Norvaline (α-aminovaleric acid, propylglycine) is a nonstandard amino acid, which is part of some proteins, being an antagonist of valine and leucine in animals [1] .
| Norvalin | |
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| Are common | |
| Systematic name | 2-aminopentanoic acid |
| Abbreviations | Nva |
| Chem. formula | C 5 H 11 NO 2 |
| Physical properties | |
| Molar mass | 117.15 g / mol |
| Classification | |
| Reg. CAS number | 6600-40-4 |
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Norvaline exists as two stereoisomers : L-norvaline and D-norvaline. And they are easily distinguishable in taste: L-norvalin is bitter, and D-norvalin is sweet.
L-Norvaline is an arginase inhibitor (an arginine blocking enzyme). Therefore, it is used in sports nutrition to increase blood flow to the muscles.