Valine

Type: Essential Amino Acid
Name: Valine (V, Val) Chemical formula C₅H₁₁NO₂
Importance- to Body:
Needed for muscle metabolism, maintaining proper amount of nitrogen in the body, and crucial for tissue repair. Valine may be beneficial in treating liver and gallbladder diseases (from the damage of drugs and alcohol).
Distribution- in Body:
Produces glucose and supplies after intense exercise to prevent break down of muscles.
Excess Effects:
Disruption of the kidneys or liver, headaches, dizziness.
Deficiency Effects:
Maple syrup urine disease is caused by the inability to metabolize valine, leucine, and isoleucine, lack of valine can affect the myelin coating of the nerves, and can cause neurological, motor and cognitive problems.
Food Sources:
Protein-Rich Foods (meat), Dairy Products, Soy Products, Legumes, Beans, Mushrooms, Leafy Green Vegetables.
Environmental/Geographic Sources:
Supplemental Information:
Closely related to leucine and isoleucine (similar function and structure). It is recommended that valine be taken with leucine and isoleucine for more convenience.