Can I Take Glutamine & Protein Powder At The Same Time?

Protein powder, like all other forms of dietary protein, contains glutamine. If something contains amino acids without glutamine, you cannot consider it a protein. You metabolize glutamine like all other amino acids, and your body uses it on an as-needed basis. Glutamine has many benefits, and if you feel your diet lacks this amino acid, you can take it whenever you wish. Consult a health care professional before using any dietary supplement.

Glutamine

Glutamine, an amino acid, does not rank with the other amino acids considered essential. Your body can synthesize glutamine from glutamate, another amino acid, and ammonia. Glutamine is most commonly used in your lean muscle tissue, where nearly 90 percent of all your body's glutamine is produced. Ingested glutamine is most quickly scavenged by the cells of your small intestine but is also used to regulate kidney function and works as an antioxidant, according to a 2003 study published in the "Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research."

Recovery Agent

Glutamine, central to both its role in protein synthesis and its antioxidant properties, plays a role in muscle recovery after exercise, wound healing, illness and burn recovery. Glutamine has even started to appear as a compound to assist with recovery from surgery, according to researches at the University of Maryland Medical Center. A study published in "Intensive Care Medicine" in August of 2005 showed that patients receiving glutamine supplementation spent less time in the intensive care unit than patients who did not receive glutamine.

Protein

Protein is a critical dietary nutrient that supplies you with many things, including the amino acid glutamine. The dietary protein you consume is broken down into its constituent amino acids, which are used when necessary, excreted or converted to glycogen. The glycogen, or sugar, is then either burned as energy or stored as fat. Protein supplements function the same way as dietary protein sources such as beef or chicken -- they provide you with amino acids. Protein powders provide you with a convenient method of consuming protein and a detailed description of the contents, which may make your diet tracking easier.

Protein and Glutamine

Glutamine's role in muscle protein synthesis may allow you to use both together for greater effect. Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in your system and can become conditionally essential following intense, high-volume exercise, which depletes your glutamine stores. According to a 2011 study published in "Frontiers in Bioscience," glutamine can stimulate protein synthesis and improve muscle protein balance.