Valine: Body Builder’s Drug?
Valine is an
amino acid that is obtained by hydrolysis of proteins and is an essential amino
acid. Valine is a chiral molecule
naturally found in dairy, meat, grain, mushrooms, soy and peanuts. Foods with
the highest amount of valine include egg whites(3371mg), elk (3200 mg), sea
weed (2785 mg), soy protein (2425 mg), turkey (2380 mg), cod (2251 mg), lamb
(2214 mg), cottage cheese (2131 mg) and white mushrooms (2110 mg).
It has a
stimulating effect and is needed for muscle metabolism, repair and growth of
tissue and maintaining the nitrogen balance in the body and can be used as an
energy source. Valine is found in high concentrations in the muscle tissue. There
are indications that valine may be beneficial in treating or reversing hepatic
encephalopathy (disorder of the brain) or alcohol related brain damage along
with degenerative neurological conditions. It may also be helpful n treating
liver and gallbladder disease. If deficient in valine may effect myelin
covering the nerves and may lead to MSUD, a disorder in which the body is
unable to process certain amino acids.
Bodybuilders use
valine to promote muscle growth, tissue repair and energize, although there is
little scientific backing of these claims. There are however studies that show that
alanine, leonine and isoleucine are useful in restoring muscle mass in people
that suffer from liver disease, injuries or have undergone surgery.
Works Cited:
"Foods
Highest in Valine." Self Nutrition Data. Self, n.d. Web. 31 Oct.
2013. <http://www.anyvitamins.com/valine-info.htm>.
"Valine
Amino Acid Information Page." Foods Highest in Valine. Sallamander
Concepts (Pty) Ltd., 5 Sept. 2013. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.
<http://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000088000000000000000.html>.
So do you know any supplements containing valine? I do see how egg whites would contain such a beneficial factor such as valine because i for one have read numerous articles that endorse egg whites when trying to bulk up. Good job with this one!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic which I was aware of previously.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! Who knew something that could get you "ripped" quicker could be used to treat such a wide array of disorders.
ReplyDeleteI just realized I'm eating valine containing food everyday! But I don't know if I can tell I have enough muscles relate to amount of food I'm eating. It was interesting to know valine is useful in restoring muscle mass in people who suffer from liver disease, injuries or have undergone surgery.
ReplyDelete