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Leucic Acid

Also known as: Alpha-Hydroxy-isocaproic acid, DL-alpha-Hydroxy-isocaproic acid, HICA

Overview

Leucic acid (also known as α-hydroxyisocaproic acid or HICA) is a leucine metabolite touted to have anabolic properties. Although it appears to be effective following oral supplementation, comparisons to leucine or HMB do not exist. Leucic acid is linked to 4 conditions and outcomes. HICA is claimed to be an anti-catabolic and anabolic agent similar to HMB. The limited evidence that exists right now suggests that there is benefit, but beyond needing replication this study is also confounded. Although it would be imprudent to say that HICA is ineffective and similarly imprudent to say that it is worse than HMB or leucine, due to the lack of comparative data between HICA and HMB/leucine the question of 'which one to use' cannot be answered and we have no indication if HICA is better or worse than the other options. HICA holds some promise for future research to tackle, but currently does not have enough evidence to support its usage as a supplement; it may simply be a more expensive and equally effective leucine.

Benefits

Leucic acid is a metabolite of the branched chain amino acid known as leucine; leucine initially goes into one of two metabolic pathways (KIC or HMB) and then some of the KIC is further converted into HICA.

How it works

Leucic Acid is most often used for Muscle Gain & Exercise. It is linked to various outcomes including body composition, muscle size, strength, and athletic performance. However, the evidence is limited and suggests no significant effects on anaerobic capacity, body fat, bone mineral density, muscle mass, muscle soreness, power output, or weight.

Side effects

The only human evidence currently uses a daily dose of 1,500mg HICA, split into three divided doses of 500mg. There is not enough evidence to suggest if this is the optimal dose nor is there evidence to assess the comparative potency of HICA against leucine or HMB supplementation.

Dosage

Currently, there is no detailed information provided regarding side effects, safety concerns, or contraindications for Leucic Acid.

FAQs

What are other names for Leucic Acid?

Leucic Acid is also known as Alpha-Hydroxy-isocaproic acid, DL-alpha-Hydroxy-isocaproic acid, and HICA. It should not be confused with Leucine (parent amino acid) or HMB (other metabolite).