Leucine does more than build muscle. It powers up your cells

A study led by Thorsten Hoppe at the University of Cologne reports that the amino acid leucine helps mitochondria work more efficiently. These cell structures produce much of the energy the body uses.

Leucine is an essential nutrient obtained from food, including dairy products, meat, beans and lentils. The researchers found it also helps preserve proteins on the outer surface of mitochondria, which support the movement of molecules involved in energy production.

The team traced the effect to SEL1L, a protein involved in identifying other proteins for removal. Their findings suggest leucine reduces SEL1L activity, so fewer mitochondrial proteins are broken down.

The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, may clarify how nutrient levels influence cellular energy output. The researchers say changing leucine or SEL1L could potentially affect energy production, but note that SEL1L also helps prevent damaged proteins from accumulating.