Valine

Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with leucine and isoleucine. It's essential (must come from diet). NO GRADED OUTCOMES for isolated valine. Least studied and likely least important of the BCAAs for muscle building. Generally supplemented as part of BCAA mixture rather than alone. No unique proven benefits compared to other BCAAs. Safe as an amino acid. Adequate protein intake typically provides sufficient valine.

Quick Answer

What it is

Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with leucine and isoleucine. It's essential (must come from diet).

Key findings

Grade D: Muscle Protein Synthesis
Grade D: Insulin Sensitivity (Observational Association)
Grade D: Muscle Wasting Prevention

Safety

Multiple reviews and observational studies report that elevated circulating BCAAs, including valine, are associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk.
A 2020 study showed BCAA catabolism enhanced thrombosis risk via platelet propionylation.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Valine

Quick Facts: Valine

Best Evidence:Grade D
Conditions Studied:5
Research Outcomes:7
Key Effect:Acute Kidney Injury

Outcomes by grade:

5 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:

Effect:

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Muscle Protein Synthesis

Valine contributes to muscle protein synthesis as one of three BCAAs, but a 2017 critical review (Wolfe) argued that BCAAs alone cannot promote muscle protein synthesis in humans due to the requirement for all essential amino acids. Isolated valine has not been shown to independently stimulate muscle protein synthesis in human trials.

small↑Improves

Insulin Sensitivity (Observational Association)

Multiple reviews and observational studies report that elevated circulating BCAAs, including valine, are associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk. A 2020 pilot dietary intervention reducing circulatory BCAAs by 50% showed potential metabolic relevance. However, causality is not established and these are associational findings rather than interventional evidence for isolated valine.

small↓Worsens

Hepatic Encephalopathy Symptoms

A review in Hepatology (2011) described BCAAs as pharmacological nutrients in chronic liver disease, with potential benefits for hepatic encephalopathy and liver function. Valine's role is as part of the BCAA mixture used therapeutically; isolated valine effects have not been established in human trials.

small↓Improves

Muscle Wasting Prevention

A human study found that BCAA supplementation (including valine) attenuated protein wasting associated with bed rest. However, the effect is attributed to the BCAA mixture rather than isolated valine, and the specific contribution of valine versus leucine remains unclear.

60 participants

small↓Worsens

Plasma BCAA Levels in Renal Insufficiency

Studies in patients with chronic renal insufficiency show altered BCAA metabolism including valine. A randomized crossover study found BCAA-enriched dialysis fluid improved plasma BCAA concentrations. Keto acid-amino acid supplements influenced BCAA metabolism in CKD patients on low-protein diets.

40 participants

small↑Improves

Endothelial Function (Potential Harm at High Doses)

In vitro and preclinical studies found that elevated BCAAs (including valine) promoted endothelial dysfunction through increased reactive oxygen species and inflammation. A 2020 study showed BCAA catabolism enhanced thrombosis risk via platelet propionylation. These are mechanistic findings; clinical relevance to supplemental valine in healthy individuals is unknown.

small↓Worsens

Immune Cell Modulation

In vitro studies showed BCAAs influenced immune properties of microglial cells and their responsiveness to pro-inflammatory signals. A separate study found BCAAs improved mesenchymal stem cell proliferation while reducing NF-κB expression and modulating inflammatory properties. These are preclinical cell-culture findings with no human data for isolated valine.

small↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

DAcute Kidney Injury

1 outcome · 3 studies

↑Plasma BCAA Levels in Renal InsufficiencyImproves

DAutoimmune Health

1 outcome · 2 studies

↑Immune Cell ModulationImproves

DBody Composition

1 outcome · 4 studies

↑Muscle Protein SynthesisImproves

DCachexia

1 outcome · 3 studies

↓Muscle Wasting PreventionWorsens

DCardiovascular Health

1 outcome · 2 studies

↓Endothelial Function (Potential Harm at High Doses)Worsens

Research Citations (17)

Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Function by Amino Acids.

Nutrients (2020)

PMID: 31963899

Short-Term Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids-Enriched Dialysis Fluid on Branched-Chain Amino Acids Plasma Level and Mass Balance: A Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Journal of Renal Nutrition (2020)

PMID: 31078402

Branched-Chain Amino Acid Catabolism Promotes Thrombosis Risk by Enhancing Tropomodulin-3 Propionylation in Platelets.

Circulation (2020)

PMID: 32200651

A Novel Dietary Intervention Reduces Circulatory Branched-Chain Amino Acids by 50%: A Pilot Study of Relevance for Obesity and Diabetes.

Nutrients (2020)

PMID: 33396718

Branched chain amino acids improve mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, reducing nuclear factor kappa B expression and modulating some inflammatory properties.

Nutrition (2020)

PMID: 32799043

Branched-chain amino acids promote endothelial dysfunction through increased reactive oxygen species generation and inflammation.

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (2018)

PMID: 30063118

Diabetes and branched-chain amino acids: What is the link?

Journal of Diabetes (2018)

PMID: 29369529

Branched-chain amino acids in health and disease: metabolism, alterations in blood plasma, and as supplements.

Nutrition & Metabolism (2018)

PMID: 29755574

Branched Chain Amino Acids: Beyond Nutrition Metabolism.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018)

PMID: 29570613

Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Brain Metabolism.

Neurochemical Research (2017)

PMID: 28417264

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