It is an essential amino acid and not synthesized in mammals. In the microorganisms valine is synthesized from the pyruvic acid. Metabolic degradation of valine in animals is the formation of pyruvic acid and glucose. It is antiketogenic and 3 molecules of carbon atoms of valine yield glucose in the diabetic animal.

Valine is an amino acid obtained by hydrolysis of proteins and was first isolated by the German chemist Emil Fischer in 1901 from casein and is a branched-chain amino acid (the others are isoleucine and leucine) found in high concentration in the muscles.

Valine is a member of the branched-chain amino acid family, along with leucine and isoleucine. The three branched-chain amino acids constitute approximately 70 percent of the amino acids in the body proteins. As such, their value in the formation and maintenance of structural and functional integrity in humans is unmeasured. Supplemental valine should always be combined with isoleucine and leucine at a respective milligram ratio of 2:1:2.

Valine also participates in the detoxification of ammonia and works along with alpha-ketoglutarate. It may be an important amino acid in the prevention of muscle wasting in diabetes and in the prevention of ammonia toxicity in older-aged individuals who are hospitalized.

Sources of valine

• Good sources of valine include dairy, meat, grain, mushrooms, soy and peanuts.
• Foods high in valine include:
• Cottage cheese (dry) 2,500 mg/cup
• Fish & other seafoods 1,000-7,000 mg/lb
• Meats 1,500-5,500 mg/lb
• Poultry 2,500-5,500 mg/lb
• Peanuts, roasted w skin 3,500 mg/cup
• Sesame seeds 2,000 mg/cup
• Dry, whole lentils 2,500 mg/cup

Benefits of valine

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. It may be helpful in treating liver and gallbladder disease, and it is good for correcting the type of severe amino acid deficiencies that can be caused by drug addiction.

It has a stimulating effect and is needed for muscle metabolism, repair and growth of tissue and maintaining the nitrogen balance in the body.

Since it is a branched-chain amino acid, it can be used as an energy source in the muscles, and in doing so preserves the use of glucose. It may be helpful in treating liver and gallbladder disease.

Many amino acids become deficient with drug addiction, and here it also plays an important role and 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. The three branched-chain amino acids should always be taken in balance.

Deficiency symptoms 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.

Symptoms of high intake

Very high levels of valine can cause symptoms such as a crawling sensation on the skin, as well as hallucinations.

Individuals with kidney or liver disease should be careful in consuming high intakes of amino acids without consulting their doctor.

Daily requirement

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of Valine are: -

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