L-Leucine · Essential Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) for Nutrition & Fortification

Key characteristics

• Identity: L-Leucine (essential amino acid; BCAA).
• Typical production: commonly produced by fermentation and purification (process depends on producer and grade).
• Form: white crystalline powder or granules; suitable for dry blends and capsules/tablets (grade-dependent).
• Solubility: limited solubility in water; formulation strategies may be needed for beverages and RTD systems.
• Sensory: can contribute bitterness at higher use levels; flavour systems and sweetener choices help manage taste.
• Function in nutrition products:
  • Amino acid fortification for protein systems,
  • Component of BCAA and EAA blends,
  • Support for balanced amino acid profiles in clinical and sports nutrition (final health/claim positioning depends on regulations).
• Labelling: typically declared as “L-leucine” or “leucine” in ingredient statements; regional rules apply.

Atlas supports formulators in selecting particle size and grade suitable for powders, tablets/capsules, premixes and beverage applications, including guidance on dispersion and sensory management.

Indicative specification points

Specifications vary by grade (food, supplement, pharmacopeial) and customer requirements. Typical parameters include:

• Assay/purity: high-purity L-leucine content according to agreed specification.
• Appearance: white crystalline powder; free from visible foreign matter.
• Optical rotation: within specified range for L-form identity.
• Loss on drying / moisture: controlled for flowability and stability.
• Residue on ignition (ash): controlled according to standard.
• Heavy metals and specific impurities: restricted to meet food/supplement requirements.
• Particle size distribution: options available for instantizing, blending behavior and tableting performance.
• Microbiology: low microbial counts suitable for nutrition applications (limits depend on standard and region).

Each batch is delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and technical data sheet. Additional documents (GMO status, allergen statements, dietary suitability, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates and others) can be supplied based on producer and grade to support audits and customer specifications.

Sports nutrition & active lifestyle

• Protein powders and mass gainers – used to optimize amino acid profiles in whey, casein and plant protein blends.
• BCAA and EAA blends – key component in amino acid powders and intra-workout formulas (claim positioning varies by region).
• Pre-/post-workout products – used in blends with creatine, electrolytes and functional ingredients where permitted.
• Stick packs and sachets – suitable for single-serve formats with controlled particle size and flow.

Clinical nutrition & medical foods (where applicable)

• Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) – used to support amino acid composition in medical nutrition powders and RTD drinks.
• Tube feeding and enteral formulas – used in specialized amino acid blends subject to regulatory and clinical requirements.
• Hospital and elderly nutrition – used in protein-fortified concepts where amino acid balancing is desired.

Dietary supplements

• Capsules and tablets – used alone or in amino acid blends; particle size and flow aid tableting/capsulation.
• Gummies and chewables (selected concepts) – taste masking and processing compatibility must be evaluated.

Functional beverages & RTD applications

• Ready-to-drink protein beverages – leucine may be used in some systems, but solubility and sedimentation must be managed.
• Powder-to-drink mixes – more common format; evaluate dispersion and taste.
• Functional shots – used selectively; requires careful formulation due to solubility and flavour intensity.

Food fortification & speciality foods

• Protein bars – used to adjust amino acid composition in high-protein bars and snacks.
• Meal replacements – included in balanced amino acid premixes for powders and bars.
• Fortified foods – used in selected applications where amino acid profile enhancement is desired and permitted by regulation.

Formulation guidance

• Consider solubility limitations in beverages; pilot tests are recommended for RTD products.
• Manage taste with flavours, sweeteners and acid/buffer systems as needed; bitterness may increase with higher dosing.
• Particle size affects flow, blend uniformity and sensory perception; choose grade accordingly.
• Confirm permitted uses, purity standard, contaminants limits and labelling/claim requirements in each destination market.

Quality & documentation

• Supplied as food-grade L-leucine with agreed specifications for purity, identity, impurities and microbiological criteria.
• Each batch is delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet.
• Additional documentation may include GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability, origin, contaminant/heavy metal statements and Halal/Kosher certificates depending on producer and grade.
• Production sites typically operate under recognised quality and food safety systems such as HACCP and FSSC/ISO 22000; further certifications may be available on request.
• Customers remain responsible for compliance with supplement/food rules, maximum levels, labelling and claims in each destination market.

Packaging, storage & logistics

• Standard packaging options include fibre drums, cartons or multiwall paper bags with inner liner depending on grade and supply route.
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed original packaging to protect from moisture and odours.
• Maintain good handling practices to prevent caking and ensure blend uniformity in manufacturing.
• Shelf life is defined on the specification and COA; customers should verify flowability and performance during storage.
• Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara.

To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended format (powder blend, capsules/tablets, RTD beverage, bar, clinical formula), target purity/standard (food, FCC, pharmacopeial), annual volume, preferred packaging, documentation requirements (Halal, Kosher, non-GMO, etc.) and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable L-leucine grades and complementary amino acid options.