Glutamine supplements come in pill or powder form, and are used by athletes and to treat certain diseases, such as short bowel syndrome. Glutamine is an amino acid naturally produced by your body. During vigorous exercise, glutamine stores may be depleted. A glutamine supplement may be beneficial in this case, but you shouldn't try these supplements without first consulting your doctor. It's important to take the proper dosage and follow the dosage guidelines.
Glutamine and Food
As is the case with many supplements, take glutamine with food or liquids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, consume the supplement with room temperature or cold food or drink, not before you eat, to reduce the risk of stomach discomfort. This also improves absorption of the glutamine. The UMMC also stresses the importance of not taking glutamine with hot beverages, because the heat can destroy the amino acids, essentially making the supplement useless.
Dosage
Check with your doctor to find out the dosage that's right for you, since dosage recommendations can vary significantly. For athletes, the UMMC suggests 5 g of glutamine per day up to three times per day. This is the recommendation for both adults and children aged 10 to 18. Taking glutamine to treat certain diseases like short bowel syndrome, however, calls for an increased dosage of 30 g per day, divided into 5 g increments, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Risks
If you suffer from kidney disease, reduced kidney function or liver disease, you shouldn't take glutamine supplements, according to UMMC. It may also cause an increase in tumor growth in cancer patients, so consume it with caution. Avoid taking your daily glutamine supplement all at once; rather, take smaller increments throughout the day, due to possible decreased absorption of the amino acid.
Schedule
After your doctor has prescribed or approved glutamine supplementation, set up a dosage schedule. Take the supplement in small increments with each of your daily meals. For example, consume 5 g with your breakfast, 5 g with lunch and 5 g with dinner. Adjust the quantity according to your doctor's dosage recommendation. If you experience symptoms of stomach discomfort, consult your doctor to see if you may benefit from taking glutamine on an empty stomach instead of with food.
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