Capsule manufacture and coding
Capsules were manufactured by an external compounding pharmacy (Pharmacy 777, Applecross, Perth, WA). They were identical in shape, size and colour and contained leucine- 3 g/d or placebo (lactose - 2.67 g/d). All capsules were then coded and allocated by an investigator who was not involved in either data collection or in analysis (JS). Codes were unscrambled at the end of trial prior to data analysis. Participants randomised to each treatment arm, were required to consume 6 capsules each day; two each with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The participants recorded their capsule consumption daily and noted any missed doses.