine
Leucine may produce some toxicity at doses greater than 3000mg per day.
Leucine supplements need to be taken together with isoleucine and valine to ensure the balance of these amino acids is in the correct ratio. 1 mg of isoleucine for 2mg each of leucine and valine
Overdosage and Toxicity Symptoms
Excessive intake of leucine may cause an increase of ammonia in the body and also the condition pellagra in people who have any type of vitamin B3 deficiency. Symptoms of pellagra are:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Depression
- Diarrhoea
- Mouth ulceration
- Skin rash and dermatitis
Pellagra can become fatal if not treated.