Leucine Market Share

North America Market Insight

North America is expected to hold the highest market share of 35% within the forecast period due to increasing incidences of sarcopenia, cachexia, and other chronic illnesses. Protein intake declines with age in adults, largely due to energy intake decreases, leading to a higher risk of muscle loss and related conditions. As per a report by NLM in January 2024, every 3%-energy increase in animal protein corresponds to a 6% reduction in the odds of healthy aging in the U.S. This  difference in effect sizes is bringing amino acids such as leucine, that optimally trigger muscle protein synthesis into greater demand. Additionally, there is growing research support for leucine in the fight against muscle loss.

U.S. is expected to grow within the forecast period due to rising incidences of sarcopenia, cachexia, and related chronic illnesses, combined with growing awareness among clinicians of the benefits of higher protein intake and essential amino acids. According to the study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in February 2024, consumption of animal protein was associated with lower odds of healthy aging. The ORs per 3%-energy increment with healthy aging were 1.05 for total protein, 1.0 for animal protein, 1.1 for dairy protein, and 1.3 for plant protein. This gap is spurring demand for amino acids such as leucine that can better stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Further, there is increasing clinical research backing leucine’s role in mitigating muscle loss.

Canada market is expected to grow within the forecast period due to growing policy and governance support for elder care and nutritional health, which has led to growing concern in preventing frailty, coupled with consumers' rising interest in amino acid-enriched products. As per a report by Government of Canada in May 2023, muscle or bone-strengthening recommendation adherence was substantially higher in youths aged 12 to 17 years (56.6%, 95% CI: 52.4 to 60.8) and adults aged 18 to 64 years (54.9%, 95% CI: 53.1 to 56.8) than in adults aged 65 years and above (41.7%, 95% CI: 38.9 to 44.5). This difference indicates the necessity for targeted nutrition interventions, such as leucine supplementation for muscle maintenance and functional health in the aging population in Canada.

Europe Market Insight

Europe is expected to hold the fastest-growing market within the forecast period due to increasing emphasis on safeguarding the elder population's health, along with a rising matrix of muscle wasting, and regulatory support for nutritional and amino acid supplements, which has driven the industry. Growing concerns about an inactive lifestyle among the aging population in Europe are slowly getting into the public health domain, which will cause a decline in muscle mass and strength through aging. As per a report by Diabetes UK in 2024, an estimated 6.3 million people are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Henceforth, the demand for leucine and leucine-rich preparations is on the rise, more so in the healthcare and clinical nutrition sectors.

The leucine market in the UK is expected to grow within the forecast period due to government schemes and public health policies on musculoskeletal health for the elderly, coupled with nutritional guidelines that recommend higher protein intake and strength support exercises. As per a report by Diabetes UK in 2024, the country is projecting a significant increase in its elderly population, and 4.6 million people live with diabetes. This growing patient population stimulates the demand for amino acid supplements such as leucine to maintain muscle and metabolic health. Furthermore, awareness about sarcopenia and its impact on age-related muscle loss is driving research into and acceptance of leucine-enriched nutrition products.

Germany market is expected to grow within the forecast period due to increasing protein intake recommendations for the elderly and increased interest in plant-based and alternative supplementary proteins, as well as government grants in support of protein and nutrition science. The increasing elderly population in the country is a driver for leucine to assist muscles. Moreover, public health recommendations advocate for sufficient protein to guard against frailty and sarcopenia. German research institutions are also supporting the advancement of amino acid preparations via public programs in nutrition science.

Countries with Whey Exports and Imports in 2023

Source: OEC

Asia Pacific Market Insight

The market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow steadily, with the factors being increasing awareness regarding muscle health, increasing incidences of age-related disorders such as sarcopenia, and increasing investments in clinical nutrition and dietary supplements. According to a UNESCAP report from December 2022, there are around 670 million people aged 60 years or above in Asia and the Pacific, that is roughly one person out of every seven. In the coming decades, this demographic trend is expected to cast its influence further, thus creating demand for leucine-enriched products that aid in healthy aging and alleviate muscle-wasting conditions.

The leucine market in China is growing as consumers nurture health-and-wellness consciousness with age, while age-related muscular disorders come with increasing prevalence, and the government taxes on nutritional supplementation with its empowering policies. According to a report by NLM, in August 2025, about 15 years ago, China had an institutionalization rate of 1.0% reflecting an increasing but still nascent demand for elder care compared to other developed economies of Asia. This trend signals an increasing patient pool requiring nutritional supplementation for the treatment of age-related muscle decline and frailty.

India is growing due to increasing awareness regarding nutrition and health, an increase in incidences of aging muscle disorders such as sarcopenia, and the expansion of healthcare infrastructure. According to an NLM report in December 2022, India has the highest amount of underweight adults all over the world, which is 19.6% in men and 22.4% in women, highlighting an urgent need for nutrition that supports muscle. Giving further enhancement to the Government's thrust on maternal and child health and fighting malnutrition, amino acid supplements will find their demand growing. With a swiftly growing middle class, burgeoning disposable incomes are being put forth in purchasing dietary supplements and functional foods.