- Leucine is the key essential amino acid that triggers muscle protein synthesis through mTOR activation.
- Research shows roughly 2 g of leucine per serving is needed to reach the “leucine threshold” that stimulates muscle repair and growth.
- Ratios matter. Leucine starts the anabolic signal, but the other eight EAAs must be present for actual muscle building to occur.
- LLS EAAs deliver a research-aligned profile: 2 g leucine within 5 g total fermented EAAs.
- The powder offers a full 5 g dose for training; the tablets (300 per tub, 1 g each, filler free) allow precision leucine and EAA dosing throughout the day.
Most conversations about essential amino acids focus on high-level benefits like recovery and performance. But the real effectiveness of an essential amino acids supplement depends on the ratio of the amino acids inside it, especially leucine.
Leucine is the amino acid that switches on muscle protein synthesis (MPS). It acts as a trigger. But the rest of the EAAs provide the raw materials. Without the correct balance, even high-leucine formulas fail to build or maintain muscle.
This guide explains why 2 g leucine matters, why LLS uses this ratio inside a 5 g fermented EAA blend, and how both the EAA Powder and Essential Aminos Tablets support daily training, recovery and healthy ageing.
A Note from Ben, Founder of Love Life Supplements
I’ve watched the amino acid market for years and noticed two extremes: cheap BCAA formulas that are almost useless, and overhyped leucine-heavy blends that sound good but don’t work in the real world.
Leucine matters — it’s the switch — but the switch is pointless without the entire EAA spectrum behind it. That’s why our formula delivers 2 g leucine inside a balanced 5 g EAA profile. It mirrors what you see in research rather than marketing claims.
We also built two formats so people can use EAAs exactly how they want: the 5 g EAA Powder for training and hydration, and our 300 completely filler-free tablets for clean, precise dosing across the day.
This ratio is one of the main reasons our EAAs work consistently for real customers.
Stay consistent,
Ben Law
Founder, Love Life Supplements
What Leucine Actually Does
Leucine is the most anabolic amino acid. It activates mTOR, the biological switch that triggers muscle protein synthesis. When leucine levels rise in the bloodstream, MPS increases. When they fall, MPS drops back to baseline.
But here is the crucial part: leucine can trigger MPS, but cannot build muscle alone. Once the signal is activated, your body needs the other eight essential amino acids to actually repair and construct new tissue.
The Leucine Threshold Explained
Research suggests that around 2–3 g of leucine is needed per feeding to achieve a meaningful increase in muscle protein synthesis. This “leucine threshold” is why whey protein is effective — it naturally contains a high leucine concentration.
Below the threshold, MPS barely moves. Above the threshold, the signal activates strongly — but only if all other EAAs are available.
Too many supplements contain either:
very low leucine (ineffective), orlarge leucine doses without supporting EAAs (stimulates but cannot sustain MPS).
Why You Need All 9 EAAs — Not Just Leucine
Think of leucine as the ignition key and the remaining EAAs as the fuel. Turning the key does nothing if there is no fuel in the tank.
Without balanced EAAs:
- MPS cannot be sustained
- leucine gets oxidised and wasted
- muscle repair slows
- performance drops
This is why BCAA-heavy stacks underperform compared to full EAA formulas. They stimulate but cannot complete the process.
The Problem With High-Leucine or BCAA-Heavy Supplements
Many brands push “8 g BCAA” formulas or “mega leucine” blends. The problem is simple:
BCAAs alone cannot build muscle because the other EAAs are missing.
Research consistently shows:
- EAAs outperform BCAAs for recovery and muscle gain
- BCAA-only blends increase oxidation rather than synthesis
- High-leucine formulas without balanced EAAs stall MPS
So more leucine is not better. The right amount inside the right ratio is what matters.
The LLS Ratio: 2 g Leucine Inside 5 g EAAs
The LLS essential amino acids supplement formula uses 2 g leucine inside a 5 g total EAA profile. This ratio is deliberate:
- 40% leucine is aligned with studies showing optimal MPS activation.
- The remaining EAAs are dosed to support complete protein synthesis.
- A 5 g total serving is meaningful but light enough for intra-workout use.
- The ratio is suitable for men, women, fasting protocols and endurance athletes.
Put simply: the ratio mirrors research rather than marketing trends.
Why 5 g Total EAAs?
Some blends use 10–15 g doses that feel impressive on a label but do little beyond inflating cost and sweetness. Others underdose to save margins.
A 5 g fermented EAA dose achieves three things:
- activates MPS via the 2 g leucine threshold
- provides all EAAs needed for actual muscle repair
- remains light enough for intra-workout hydration and fasted use
It is the most efficient “effective dose” for a daily-use EAA product.
How This Ratio Compares to Other Options
Versus Whey Protein
Whey naturally contains ~10–12% leucine and a full EAA spectrum. The LLS ratio mimics whey’s anabolic impact without calories or digestion time.
Versus High-BCAA Formulas
BCAA-only blends stimulate but cannot complete MPS, regardless of the leucine dose.
Versus Other EAA Blends
Many competitors underdose leucine or overload it. Our ratio reflects research, not hype.
Practical Application: How to Use the 2 g Leucine Ratio Daily
The LLS EAA Powder delivers 2 g leucine automatically in each 5 g serving. It’s ideal for:
- intra-workout sipping
- morning training sessions
- endurance training
- cutting and calorie deficits
Essential Aminos Tablets
The tablets contain 1 g EAAs each and are completely filler free. They allow precision dosing:
- take 3–5 tablets pre-training to support MPS
- use between meals on fasting days
- use small doses throughout the day to support recovery
Tablets are ideal for people who:
- train fasted
- dislike sweet supplements
- want zero calories
- want exact dose control
Full EAA Breakdown (Powder Format)
Each 5 g serving includes:
- L-Leucine – 2,000 mg
- L-Lysine – 750 mg
- L-Valine – 550 mg
- L-Isoleucine – 500 mg
- L-Threonine – 415 mg
- L-Phenylalanine – 400 mg
- L-Methionine – 250 mg
- L-Histidine – 81.5 mg
- L-Tryptophan – 53.5 mg
Backed by Science
Leucine drives muscle protein synthesis
Leucine directly activates the mTOR pathway to stimulate MPS.
Volpi E et al., 2003. PubMed
EAAs outperform BCAAs for recovery
Full-spectrum EAAs significantly increase muscle protein synthesis versus BCAAs.
Borsheim E et al., 2002. PubMed
EAA supplementation helps maintain muscle during inactivity
EAAs protect lean mass even during periods of reduced activity or bed rest.
Paddon-Jones D et al., 2004. PubMed
EAAs improve recovery under calorie deficit
EAAs enhance net protein balance during caloric restriction.
Brooks N et al., 2008. PubMed
BCAA-heavy blends do not optimise MPS
BCAAs alone do not contain the full complement of EAAs required for complete muscle protein synthesis.
Wolfe RR, 2017. PubMed
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Ben Law is the founder of Love Life Supplements and host of the Optimised Health Show. He is a qualified Advanced Dietary Supplement Advisor and has spent over a decade formulating research-led supplements manufactured under strict UK GMP and BRC standards. Learn more about Ben.