@article { , title = {Daily leucine intake is positively associated with lower limb skeletal muscle mass and strength in the elderly.}, abstract = {Higher daily protein intake, with an emphasis on leucine content, is thought to mitigate age-related anabolic resistance, potentially counteracting age-related morphological and functional declines. The present study investigated potential associations between total daily leucine intake and dependent variables, including quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and maximum dynamic muscle strength (1-RM) in a cohort of healthy free-living older individuals of both sexes (n = 67; 34/33 men/women). Participants performed three 24-hour dietary recalls and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam followed by 1-RM tests. Our results demonstrate moderate associations between total daily leucine and both quadriceps CSA (r = 0.42; p = 0.004) and 1-RM (r = 0.45; p = 0.001). Furthermore, our exploratory biphasic linear regression analyses, adjusted for sex, age, and protein intake relative to body weight, revealed a plateau for daily leucine intake and muscle mass and muscle strength (around 7.6–8.0 g/day−1) in older adults. In conclusion, we demonstrated that total daily leucine intake is associated with muscle mass and strength in healthy older individuals and this association remains after controlling for multiple factors, including overall protein intake. Furthermore, our breakpoint analysis revealed non-linearities and a potential threshold for habitual leucine intake, which may help guide future research on the effects of chronic leucine intake in age-related muscle loss.}, doi = {10.3390/nu13103536}, eissn = {2072-6643}, issue = {10}, journal = {Nutrients}, note = {INFO COMPLETE (notified by contact 20.10.2021 GB) PERMISSION GRANTED (published Gold OA under CC BY licence 20.10.2021 GB) DOCUMENT READY (downloaded VOR 20.10.2021 GB) ADDITIONAL INFO: Paul Swinton}, publicationstatus = {Published}, publisher = {MDPI}, url = {https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1500075}, volume = {13}, keyword = {Health & Wellbeing, Protein intake, Ageing, Muscle function, Essential amino acids, Older people}, year = {2021}, author = {Lixandrão, Manoel E. and Longobardi, Igor and Leitão, Alice E. and Morais, João V.M. and Swinton, Paul A. and Aihara, André Y. and Goes, Paola C.K. and Ugrinowitsch, Carlos and Candow, Darren G. and Gualano, Bruno and Roschel, Hamilton} }