| VALINE Valine is an amino acid obtained by hydrolysis of proteins and is an essential amino acid. 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. Valine 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. BCAA levels are significantly decreased by insulin. High dietary sugar or glucose intake causes release of insulin, which, in turn, causes a drop in BCAA levels. Competes with Tyrosine and Tryptophan in crossing the blood-brain barrier. The higher the Valine level, the lower the brain levels of Tyrosine and Tryptophan. One of the implications of this competition is that Tyrosine and Tryptophan nutritional supplements need to be taken at least an hour before or after meals or supplements that are high in branched chain amino acids. During period of Valine deficiency, all of the other amino acids (and protein) are less well absorbed by the GI tract. Main Functions: • Actively absorbed and used directly by muscle as an energy source. • Not processed by the liver before entering the blood stream. • Any acute physical stress (including surgery, sepsis, fever, trauma, starvation) requires higher amounts of Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine that any of the other amino acids. • It may be helpful in treating liver and gallbladder disease • It is good for correcting the type of severe amino acid deficiencies that can be caused by drug addiction. Valine Deficiency: 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. Deficiencies seen in: • Kwashiorkor • Hunger • Obesity • Neurological deficit • Elevated insulin levels Valine Excess Seen In: • Ketotic Hypoglycemia • Visual and tactile hallucinations Rich Food Sources of Valine Rich food sources of valine include dairy products, grains, meat, mushrooms, peanuts, and soy protein. Supplemental L-valine should always be taken in balance with the other branched-chain amino acids, L-isoleucine and L-leucine. Caution and Side effects An excessively high level of valine may lead to such symptoms as a crawling sensation in the skin and even hallucinations. |