L-Carnitine & L-Glutamine

Amino acids are often described as the building blocks of proteins. In addition to creating proteins in your body, amino acids play important roles in metabolism. Some amino acids are essential, which means that you must obtain them through your diet because your body cannot produce them. Other amino acids, such as L-carnitine and L-glutamine, are nonessential, which means that your body can make enough of the amino acid to support its needs.

L-carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your body metabolize fat. Without adequate amounts of L-carnitine, your body would not be able to utilize fat as energy. Carnitine is made by your liver and kidneys and stored in your heart, brain and skeletal muscles.

L-carnitine Supplementation

Carnitine supplementation has been proposed for a variety of different health conditions, including angina, heart attack, vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. L-carnitine supplements are often used for weight loss and to increase exercise performance, although the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.

The recommended dosage for L-carnitine differs based on your health status. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dosages generally fall between 1 to 3 g per day.

L-Glutamine Functions

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body. Glutamine is especially important for building proteins. Glutamine also helps your body remove excess amounts of ammonia, a waste product produced by the breakdown of protein. Glutamine also allows your immune system to function correctly and plays an important role in the digestion process and proper brain function.

L-Glutamine Supplementation

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most people get enough glutamine from the diet and the body's natural production without taking supplements. Surgery, infections, severe injuries and chronic stress can increase the body's need for glutamine and may require you to take a supplement. Intense exercise, such as marathon running, also increases your need for glutamine.

For those with increased glutamine needs, glutamine supplements are available as a powder, liquid, capsule or tablet. Glutamine may be available in pure form or combined with protein. The recommended dosage for adults is 500 mg one to three times per day.

Considerations

Supplements, even natural ones, have the potential to interact with medications and make existing conditions worse. Always talk with your doctor before taking any type of supplementation. You should not use supplements in place of proper medical care.