Overview
PepForm Leucine peptides are bioactive peptide forms of the essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) leucine, potentially offering enhanced bioavailability and targeted physiological effects compared to free leucine. Research suggests that specific leucine-containing peptides, such as the tripeptide Leu-Ile-Lys, may exert protective effects in experimental nephrolithiasis by reducing oxidative stress and preserving renal tubular function, as demonstrated in a rat model of oxalate kidney stones [1]. While free leucine supplementation has been studied for roles in muscle protein synthesis, metabolic regulation, and liver health, results are mixed. Leucine supplementation did not prevent weight gain or improve glycemic control in high-fat-fed rats [3], though systematic review data indicate potential benefits on glucose homeostasis in rodent models of glucose intolerance when administered at 90–140 mg/day during metabolic disease development [7]. Leucine also supports protein metabolism and may benefit liver disease patients with BCAA deficiencies, commonly seen in advanced liver disease [8]. However, evidence for PepForm specifically remains limited to preclinical models, and human data are lacking.
Dosage Guide
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
Investigational form for reducing oxidative stress in kidney stone models
Common supplemental form for muscle and metabolic support
Clinical Notes
- Human efficacy data for PepForm Leucine peptides are lacking; current evidence is primarily preclinical.
- High-dose leucine may disrupt balance of other BCAAs and aromatic amino acids, particularly in liver disease.
- Leucine supplements should be used cautiously in individuals with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD).
- Effects on glucose metabolism are inconsistent; leucine may not benefit all metabolic conditions.
Research
Leu-Ile-Lys tripeptide reduced oxidative stress and γ-glutamyltransferase activity in a rat model of oxalate nephrolithiasis.
Acidic peptides with specific motifs modify calcite crystal growth in vitro, suggesting potential for influencing mineralization processes.
Leucine supplementation did not prevent weight gain or improve glycemic regulation in male rats on a high-fat diet.
Protein substitutes in PKU require adequate dosing and timing to maintain blood phenylalanine control, relevant for amino acid formulation strategies.
Supplementing leucine in low-protein diets improved growth performance in piglets, indicating its role as a limiting amino acid in certain diets.
Leucine supplementation (250 mg/kg) attenuated muscle damage markers after eccentric exercise in untrained men.
Systematic review found 90–140 mg/day leucine improved metabolic markers in diet-induced obese rodent models when given early in disease progression.
BCAAs, including leucine, support hepatocyte function and are used therapeutically in chronic liver disease to correct amino acid imbalances.
