Valine
Updated Oct. 13th, 2017
The amino acids that the body cannot produce, and need to be taken in through the diet, are called essential. Valine is one of these amino acids. Valine is also a member of the branched chain amino acid (BCAA) group, along with leucine and isoleucine. BCAAs act as a fuel source for the muscle because they are the only amino acids that are broken down directly in muscle tissue. They prevent the muscle breakdown that normally occurs during strenuous exercise, resulting in increased endurance and muscle strength.
Other tissues that the BCAAs help to repair are the bones and skin. BCAAs regulate blood sugar by producing glycogen, the storage form of sugar in muscle tissue. Valine may be helpful for liver and gallbladder conditions. It can also be given to support the liver in cases of severe protein deficiency, for example, deficiency caused by drug addiction. Valine, and the other BCAAs, can be supplemented for: building muscle, healing tissue and bones, increasing energy, alleviating liver and gallbladder disease or supporting the body during severe protein deficiency.
BCAA's are important and have unique properties, Valine stands out due to its effectiveness in helping you build more muscle. It is important to know the composition of the BCAA before you decide when to take one. Great workout supplement for sure.
Hello Sam,
We are glad you enjoyed this article. Yes, a balance between the BCAA's, and all amino acids, is essential. BCAA's are great for working our and training to further progress your muscles growth and recovery. If you'd like to learn more about BCAA's, check out this article too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/branched-chain-amino-acids/
Stay healthy & well.
Your opening states clearly why everybody needs valine: the body cannot produce this protein building block and therefore, it is essential. It's also clear from your video that valine is best taken in conjunction with the other branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine and isoleucine (also essential) due to the functional role of these special amino acids. Thank you for this short but informative article! And the note that high valine doses can cause hallucinations and a skin-crawling sensation is so interesting!! I wonder what the mechanism is?
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for your positive feedback on our article about valine! We're glad that the information provided was informative and useful to you. Valine, as an essential amino acid, plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and muscle repair. It's great to see that you found value in learning about the importance of taking valine in conjunction with other BCAAs like leucine and isoleucine.
Regarding the note about high doses of valine potentially causing hallucinations and a skin-crawling sensation, it's indeed an interesting aspect to consider. This could be because taking too much of this supplement can cause imbalance in the body's nitrogen levels. As with any supplement or medication, it's important to follow recommended dosage guidelines to ensure safety and avoid any potential adverse effects. You can learn more about other amino acids by reading this article, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/amino-acid-complex/
Stay healthy & well