Valine - Uses, Benefits, Sources and Dosage

Valine is a branched chain amino acid and closely related to leucine and isoleucine in both structure and function. These three branched amino acids in our body comprised approximately 70 percent of the amino acids. These amino acids are hydrophobic in nature and present in the interior of proteins. Valine was discovered in 1901 by Emil Fischer, a German scientist. It is among the essential amino acids and can't be synthesized by body on its own. Thus it is taken from dietary supplements like from different plant and animals sources. It is found in the muscles tissues in high concentrations. Binding and recognition sites on cells cannot be formed without valine. If these binding sites are not formed then chemical messages from the brain cannot be translated. Valine also helps to maintain the structural and functional integrity in humans.

Health Benefits of Valine

• It is an essential amino acid and has a stimulant effect on body. It is required for metabolism of muscle, tissue repair and also helps in the maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in the body.
• It is a branched-chain amino acid and used as an energy source by muscle tissues in body.
• It is helpful in the treatment of liver and gallbladder diseases.
• It also helps in resolving the severe amino acid deficiencies which are caused by drug addiction.
• It helps to reduce stress and sleeplessness.
• It is a glucogenic amino acid so it provides glucose.
• It helps in the preventingmuscle loss at high altitudes.
• It plays an important role to improve cognitive functioning hence it is used in treatment of brain trauma.

Food Sources of Valine

Animal origin: Valine sources from animal origin includes meat, poultry, fish contain the significant amount of valine. Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt are also rich in valine.
Plant origin: Plant sources like peanuts, legumes, beans, lentils, soy, mushrooms, Sesame seeds, spinach and kale contain the significant amount of valine.

Deficiency Symptoms of Valine

Deficiency of valine results in the Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) which causes the impairment in the metabolism of valine along with the leucine and isoleucine. The disease is so named because urine of the affected people smells like maple syrup. Other complication associated with the valine deficiency can affect the myelin covering of the nerves.

Risk of Higher Intake of Valine

Increased intake of valine may result in the hallucinations and skin crawling sensation. Too much consumption of valine can cause the excess accumulation of ammonia in body. There is also disruption in the kidney liver functions due to higher intake.