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Norvaline

What is Norvaline?

Norvaline is a water-soluble amino acid that is an isomer of the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) valine. Isomers are molecules with an identical chemical composition but different structure. Norvaline is a widely used ingredient in pre-workout products thanks to its blood flow and pump enhancing properties.

Where does Norvaline come from?

Norvaline occurs naturally in foods such as meat, dairy products, grains, legumes and nuts. The Norvaline used in supplements is produced synthetically. However, Norvaline can also be produced by bacteria such as E. coli, which are commonly found in normal gut flora.

Benefits of Norvaline

There is very little research done with Norvaline, but Norvaline is well known for its ability to inhibit the enzyme arginase. This enzyme breaks down arginine by converting arginine to urea. Arginine is the precursor to nitric oxide and Norvaline helps to maintain the amount of arginine present in the body. This can help increase blood flow and promote health in people who suffer from chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, as these conditions often result in elevated levels of the enzyme arginase.

Benefits of Norvaline for bodybuilders

Norvaline's ability to increase endogenous arginine levels is the reason why this ingredient is often found in pre-workout supplements. As mentioned earlier, arginine helps to increase nitric oxide levels in the body, which can increase blood flow in the body. This can help to supply muscles with more vital oxygen and nutrients, which promotes exercise performance. Norvaline can also help to support the pump during training.

Norvaline side effects, safety and disadvantages

Due to the lack of studies conducted with Norvaline, there are no scientifically documented adverse side effects. The amounts of Norvaline found in supplements are definitely considered safe and harmless and there are no reports of any problems or unwanted side effects. As Norvaline can increase blood flow, it may cause symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness, but this does not appear to have ever happened in practice.

Norvaline intake recommendation and timing of intake

There are no official dosage recommendations for Norvaline. In theory, however, it should be taken 30 to 45 minutes before training in doses of at least 100 mg.

Norvaline supplements

Norvaline can be found in numerous pre-workout supplements, which is particularly true for supplements that focus on supporting the pump.

Combinations of Norvaline with other supplements

Norvaline as a mono supplement can be combined with other pre-workout supplements or even intra-workout supplements for the best possible results. Basically, however, Norvaline can be combined with practically any supplement.

References

  1. Chang, C., Liao, J.C., Kuo, L. (1998). Arginase modulates nitric oxide production in activated macrophages . American Journal of Physiology , 274(1), 342-348.
  2. Ming XF, Rajapakse AG, Carvas JM, Ruffieux J, Yang Z. 'Inhibition of S6K1 accounts partially for the anti-inflammatory effects of the arginase inhibitor L-norvaline.' BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2009 Mar 13;9:12.