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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Dec 31;19(12):e0312997.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312997. eCollection 2024.

Dileucine ingestion, but not leucine, increases lower body strength and performance following resistance training: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Anthony M Hagele  1 , Joesi M Krieger  1 , Connor J Gaige  1 , Kevin F Holley  1 , Kristen N Gross  1 , Joshua M Iannotti  1 , Leah E Allen  1 , Paige J Sutton  1 , Logan S Orr  1 , Petey W Mumford  1 , Martin Purpura  2   3 , Ralf Jager  2   3 , Chad M Kerksick  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Dileucine ingestion, but not leucine, increases lower body strength and performance following resistance training: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Anthony M Hagele et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: The essential amino acid leucine (LEU) plays a crucial role in promoting resistance-training adaptations. Dileucine (DILEU), a LEU-LEU dipeptide, increases MPS rates, however its impact on resistance training outcomes remains unexplored. This study assessed the effects of DILEU supplementation on resistance training adaptations.

Methods: Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled approach, 34 resistance-trained males (age: 28.3 ± 5.9 years) consumed 2 grams of either DILEU monohydrate (RAMPS™, Ingenious Ingredients, L.P.), LEU, or placebo (PLA) while following a 4-day per week resistance training program for 10 weeks. Changes in body composition, 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and repetitions to failure (RTF) for leg press (LP) and bench press (BP), anaerobic capacity, countermovement jump (CMJ), and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were assessed after 0 and 10 weeks.

Results: Significant main effects for time (p < 0.001) were realized for LP and BP 1RM and RTF. A significant group × time interaction was identified for changes in LP 1RM (p = 0.02) and LP RTF (p = 0.03). Greater increases in LP 1RM were observed in DILEU compared to PLA (p = 0.02; 95% CI: 5.8, 73.2 kg), and greater increases in LP RTF in DILEU compared to LEU (p = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.58, 20.3 reps). No significant differences were found in other measures.

Conclusions: DILEU supplementation at 2 grams daily enhanced lower body strength and muscular endurance in resistance-trained males more effectively than LEU or PLA. These findings suggest DILEU as a potentially effective supplement for improving adaptations to resistance training. NCT06121869 retrospectively registered.

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Conflict of interest statement

I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: M.P and R.J are principals of Ingenious Ingredients, L.P., the sponsor of the study, and inventors of numerous patent applications for the use of dileucine but have not been involved in data collection or analysis. All other authors declare no competing interests. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials as there are no restrictions on sharing data and/or materials.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. CONSORT diagram.
Fig 2
Fig 2. (Sub-Panel a & b): Leg Press one-repetition maximum (1RM) in DILEU, LEU, and PLA supplemented groups.
Panel a: RAW data. Panel b: Delta.
Fig 3
Fig 3. (Sub-Panel a & b): Leg Press Repetitions to Failure (RTF) in DILEU, LEU, and PLA supplemented groups.
Panel a: RAW data. Panel b: Delta.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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