Almost everyone experiences occasional feelings of anxiety. While anxiety is a normal response to fear and stress, frequent, persistent feelings of anxiety are not normal. In fact, if you suffer from high levels of anxiety, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Among other possible treatments, anxiety disorders may be helped by glutamine supplementation. Always consult your doctor before using a dietary supplement.
About Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid manufactured by your body that plays a role in several biological processes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body. You also obtain glutamine from dietary sources such as meats, cabbage and milk. Glutamine helps to maintain proper immune system functioning, assists with waste removal and may play a role in cognition. Glutamine is also a precursor to gamma amino butyric acid, which helps with nerve communication in your brain. Glutamine and GABA help to decrease levels of anxiety, according to Dr. Katherine Blanchette in her book, "Prevention of the Disease of Aging." Glutamine and GABA are known as inhibitory neurotransmitters, which help to deter anxiety by preventing cells from firing anxiety-related messages.
Anxiety and Conventional Treatment
Anxiety disorders result in symptoms such as irritability, tension, nervousness, worry and panic. Typically, anxiety disorders are treated with psychotherapy and medication. However, many anxiety medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as over-sedation, drowsiness, memory loss and nausea, according to the Help Guide website, a professional, nonprofit source dedicated to informing the public about health issues. In an attempt to avoid these side effects, some people use nutritional supplements such as glutamine to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, although research supporting its effectiveness is limited.
Clinical Evidence
A study published in the September 1993 issue of the "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition," an international, peer-reviewed journal on nutrition and metabolic support, found that patients who received intravenous glutamine supplementation while hospitalized experienced a significant improvement in mood and a reduction in anger levels when compared with a control group. Furthermore, a clinical review, published in 2003 in the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry," confirms that GABA, which is converted from glutamine, provides significant benefits for anxiety disorders. While these studies show promising benefits of glutamine for anxiety, there is not enough clinical evidence to unequivocally support its benefits. More studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of glutamine on anxiety.
Considerations
Glutamine is available in powder, tablet, liquid or capsule form. However, you should not use any dietary supplement to self-treat symptoms you may be experiencing. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, consult your doctor. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, glutamine appears to be safe in doses up to 14 grams per day. However, as with any nutritional supplement, you should inform your doctor if you choose to use glutamine.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glutamine
- "Prevention of the Disease of Aging": Katherine Blanchette, MD; 2007
- Help Guide: Anxiety Medication
- "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition"; Patients Receiving Glutamine-Supplemented Intravenous Feedings Report an Improvement in Mood; L. Young, et al; September 1993
- "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; The Role of GABA in Anxiety Disorders; R.B. Lydiard; 2003
