L-glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids. Usually, we get it from foods such as meat, fish, legumes and dairy products. However, during stressful periods, physical activity or illness, the amount of L-glutamine obtained from food may not be enough for the body. In such cases, food supplements may be helpful.
We often hear the assumption that L-glutamine is only for people who exercise. This can be challenged — L-glutamine may also be useful for people recovering from injury, those experiencing digestive issues, people with weakened immunity or those going through many stressful situations.
Benefits of L-Glutamine
Supporting muscle mass. L-glutamine may help muscles grow or recover after training. Even without exercise, it may help preserve muscle tissue, as this amino acid helps maintain nitrogen balance in the body.
Gut health. L-glutamine may be especially useful for people who experience gut-related issues or even irritable bowel syndrome. It may help support the regeneration and protection of intestinal lining cells, as it may help strengthen the gut barrier and protect the intestines from increased permeability.
Immune system support. This amino acid is one of the main energy sources for immune cells and is especially important for the function of white blood cells, or leukocytes. Therefore, using L-glutamine may be helpful for supporting the immune system.
Blood sugar regulation. L-glutamine may be particularly relevant for people who want to support stable blood glucose levels. This amino acid may help reduce sugar cravings, as L-glutamine may help maintain more stable blood sugar levels.
Recovery after stress, injury or illness. This amino acid may help the body recover better after stress, injury or illness, as L-glutamine participates in protein synthesis and may help maintain muscle mass in critical situations.
Supporting brain function. L-glutamine is important for the production of neurotransmitters, especially GABA and glutamate, which help regulate brain activity, mood and cognitive functions.
Although the potential benefits of L-glutamine cover many areas of the body, we encourage you to make sure that your body truly needs this amino acid before using it.
Sources:
Subhadeep Ganguly, Smaranika Pattnayak, Ajit Kumar Banik, Glutamic Acid Production by Fermentation: A Comprehensive Review: https://bepls.com/bepls_march2021/3.pdf
Amino Acids Guide: https://aminoacidsguide.com/Gln.html
L-Glutamic Acid: Effects and Production by Fermentation | Amino Acids | Biotechnology: https://www.biotechnologynotes.com/amino-acids/l-glutamic-acid-effects-and-production-by-fermentation-amino-acids-biotechnology/13802
Peter Woznik, ND, MSc, Glutamine: https://examine.com/supplements/glutamine/?show_conditions=true
Min-Hyun Kim, Hyeyoung Kim, The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/5/1051
Philip Newsholme, Vinicius Leonardo Sousa Diniz, Garron Thomas Dodd, Vinicius Cruzat, Glutamine metabolism and optimal immune and CNS function: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/glutamine-metabolism-and-optimal-immune-and-cns-function/97AFF4279394640023BE5F9D6635A8C3
Vinicius Cruzat, Marcelo Macedo Roger, Kevin Noel Keane, Rui Curi, Philip Newsholme, Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/11/1564
The information provided in this article is not the author’s personal opinion. These are general recommendations and are not intended for any specific individual. If you have health problems or take medication, you should consult your family doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplements. Food supplements are not a substitute for food. A varied and balanced diet is important.
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