Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) known for its role in muscle protein synthesis. In the context of chemotherapy, leucine supplementation has been investigated primarily for its potential to counteract cancer cachexia (muscle wasting) and support nutritional status during treatment. Some preclinical and early clinical studies suggest that leucine supplementation may help preserve lean body mass and improve protein metabolism in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, thereby potentially reducing muscle loss and improving overall strength and function. These effects are attributed to leucine's capacity to stimulate the mTOR pathway, which is central to muscle protein synthesis. However, while these mechanistic insights and initial studies are promising, the clinical evidence remains limited and inconsistent. Most studies have small sample sizes, short durations, and often combine leucine with other nutrients, making it difficult to isolate its effects. There is insufficient high-quality, large-scale clinical trial data demonstrating that leucine supplementation directly reduces chemotherapy side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some early evidence supporting leucine's use for muscle preservation during chemotherapy, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is still limited, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5.

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