What is L-Valine (L-Valine)?
L-Valine is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and is an essential amino acid; the body cannot synthesize it. It is a building block of muscle protein and plays a role in muscle metabolism and energy balance. It is the component that completes the balance of the BCAA trio.
- CAS number: 72-18-4
- Molecular formula: C₅H₁₁NO₂
What is L-Valine Used For? Why is it Used?
Valine is necessary for a balanced BCAA and complete essential amino acid profile. In sports and clinical nutrition, it is a complementary part of the mixture that supports muscle protein synthesis and recovery together with leucine and isoleucine.
Usage as Sports Nutrition
The following information is based on sports nutrition research (ISSN position statements, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses); the level of evidence is clearly stated for each item.
- Part of BCAA: Valine is a necessary component of the BCAA trio that supports muscle protein synthesis; it completes the balance in mixtures weighted towards leucine.
- Reducing muscle breakdown: Within the BCAA mixture, valine plays a role in studies reducing exercise-induced muscle damage markers and muscle soreness (DOMS).
- Central fatigue hypothesis: It has been suggested that BCAAs could delay 'central fatigue' of serotonergic origin by competing for the blood-brain barrier transporter with tryptophan; however, this has not been consistently proven in human performance and has been rejected by EFSA.
- Dosage/timing: Taken as a BCAA mixture before/after training; there is no evidence of ergogenic effects of valine alone.
Forms and Differences
L-Valine is available in different forms; form selection is made based on bioavailability, stability, and intended use:
- Fermentation-derived L-Valine: The natural L-form produced by microbial fermentation; white crystalline powder. It is a component of BCAA products and free amino acid mixtures.
- BCAA mixture component: Usually formulated not alone, but together with leucine and isoleucine in ratios of 2:1:1 or 4:1:1.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Typical dosage: Usually taken within a BCAA mixture; the amount allocated to it within a total of 5-10 g BCAA. Free valine can be added to balance the amino acid profile.
- Essentiality: Must be obtained through diet; meat, dairy products, eggs, legumes, and cereals are sources.
- Muscle metabolism: It is part of the pool of essential amino acids required for the repair and growth of muscle tissue.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Protein enrichment: Used to provide a balanced BCAA and essential amino acid profile in sports and clinical nutrition products.
- Clinical/enteral nutrition: Included to complete the amino acid balance in medical nutrition formulations.
Effects on Health
- Role as essential amino acid: Necessary for normal protein synthesis and preservation of muscle tissue.
- Contribution to energy metabolism: Contributes to energy and amino acid balance in muscle tissue; this is a physiological fact but not an EFSA-approved claim.
Status of Health Claims (EFSA) — Transparent Information
EFSA has not authorized health claims for BCAAs, including valine, regarding muscle mass and recovery (EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1790). There is no specific authorized health claim for valine; usage is based on physiological roles and BCAA RCTs.
Usage Limits and Safety
- Typical usage dose: Within a BCAA mixture; a total of 5-10 g BCAA/day is typical. No standard dose has been specified for valine alone.
- Upper intake level (UL): There is NO established numerical upper safe intake limit (UL) (EFSA/NIH).
- Turkish legislation (Sports Foods / TETGK): Amino acid supplementation is permitted under the Turkish Dietary Supplements Regulation; a specific numerical limit for valine could not be confirmed in this research — official regulation annexes should be verified.
Unbalanced use of a single amino acid can disrupt the absorption of other BCAAs; a balanced mixture is recommended.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Total Heavy Metals | ≤10 ppm |
| E. Coli | Negative in 10 g |
| Salmonella | Negative in 25 g |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water |
Scientific Studies
The following independent studies relate to the component's effects on sports performance, bioavailability, and efficacy (study types are specified):
- PubMed 16365096 — Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes of protein synthesis after physical exercise
- PubMed 34669012 — Use of BCAAs to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness after a single exercise session: systematic review and meta-analysis
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for L-Valine.
References
The usage, sports nutrition, and health information on this page have been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, ISSN, Turkish Food Codex Sports Foods / Dietary Supplements Regulation) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/sports nutrition raw material; it does not intend to diagnose or treat diseases.