Valine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) constituent of the body's fibrous protein. It is needed for muscle metabolism and coordination, tissue repair, and maintenance of nitrogen balance. Muscle tissue uses it as an energy source. Valine is also used in treatments for muscle, mental, and emotional problems, insomnia, anxiety, and liver and gallbladder disease.
The measurement of valine, along with 23 other amino acids, is included in the Amino Acids in Plasma and the Amino Acids in Urine tests.
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Valine (Val/V) is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that is used in conjunction with the other two BCAAs, isoleucine and leucine, to promote normal growth, tissue repair, blood sugar regulation, and energy supply to the body. Valine helps the central nervous system function properly and is necessary for proper mental functioning.
Valine helps prevent the destruction of muscle fibers by providing the muscles with extra glucose for energy production during intense physical exercise. It also helps remove potentially toxic excess nitrogen from the liver and can transport nitrogen to other body tissues as needed. Valine can help treat liver and gallbladder diseases and repair liver damage caused by alcoholism and drug abuse. It may also help treat or even reverse liver encephalopathy or alcohol-related brain damage.
Valine is an essential amino acid that cannot be produced in the body and must be obtained through dietary sources. Natural sources of valine include meats, dairy products, mushrooms, peanuts, and soy protein. Although most people get enough valine from their diet, cases of valine deficiency have been reported. Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) is caused by the inability to metabolize leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The disease is so named because the urine in affected people smells like maple syrup. Valine deficiency can also affect the myelin sheath of nerves and cause degenerative neurological conditions.
Those who exercise a lot, are on a low-protein diet or are trying to build muscle mass (bodybuilding) should take regular valine supplements. Valine is available in supplements but should always be taken with the other two branched-chain amino acids, isoleucine and leucine. The ideal balance is two parts: leucine and valine, and one part isoleucine.
Taking too much valine can cause numbness, tingling, and even hallucinations. Too much valine in the diet can also disrupt liver and kidney function and increase the amount of ammonia in the body. People with impaired liver or kidney function should not take BCAAs without a doctor's advice, as large doses of the amino acid may worsen these conditions.
