Leucine

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 641
 

Leucine isn't a common food excipient. Here's why:

• Food Excipients: These are generally inactive ingredients added to food in small amounts for various purposes like bulking, texturizing, or aiding in processing. They typically don't provide significant nutritional value on their own.
• Leucine: This is an essential amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. It plays a crucial role in muscle growth and repair, and the body cannot synthesize it on its own. We obtain leucine through dietary sources like meat, fish, dairy products, and some plant-based proteins.

While leucine isn't typically added as a food excipient, there are a few possibilities for why you might encounter it in relation to food:

• Fortified Foods: In rare cases, some fortified food products, particularly those targeting athletes or promoting muscle building, might include leucine as part of an amino acid blend. However, this wouldn't be a common practice.
• Misinterpretation: It's possible there was a misunderstanding or mislabeling. Leucine might have been mentioned in the context of a protein source or an amino acid profile of a food, not as an added ingredient.

Here's a recommendation:

• Double-Check the Source: If you came across leucine listed as a food excipient, it's best to double-check the source for accuracy or ensure the information is referring to the protein content of the food, not an added ingredient.