Can leucine impact longevity?

Leucine, an amino acid, has significant impacts on aging and longevity. Andrew Huberman and biologist David Sinclair discussed how leucine, by activating the mTOR pathway, can promote cellular growth, which may be beneficial for muscle health but potentially pro-aging over the long term. Sinclair suggests that the key to maximizing health benefits while managing aging involves balancing periods of protein intake with fasting and exercise to optimize longevity mechanisms 1.

Additionally, Andrew Huberman discussed with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon the importance of balanced amino acids, including leucine, for muscle health, advising against supplementing single amino acids alone. Properly timed essential amino acids supplementation can support muscle health without overstimulating the mTOR pathway, which is linked to aging and cancer risk 2 3.