What is L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine is a none-essential amino acid found naturally occurring in the body. Made in the muscles, Glutamine is sent via the bloodstream to cells in the body that require it.  Glutamine can be found in foods such as; beef, pork and poultry, dairy foods and green cruciferous vegetables.

 Benefits and Uses:

• Glutamine has been associated with preventing muscle breakdown and increasing protein synthesis; for example if someone is looking to lose weight, glutamine may help prevent loss of muscle whilst reducing body weight.
• Glutamine levels are depleted during intense training affecting stamina, strength and recovery.
• Studies have exhibited that use of glutamine can have positive impact on the human growth hormone.
• It has been purposed that glutamine provides digestive support and is thought to be the main energy source of stomach cells. Glutamine has also received attention for its importance in the intestines and ability to maintain structural integrity in the bowels, strengthening the gut and help keep the cells hydrated. Therefore, glutamine has been reported to help with conditions such as Colitis, Chron’s, IBS, Leaky Gut Syndrome and H. Pylori.
• Glutamine may help increase wound healing and recovery.
• During intense training the use of glutamine is thought to replenish depleted stores more rapidly.
• Glutamine may be able to provide immune support. Athletes and Body-builders are more susceptible to infection as intense training depletes levels of glutamine.

When is it best to take?

It is recommended to take glutamine in between meals/on an empty stomach where possible as it competes with other amino acids. It is advised to take glutamine powder with cold or room temperature water as adding to hot drinks can disrupt protein function.

Who can it benefit?

• Those with digestion issues such as IBS, Leaky Gut Syndrome.
• Those wanting to promote muscle growth and maintenance.
• Those wanting to improve recovery rates post exercise.
• Those wanting to support immune health.

Anecdotal evidence suggests L-glutamine is particularly beneficial for those with gastrointestinal issues. This has lead to L-glutamine becoming increasingly popular supplement by those wanting to avoid side effect from conventional medicines.

Cautions

If you have a medical condition, allergies or intolerances it is strongly advised to consult with your healthcare practitioner before use. Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.

Related Products:

Elite Protein

BCAA

References

1. Bean, A. (2013). The Complete Guide to Sports Nutrition, 7th edition . London : Bloomsbury .
2. Linder, M. C. (1991). Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism . In M. C. Linder, Nutritional
3. Biochemistry and Metabolism (pp. 26-34). USA: Appleton and Lange.
4. Powers H. and Geissler H. (2011). Human Nutrition . In C. G. Powers, Human Nutrition 12th Ed. (pp. 111-131). London : Churchill Livingstone.Bowtell J.L, Gelly K, Jackman ML, Patel A, Simeoni M, Rennie MJ. (1999) Effect of oral glutamine on whole body carbohydrate storage during recovery from exhaustive exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology. 86:1770-1777. Gleeson M. (2008) Dosing and efficacy of glutamine supplementation in human exercise and sport training. Journal of Nutrition, 138,2045S-2049S.
5. Varnier M, Leese GP, Thompson J, Rennie MJ. (1995) Stimulatory effect of glutamine on glycogen accumulation in human skeletal muscle. American Journal of Physiology, 269:E309-E315.
6. Watford M. Glutamine metabolism and function in relation to proline synthesis and the safety of glutamine and proline supplementation (2008) Journal of Nutrition.;138:2003S-2007S. 
7. Wernerman J. (2008;) Clinical use of glutamine supplementation. Journal of Nutrition, 138:2040S-2044S.