Consuming essential amino acids such as leucine activates metabolic pathways that trigger the mTOR pathway in muscle cells, which turns on protein synthesis.  Until recently, scientists could only tentatively make these recommendations because they never established a cause and effect relationship between leucine and mTor.  University of Texas Medical Branch researchers found a direct link between leucine administration and mTOR activation.  This is extremely important information for bodybuilders, because it shows that leucine availability is critical for muscle growth.

After an intense workout, consume a supplement containing essential amino acids particularly those high in the amino acid leucine.  Leucine turns on pathways that make muscle grow, and supply building blocks for building new protein.  (Journal of Nutrition, 141:  586-562, 2011)