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

Mitochondria are often described as the powerhouses of the cell because they produce much of the energy our bodies need to grow, move, repair tissues, and carry out everyday functions. But they do not operate at a constant pace. Instead, mitochondria continuously adjust their activity depending on how much energy a cell needs and which nutrients are available.

Scientists have long known that nutrition can influence this process. What has been less clear is exactly how individual nutrients send signals that change mitochondrial activity.

Now, researchers led by Professor Dr. Thorsten Hoppe of the Institute for Genetics and the CECAD Cluster of Excellence on Aging Research at the University of Cologne have identified a new mechanism involving the amino acid leucine. Their findings show that leucine can help stabilize important proteins in mitochondria, allowing the organelles to produce energy more efficiently.