The Benefits of L-Valine

L-Valine – you may have heard reference to this amino acid but don’t know anything about it. You aren’t alone! L-Valine is an essential amino acid that is required to sooth one’s nervous system and aid cognitive function. L-Valine is one of the 3 BCAAs (branched chain amino acids). The other 2 are L-Isoleucine and L-Leucine.

The body is unable to produce L-Valine and so it must be ingested through the foods you eat or by taking a supplement(s). Your body requires amino acids every day to function, maintain your muscles and regulate your immune system – in other words, they are essential. L-Valine is taken up by the muscles.

Main Functions of L-Valine

Absorbed and used by the muscles as a source of energy.
It is not processed by the liver before it enters the blood stream.
Any acute physical stress that includes sepsis, surgery, fever, starvation, trauma, etc. requires higher amounts of these 3 amino acids – L-Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine.
May be helpful in the treatment of liver and gallbladder disease
Corrects the severe amino acid deficiencies that arise from alcoholism or drug addiction.

L-Valine Deficiencies

If there is an L-Valine deficiency, all of the other amino acids are not absorbed by the GI tract as well as they normally would be.

Deficiencies are seen in:

Hunger
Kwashiorkor
Obesity
Elevated insulin levels
Neurological deficit

Food Sources of L-Valine

Some of the foods that contain L-Valine include kidney beans, leafy vegetables, dairy products, meat, peanuts, soy protein, mushrooms, grains and poultry. An L-Valine supplement should be taken in balance with other branched-chain amino acids.

The Benefits of L-Valine

There are a number of benefits to L-Valine.

Regulates the immune system
Improves insomnia
Helps to improve nervousness
Improves muscle disorders
Effective in suppressing one’s appetite
Helps to reduce stress
Helps to reduce sleeplessness
Improves cognitive function
Has been used to treat brain trauma

But, perhaps the largest benefits are enjoyed by athletes that perform bodybuilding or long distance sports. L-Valine is required for muscle metabolism and muscle tissue repair and it increases endurance during exercise.

L-Valine and Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders often use L-Valine in conjunction with L-Isoleucine and L-Leucine to promote the growth of muscles. It also increases energy and aids in tissue repair that is damaged from physical activity.

L-Valine is needed for your muscle metabolism and in order for muscle tissue growth to occur. It aids in the maintaining the correct amounts of nitrogen in your body. As a branched-chain amino acid, it means that the L-Valine can be utilized as a source of energy in your muscles and in the preservation of glucose use.

Because L-Valine is essential for the preservation, repair and building of muscle tissue, if you are involved in bodybuilding or in any other sport that requires excessive use of your muscles, it is critical that you ensure that you are getting the necessary amounts of L-Valine.

For anyone who is serious about bodybuilding it is essential to ensure you also have adequate L-Leucine as it aids in improved endurance and energy, promotes muscle tissue health and muscle protection.

Ideal Ratio of L-Valine to Other BCAAs

At all times, L-Valine should be taken with the other two branched-chain amino acids, L-Leucine and L-Isoleucine. Some experts believe that to ensure optimum absorption, you need to take two parts L-Leucine and two parts L-Valine with one part L-Isoleucine. However, others believe a ratio 1:1.8:1.2, (the ratio in the muscle), is far more effective. There is still a need for a great deal more research that can prove what the ideal ratio is.

L-Valine Side Effects

No side effects have been reported and it is generally considered safe in healthy individuals, as this amino acid is needed by the body.

Should I Take an L-Valine Supplement?

The majority of athletes are not getting adequate amounts of L-Valine to support their muscles. It can be quite difficult to support the necessary levels just through foods and so taking an L-Valine supplement is recommended. Athletes require higher amounts of this amino acid than the average person does because they endure a much higher level of activity.

Remember, L-Valine cannot be made by the body and it must be obtained through food or dietary supplements. L-Valine is found in high concentrations in all of the muscles. It is one of the 8 essential amino acids that are broken down into fat structures.

L-Valine supplements can be purchased online and at your local health food store. L-Valine is also found in GenF20 Plus an HGH supplement made up of all natural ingredients and amino acids that help the body to naturally increase HGH production in the pituitary gland, which helps to increase lean muscle mass, decrease body fat, and improve energy along with a number of other significant benefits including reversing the signs of aging.