Leucine alone won't save muscle during immobilization

exercise · Examine.com Study Summaries — June 8–15, 2026 · 2026

In 24 young and 24 older adults wearing a leg cast for 3 days, 5 g leucine three times daily did not prevent the 1.1–1.2% drop in muscle mass or the fall in muscle protein synthesis.

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Examine.com

Research lens

In 24 young and 24 older adults wearing a leg cast for 3 days, 5 g leucine three times daily did not prevent the 1.1–1.2% drop in muscle mass or the fall in muscle protein synthesis.

  • leucine
  • muscle protein synthesis
  • disuse atrophy
  • sarcopenia
  • aging
  • essential amino acids