L-Valine is one of 20 proteogenic amino acids and one of three branched-chain amino acids. L-leucine and L-isoleucine are branched-chain amino acids. L-Valine is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be ingested, that helps stimulate muscle growth and repairs tissue. L-Leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine contribute to people’s everyday functions. L-Valine, which is derived from animal and vegetable protein, is involved in glucose metabolism and also regulates the immune system. Athletes sometimes use L-valine for muscle metabolism and to help speed up recovery time after seriously rigorous exercise.

L-Valine can be found in fish, peanuts, sesame seeds, lentils, cottage cheese and poultry. Some believe that this amino acid is beneficial to those who are avid exercisers since it is thought to help enhance performance levels, helps prevent muscle breakdown after a tough workout and helps preserve muscle tissues. Some preliminary reports have stated that L-valine, along with the other branched-chain amino acids aid people who experience fatigue; this theory is still being tested.

Some side effects that are related to L-valine, L-leucine and L-isoleucine are:

• Chest pains
• Breathing problems
• Swollen skin or rashes
• Jaundice
• Leg pain
• Upset stomach

L-Valine, along with the other branched-chain amino acids, makes up about 1/3 of the body’s skeletal muscle. L-Valine plays a pivotal role in protein synthesis and sometimes it is used to help quicken the recovery time for burn victims.