Valine, a biologically essential amino acid, plays an important role in ensuring the daily functioning of the body, regulating the immune system, and maintaining muscles. This suggests that it is not produced or synthesized from other substances, but comes in ready-made form along with food. Valine was isolated by scientist E. Fischer back in 1901 from casein, and the amino acid was named after the famous valerian plant.

It is an integral part of natural proteins, which must be constantly supplied in the required quantities to the body through food or nutritional supplements. Among the products of animal origin, the most rich in valine: cow’s milk, beef, salmon, eggs, chicken fillet. Some plant foods are also rich in them, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, beans, peanuts, rice, peas, wheat and corn flour are in the lead in this list. If the food lacks valine, it becomes deficient in protein and leads to a nitrogen imbalance. Our body needs about 4 grams of valine daily.

What are the functions of valine in the body?
The branched structure of this essential amino acid is used by the muscles as a valuable source of energy. Valine, as one of the components, is involved in the restoration and formation of all tissues, maintaining proper nitrogen metabolism in the body. It reduces sensitivity to pain, cold temperatures, heat, has a stimulating effect, improves coordination and makes it difficult to remove serotonin. The amino acid helps regulate the processes taking place in the nervous system, protects the myelin sheaths of neurons from damage.

In addition, valine has other pharmacological properties:
increases endurance and muscle strength;
acts as one of the energy sources during metabolism in muscle cells;
improves the general condition with nervousness, depression and insomnia;
reduces appetite, therefore useful for weight loss;
participates as a starting substance together with others in the synthesis of pantothenic acid.
The experiments also showed that the amino acid strengthens the immune system, increases growth hormone, produces hemoglobin, is responsible for the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, and serves as an assistant in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse. addiction.

Side effects of valine
In sports nutrition, the intake of valine in the form of a biological supplement must be balanced, since its high level can cause unpleasant symptoms – paresthesia and even hallucinations.