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Valine is an essential amino acid which is considered important for body growth. Valine is an amino acid obtained by hydrolysis of proteins. It is needed for the proper performance of the nervous system; an adequate intake prevents nervous and digestive disorders.
Valine is a branched chain amino acid. Valine is not processed by the liver; rather actively taken up by muscles.
It influences brain uptake of other neurotransmitter precursors (trptophan, phenylalanine and tryosine).
Molecular Weight - 117.15
Occurence - 6.48 %
Valine Food Sources
Leafy vegetables, finger millet, rice and other cereals, kidney beans and other legumes and pulses, piyal seeds, pistachio and cashew nuts, and peaches are high in valine. Poultry and milk also contain a large amount of valine.
Valine Benefits - Function in the body
W. Borrman, a nutrition researcher, describes valine as helpful in disorders of the muscles, mental and emotional upsets', insomnia, and nervousness. Valine intake as a part of the amino-acid combination of phenylalanine-valine-methionine-tryptophan in the ratio of 3:2:2:1, taken in 4 g doses prior to meals, results in decreased food intake in 50 per cent of obese women.
Valine Deficiency Symptoms
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.
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