Ingredient guide · fitness

L-Leucine

mTOR activator, key BCAA for muscle protein synthesis

The clinically studied dose

3g per day Studied

Source: Examine.com — Leucine — ~2.5–5 g to reach the leucine 'threshold' that triggers muscle protein synthesis.

What it is

The most anabolic of the BCAAs — the amino acid that flips the muscle-building switch.

What the research supports

How it works

Activates mTOR once it crosses the 'leucine threshold' (~2.5–3 g).

Side effects & safety

Safe. Usually you're better off eating complete protein, which comes with leucine plus everything else muscle needs.

What it should cost

Per serving
Typical branded single-ingredient product$0.42
Bulk powder at the clinical dose (500g, $29.97)$0.30

Buying bulk powder instead of a branded bottle saves about 28% per serving.

Bulk price: $29.97/500g →

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Educational only — not medical advice. Grades and clinical doses are computed from public labels against sourced research (citations on the main site); prices last verified 2026-07-21. Expensive Powder has no sponsors; bulk links may earn an affiliate commission, which never affects a grade. Talk to a clinician before starting any supplement.