Branched Chain Amino Acids (Isoleucine, Leucine, Valine) Isoleucine, leucine and valine are the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids and must be obtained from the diet (mainly meat, grains, and dairy).

Valine, together with Isoleucine and Leucine are essential amino acids and are collectively referred to as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Valine, together with Isoleucine and Leucine are essential amino acids and are collectively referred to as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Branched Chain Amino Acids (Isoleucine, Leucine, Valine) Isoleucine, leucine and valine are the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids and must be obtained from the diet (mainly meat, grains, and dairy). 

Not only do the BCAAs account for almost 50% of muscle protein, but they have many metabolic functions. 

BCAAs act as substrates for protein synthesis, energy production, neurotransmitter production, glucose metabolism, and the immune response. They are also involved in stimulation of albumin and glycogen synthesis, improvement of insulin resistance, inhibition of free radical production, and hepatocyte apoptosis with liver regeneration.

Valine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA).

BCAA’s are nitrogen donors, facilitate glucose uptake by liver and skeletal muscle, and enhance glycogen synthesis.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are required for protein synthesis and are metabolized outside hepatic tissues, unlike most other essential amino acids. They are converted to branched-chain keto acids which require B-complex vitamins. BCAAs have been associated with obesity, weight loss, insulin resistance, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

- BMI was positively associated with urine 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, isoleucine, valine, tryptophan, and tyrosine.

- Plasma valine, lysine, and tyrosine positively associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (= a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy in women who don't already have diabetes.) and insulin activity.

- Elevated urine levels have been associated in higher colorectal cancer.

Valine, together with Isoleucine and Leucine are essential amino acids and are collectively referred to as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Valine is a branched-chain essential amino acid that has stimulant activity. It promotes muscle growth and tissue repair. It is a precursor in the penicillin biosynthetic pathway. As a glycogenic amino acid, valine maintains mental vigor, muscle coordination, and emotional calm.

Valine, together with Isoleucine and Leucine are essential amino acids and are collectively referred to as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Valproate is an alternative drug in the treatment of complex partial seizures but may be considered for initial therapy in patients with partial and secondarily generalized seizures.

Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant to treat certain types of seizures, to prevent migraine headaches and to treat various psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder and aggression. Drugs that compete for protein-binding sites with valproic acid can increase the concentration of valproic acid. Therapeutic drug monitoring is useful to optimize dose. Measurement of the free concentration is useful if toxicity is suspected.

Dietary vanadium is found in black pepper, mushrooms, dill seed, parsley, soy, corn, olive oil, radishes and other root vegetables, lettuces, nuts and strawberries. A balanced diet may provide 10 to 30 mcg of Vanadium per day. This trace element is important in cellular metabolism, bone and tooth formation, reproduction and growth. Also, Vanadium appears to be involved in glucose metabolism.

Some studies suggest vanadium has a role in glucose and lipid metabolism, red blood cell formation, and thyroid function. Vanadium assessment and treatment may be indicated in cases of metabolic syndrome or non-insulindependent diabetes mellitus due to vanadium’s role in insulin sensitization. Symptoms that appear to be associated with excessive vanadium are hypertension, decreased coenzymes A and Q10, bipolar disorder, and disruption of energy metabolism. Exposure to vanadium in air or water is of concern for those exposed to vanadium industrial plants. Symptoms may include respiratory disorders, green tongue, high urinary excretion of vanadium, and reduced neurobehavioral abilities. Urine vanadium is traditionally used to assess occupational exposure. Whole blood vanadium has been shown to significantly differentiate children with vanadium exposure from non-exposed children but authors stated that hair levels of vanadium did not significantly correlate with vanadium exposure. This may have to do with distinction of acute versus chronic exposure.

Sources:

Mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, dill seed, beer, wine, grains, sweeteners, infant cereals.

Fossil fuels, welding, catalysts, steel alloys, batteries, photographic developer, drying agent in paints/varnishes, reducing agent, pesticides, black dyes/inks/pigments in ceramics, printing and textile industries.

Sources:

Mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, dill seed, beer, wine, grains, sweeteners, infant cereals.

Fossil fuels, welding, catalysts, steel alloys, batteries, photographic developer, drying agent in paints/varnishes, reducing agent, pesticides, black dyes/inks/pigments in ceramics, printing and textile industries.

Metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Often elevated due to stress induced catecholamine output or lead toxicity.