Valine - Functions, Benefits, and Side Effects

Back again with me @workaholic666 on StemSocial, in today's post I will provide information about one of the essential amino acids that are important for the human body. Some information like the uses, benefits and side effects of an essential amino acid called Valine that I will discuss in this post.

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About Valine

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Valine is one type of essential amino acid needed by the human body. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body, so they must be obtained through food or supplements.

Valine is one of the three amino acids that form a branched chain, called leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This amino acid is essential for the growth and maintenance of muscle tissue and plays a role in nervous system function and metabolism. This amino acid has a unique chemical structure, so it has different properties from other amino acids, several food sources contain this amino acid, like meat, chicken, fish, eggs, soybeans, nuts, and milk. In addition, valine is also available in supplement form, like tablets or powder, which can be consumed as an additional intake to meet daily nutrition.

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When valine is consumed through food or supplements, this amino acid is digested into a smaller structure, called L-valine.

L-valine will enter the bloodstream and be carried throughout the body. In the human body, L-valine will be used to meet the body's protein needs. These amino acids combine with other amino acids to form different proteins, such as muscle proteins, skin proteins, and other proteins. L-valine plays a role in muscle protein synthesis by helping to increase protein synthesis and reduce protein breakdown in muscle tissue. In this process, valine acts as fuel for the muscles during physical activity.

If a sufficient intake of valine is met, the muscles will have enough energy sources to carry out physical activities more effectively. Valine has a function in the wound-healing process on the skin because valine helps increase the synthesis of collagen, which is a vital protein in the formation of skin tissue. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the elasticity and firmness of skin and hair.

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Uses of Valine

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• Growth and maintenance of muscle tissue
  This amino acid helps increase protein synthesis and reduces protein breakdown in muscle tissue.

• Speed up wound healing
  Valine also plays a role in the wound-healing process. Several studies have shown that adequate intake of valine can help speed up the healing process of skin wounds.

• Maintain healthy skin and hair
  Valine can help maintain healthy skin and hair. This amino acid plays a role in the synthesis of collagen, which helps maintain skin and hair elasticity and firmness.

• Maintain the function of the nervous system
  Valine plays a role in the formation of neurotransmitters, which are chemical compounds that help transmit signals in the nervous system. Adequate intake of valine can help maintain nervous system function, including improving symptoms of anxiety and depression.

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Side Effects of Valine

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Although valine is an essential amino acid for the human body, if consumed in excess it can cause side effects. Some side effects that may occur due to excessive intake of valine include:

• Indigestion
  Excessive intake of valine can cause digestive disorders, such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These side effects usually occur when valine is taken in very high doses.

• Dehydration
  Excessive intake of valine can also cause dehydration. This happens because valine is hygroscopic. If too much valine is consumed, the body will lose a lot of water, causing dehydration.

• Kidney damage
  A high intake of valine can cause kidney damage. This is because excess valine in the body is transformed into toxic compounds, which are subsequently filtered by the kidneys.

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References

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• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valine

• https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Valine

• https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00161

• https://study.com/academy/lesson/valine-function-structure-degradation.html