L-norvaline is an ingredient widely used in bodybuilding supplements and is promoted as a compound that can boost workouts and aid recovery. New study says that this amino acid can make cells unhealthy and eventually kill them. Know more here.
The protein supplement might be harming your body more than you know. According to a recent study people taking the protein supplement L-norvaline should be aware of its potential for harm.
L-norvaline is an ingredient widely used in bodybuilding supplements and is promoted as a compound that can boost workouts and aid recovery. According to the research, even at relatively low concentrations, the amino acid L-norvaline could make cells unhealthy and eventually kill them.
Proteins in our diet contain amino acids that are released in our gut and then used by our bodies to build new proteins. L-norvaline is one of the hundreds of amino acids that are not normally used to make proteins in humans.
In recent years the popularity of dietary supplements to enhance body strength and muscle performance has meant that many now contain lots of unusual amino acids that can do harm.
“Protein requirements are higher in very active individuals and proteins are considered to improve and increase performance. The demand for amino acids in supplements has expanded but in addition to the normal protein-building amino acids other ‘non-protein’ amino acids are being taken,” said one of the researchers.
The findings were published in the Journal of Toxicology in Vitro.
Some plants can even release non-protein amino acids into the soil to kill other plants so that they can have access to all the nutrients. Chemical warfare among plants is a well-known phenomenon. Since there was evidence that L-norvaline has an anti-microbial and herbicidal activity we examined its toxicity in human cells.
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.