L-Valine
Amino Acid
Also known as: Valine, Val, BCAA
B
Grade B💊 3-6 g daily🎯 4 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Overview
Essential branched-chain amino acid involved in muscle metabolism, tissue repair, and nitrogen balance. Works synergistically with other BCAAs.
Primary Uses
Muscle recoveryTissue repairNitrogen balanceEnergy during exercise
Dosage
Typical range
3-6 g daily
Timing
Pre/during/post workout
With food
With or without
Duration
Safe long-term
Special Populations
Athletes, recovery
Mechanism of Action
- • Stimulates muscle protein synthesis
- • Provides energy during prolonged exercise
- • Maintains nitrogen balance
- • Supports CNS function
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade B
Established role in muscle metabolism as BCAA component
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • MSUD contraindicated
Contraindications
- • Maple syrup urine disease
Common Side Effects
- • Well tolerated
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Consult healthcare provider
Liver & Kidney Notes
Caution in liver disease
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • May affect blood sugar
🧪 Supplements
- • Synergistic with other BCAAs
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • No significant interactions
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
L-LeucineL-IsoleucineProtein
Avoid Combining With
None significant
Best Goal Synergies
Muscle buildingRecovery
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Quality BCAA ratio
Standardization Markers
L-form specified
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • Usually part of BCAA blend
- • Standard 2:1:1 ratio with leucine
Tags
amino acidBCAAessentialmuscle
Frequently Asked About L-Valine
How much L-Valine should I take?
The typical effective range is 3-6 g daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take L-Valine?
Pre/during/post workout. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take L-Valine with food?
With or without.
Does L-Valine interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include May affect blood sugar. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting L-Valine.
What does L-Valine pair well with?
L-Valine stacks well with L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and Protein — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take L-Valine?
L-Valine should be avoided or used with caution by people with Maple syrup urine disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of L-Valine?
Most people tolerate L-Valine well. The most commonly reported side effects are Well tolerated. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Top Products with L-Valine
Highest-scored catalog products containing L-Valine, ranked by our scoring engine.
Creatine + BCAAsThorne90
SynaQuell +™Thorne90
Amino Complex - BerryThorne87
Amino Complex - LemonThorne87
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.