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Valine is an amino acid obtained by hydrolysis of proteins and was first isolated by the German chemist Emil Fischer in 1901 from casein.
Valine, an essential amino acid, has a stimulant effect. It is needed for muscle metabolism, tissue repair, and the maintenance of a proper nitrogen balance in the body. Valine is found in high concentrations in muscle tissue. It is one of the branched-chain amino acids, which means that it can be used as an energy source by muscle tissue, and in doing so preserves the use of glucose. It is good for correcting the type of severe amino acid deficiencies that can be caused by drug addiction. There are indications that it may also be beneficial in treating or reversing hepatic encephalopathy, or alcohol related brain damage, as well as degenerative neurological conditions.
Valine is often used by bodybuilders, (in conjunction with leucine and isoleucine), to promote muscle growth, tissue repair and energizer, although little scientific evidence supports these claims. Studies have however shown that these three substances might be useful in restoring muscle mass in people with liver disease, injuries, or who have undergone surgery.
Sources
Dietary sources of valine include dairy products such as cottage cheese, grains, meat, mushrooms, peanuts, fish, vegetables, and soy protein. Supplemental L-valine should always be taken in balance with the other branched-chain amino acids, L-isoleucine and L-leucine.
Molecular Description
Valine is an aliphatic amino acid that is closely related to leucine and isoleucine both in structure and function. These amino acids are extremely hydrophobic and are almost always found in the interior of proteins. They are also seldom useful in routine biochemical reactions, but are relegated to the duty of determining the three-dimensional structure of proteins due to their hydrophobic nature. Valine is incorporated into proteins and enzymes at the molar rate of 6.9 percent when compared to the other amino acids.
Deficiency of Valine
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is caused by the inability to metabolize leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The disease is so named because urine from affected people smells like maple syrup. A deficiency may affect the myelin covering of the nerves.
Dosage
The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
RDA Requirement:
- Infant 3-6 months: 89 mg per kg of body weight
- Child 10-12 years: 25 mg per kg of body weight
- Adults: 14 mg per kg of body weight
Toxicity & Symptoms of High Intake
An excessively high level of valine may lead to such symptoms as a crawling sensation in the skin and even hallucinations. Individuals with kidney or liver disease should be careful in consuming high intakes of amino acids without consulting with their health care provider.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
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Valine / L-Valine Supplements & Products
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