Nutrition
Amino Acid Leucine Threshold
The leucine threshold is the per-meal leucine intake that strongly supports muscle protein synthesis—usually met with quality protein portions spread through the day.
The amino acid leucine threshold is the per-meal leucine intake—often cited around two to three grams for many adults—that helps maximally trigger muscle protein synthesis after training or between meals. Hitting the threshold matters more than chasing extreme total protein in one sitting.
Dairy, eggs, poultry, fish, and soy combinations commonly clear it; small plant-only meals may need pairing.
Common questions
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Do you need leucine supplements?
Most people meet the threshold with whole-food protein at each meal. Supplements help only when appetite, travel, or plant-only meals make hitting leucine consistently difficult.
Related terms
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