Valine Deficiency
Article navigation
Even though valine is an essential amino acid, it is freely available in a wide variety of foods, so deficiency is rare. The only groups of people who may experience deficiency are:
- People on low protein diets
People who are on low protein diets may become deficient not just in valine but all of the amino acids (and especially the essential amino acids) if their protein intake is not sufficient. - Strict vegans and vegetarians
Some really strict vegans and vegetarians may become deficient not just in valine but all of the amino acids (and especially the essential amino acids) if they are not combining their foods correctly to get the correct balance of protein and amino acids. - People who are addicted to drugs
People who are addicted to drugs may be deficient not just in valine but in all the amino acids and valine may also be useful in correcting the severe amino acid deficiency and malnutrition present in long term drug addicts.
Even though valine is an essential amino acid, it is freely available in a wide variety of foods, so deficiency is rare
Valine Deficiency Symptoms
People who do experience a deficiency of valine may have the following deficiency symptoms:
- Issues with myelin sheaths of the neurons
- Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
A deficiency in valine could cause a deterioration in the myelin sheath which surrounds the neurons (nerves). This deterioration of the myelin sheath, which is an insulating substance made of fatty acids and allows nervous impulses (messages) to run down the nerves very quickly, could cause problems with the motor and cognitive functions.
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a genetic disorder in which the body cannot metabolise and use the essential amino acids isoleucine, leucine and valine. MSUD produces urine that smells like maple syrup.