Glutamine is an amino acid that serves several purposes in the human body. It is the most abundant, metabolically active amino acid found the in the muscles of the body. It is one of the key building blocks in creating new muscle. It is a popular supplement with bodybuilders for this reason. When a person is under a lot of stress, a muscle can release up to one third of the glutamine it holds. Supplementing L-glutamine may be an option.
As an energy source, glutamine can be converted to glucose to be used by the cells of the intestines. This helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract and makes glutamine popular with dieters. Glutamine also plays a vital role in helping the body maintain an alkaline/acid pH balance.
Because glutamine easily passes through the blood brain barrier, it is essential for maintaining healthy brain function. Known as a fuel supply for the brain, glutamine is converted into glutamic acid. This process increases the amount of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) that is manufactured. GABA is also needed to support proper brain function.
Glutamine benefits the body in a variety of ways. It helps with ulcers, gastritis and other gastro-intestinal disorders. It aids in the healing process after surgery or an injury. Glutamine enhances athletic performance and helps to fight against arthritis, connective tissue disorders and many auto-immune diseases. It has been shown to reduce a person's craving for sugar, as well as decrease the desire for alcohol in alcoholics. It has shown success in helping alcoholics to completely withdraw from drinking.
What to Look for
Glutamine is found naturally in many plant and animal food sources. Raw spinach and parsley are excellent examples. As with other nutrients, processing and cooking can easily destroy or reduce the effectiveness of glutamine and other amino acids.
If you feel you need to supplement glutamine, there are several good brands on the market. Bodybuilders and dieters can find L-glutamine in formulas designed to help them reach their individual goals. A supplement that contains all the amino acids is your best bet. Glutamine can also be found in powdered form.
Common Pitfalls
When storing glutamine in powder form, it must be kept absolutely dry. If not, it will break down into ammonia and pyroglutamic acid. The breakdown of glutamine in the body releases ammonia into the blood stream. During this process, nitrogen and other components keep these levels of ammonia in check. Be careful to avoid supplementing just one or two amino acids. Aminos work best when they are taken together as a group. People with liver or kidney diseases, Reye's Syndrome and similar disorders should avoid glutamine. Too much can release excessive amounts of ammonia into the blood, which can be toxic.
Be on the lookout for words that sound similar to glutamine. Glutathione, gluten, glutamic acid and monosodium glutamate sound very similar, but, in fact, are extremely different.
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