L-valine is an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), which aids the production of protein in the body.
What are its health benefits?
It is one of three proteinogenic amino acids, the others being L-leucine and L-isoleucine. Amino acids are essential for everyday body functions, as well as maintaining muscle and regulating the immune system.
The body does not produce these essential amino acids, so we have to obtain them from dietary or supplement (with L-leucine and L-isoleucine) sources.
Because BCAAs assist in protein production in the body, they may reduce muscle breakdown associated with certain conditions. They also appear to prevent faulty message transmission in the brain cells related certain conditions.
L-valine taken in supplement form with L-leucine and L-isoleucine may have the following benefits:
- There is evidence to suggest that taking BCAAs assists in the improvement of liver and brain function in patients with a liver disease and those diagnosed with poor brain function.
- Taken in liquid form, BCAAs seem to provide relief of symptoms associated with mania (a mental illness).
- Provides relief of symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder.
- Improves appetite in anorexia patients, and in elderly kidney-failure and cancer patients.
- Assists in reducing muscle and protein breakdown during exercise, and aid muscle repair afterwards.
- Used to assist in the management in slowing down muscle wasting in bed-bound individuals.
- Used to help prevent fatigue and improve concentration.
Do you have a deficiency?
BCAAs are essential components of the human body, and are particularly involved in muscle and energy metabolism. A deficiency may result in weakness, dizziness, neurological and cognitive problems, and even depression. An L-valine deficiency is associated with deterioration of muscle function and mental health, insomnia, skin hypersensitivity and a negative hydrogen balance in the body.
Find it in these food sources
BCAAs are found in the following food sources:
- Meat: beef, pork, chicken, turkey
- Dairy products: milk and cheese
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds: peanuts, almonds and sunflower seeds
- Legumes
- Grains: wheat germ, oats, corn and rice
Recommended dietary allowance (RDA)
It is recommended that the three branched chain amino acids are taken together as a supplement, and are usually to be found in this format as a unit, where the ratios of each BCAA are worked out.
The dosage depends on the condition being treated. Speak to your Clicks pharmacist or doctor for guidance on dosage.
Warnings
There is not enough information on the safe use of BCAAs during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it’s best to avoid taking them.
BCAAs may affect blood sugar levels, which could interfere with blood sugar control during surgery, it is advised to stop using them two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Do not use L-valine if you have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
- Amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Branched-chain ketoaciduria
- Chronic alcoholism
- Idiopathic hypoglycaemia in children
Avoid when taking the following medication:
- Levodopa (medication for Parkinson’s disease)
- Diabetes medication
Possible side effects
Side effects could include the following if too much L-valine is taken:
- Hallucination
- Crawling sensation on the skin
- Headache
- Emotional agitation
Ensure you discuss dietary supplementation with your Clicks pharmacist to avoid the potential for side effects and adverse interactions with medications.
This medicine has not been evaluated by the Medicines Control Council. This medicine is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.