L-glutamine is an amino acid used to treat short bowel syndrome. In your intestines, L-glutamine functions in the regulation of gastrointestinal cellular growth, function and regeneration. Methylcobalamin is the neurological active form of vitamin B-12. According to ""Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice," methylcobalamin is the most absorbable form of B-12 and, therefore, especially beneficial for vegetarians with vitamin B-12 deficiencies.
L-Glutamine
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," under normal conditions, most indiviudals receive enough L-glutamine from dietary sources. However, during times of stress, trauma or infection, your body will require more L-glutamine due to decreased concentrations and increased tissue glutamine metabolism. For example, you body may require more L-glutamine during periods of intensive athletic training or if you develop certain gastrointestinal disorders. Some cells use glutamine more extensively than other cells, such as your kidney cells, activated immune cells and many cancer cells. Additionally, L-glutamine can facilitate muscle recovery after workouts and can reduce the breakdown of your muscles.
Methylcobalamin
Cobalamin is a group of substances known as the B-12 vitamins. Humans use four types of cobalamins -- cyanocobalamin, hydrocobalamin, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Cobalamin in food is usually found in the coenzyme form, adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. In your stomach, peptic digestion at low pH is a prerequisite for cobalamin release from food protein. In nature, only cobalamin-producing microorganisms produce cobalamin, and humans receive cobalamin solely from dietary sources.
Methylcobalamin Functions
Vitamin B-12's main functions support the formation of red blood cells in your body and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. In your body, the enzyme methionine synthase uses methylcobalamin to turn homocysteine into methionine. Methionine supplies sulfur and other compounds required by your body for normal metabolism and growth. Along with choline and inositol, methionine belongs to a group of compounds called lipotropics. Lipotropics help your liver process fat. According to "Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function," methylcobalamin supports your immune system, general metabolism, sleep and stress reduction
Homocystein
Your body can also convert some methionine into homocysteine. Homocysteine is toxic and can promote cardiovascular disease at elevated levels by oxidating and damaging your vessel walls. In most cases, however, your body converts the homocysteine into other molecules, including back into methionine. Since your body requires methylcobalamin to convert homocysteine into methionine, your homocysteine levels will increase if you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
References
- "Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice"; Ronald Hoffman et al; 2008
- "Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function"; Arthur Vander et al; 1998
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper et al; 2004
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