A decrease in muscle mass can have a profound impact on quality of life, as it can lead to decreased strength, insulin resistance, lower basal metabolic rate and obesity. With this study we investigate whether ingesting leucine or getting a ND injection will reduce the loss of muscle mass and strength.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy men 18-35 years
• BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

- (Family) history of thromboembolic events

• Smoking
• Recent surgery (within 6 months prior to the study)
• Performing progressive resistance training more than three times per week in the past year
• Any back/leg/knee/shoulder complaints which may interfere with the use of crutches
• Current systemic use of corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, growth hormone, testosterone, nandrolone, protein supplements, immunosuppressants or insulin, blood sugar decreasing medication or EPO
• All co-morbidities interacting with mobility and muscle metabolism of the lower limbs (e.g. arthritis, spasticity/rigidity, all neurological disorders and paralysis)
• Use of anti-coagulants
• Pre-existing renal disease or those with a potential risk for renal dysfunction (diabetes, hypertension, reduced glomerular filtration rate)
• Liver disease
• Heart failure
• Migraine
• Allergy to nuts or soy
• High blood pressure (>140 mmHg systolic and >90 mmHg diastolic) In case of doubt, in- or exclusion of subject will be discussed with responsible physician or principal investigator.