Nutrient glossary
What is valine?
Valine is the third branched-chain essential amino acid, fuelling muscle and supporting nervous system function.
Reviewed 20 July 2026. General information, not medical advice.
The short version
Valine rounds out the BCAA trio with leucine and isoleucine: muscle can oxidise it directly for energy, and it supports tissue repair and normal cognition. It shares a transporter with the other BCAAs, so balance across the three matters more than any one alone.
Dairy, meat, fish, eggs, soy, lentils and mushrooms all provide it generously; protein-adequate diets never run short.
Daily reference
2 g a day
The adult requirement is about 26 mg per kg of body weight a day.
This is the fixed adult reference used across these pages. In the app, your amount adjusts to your body and way of eating.
Best food sources of valine
| Food | Per serving | Per 100g |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 2.58 g | 1.52 g |
| Sirloin Steak | 2.19 g | 1.46 g |
| Ribeye Steak | 2.12 g | 1.41 g |
| Roast Chicken | 2.02 g | 1.44 g |
| Duck Breast | 2 g | 1.43 g |
| Tuna Steak | 1.87 g | 1.44 g |
| Halibut | 1.82 g | 1.3 g |
| Turkey Breast | 1.76 g | 1.47 g |
Common questions
- Do I need a valine supplement?
- No. Whole proteins deliver valine in balance with the other BCAAs, which is how muscle uses them best.
- Which foods are high in valine?
- Cheese, Greek yogurt, meat, fish, soybeans, lentils and pumpkin seeds all rank highly.