Glutamine ingredient information page and product listing. You can find information on Glutamine (AKA L-Glutamine) below and a full product listing at the bottom of the page.

What is Glutamine?

The most abundant of amino acids found in the body, Glutamine (or L-Glutamine) makes up over 60 percent of the skeletal muscle tissue. It is a fuel the digestive tract and immune system craves, and 19 percent of a Glutamine molecule is made up of nitrogen, making it the primary conductor of nitrogen to the muscles. It is especially found in high concentrations in the brain, muscles, gut lining, lungs, heart, kidney, and liver where it has multiple and critical functions.

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Glutamines functions in the body:

Glutamine is essential for several bodily functions. These include:

  1. Primary source of energy for the immune system.
  2. It is converted to Glutamic acid in the brain and promotes the synthesis of GABA, an important brain neurotransmitter. Many believe that L-Glutamine enhances mental function.
  3. Maintains the structural integrity of the intestinal lining.
  4. Plays a major role in synthesizing muscle protein and cell-volumizing.
  5. Assists with blood sugar control.

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Glutamine deficiency:

Glutamine deficiency is common in today's busy lifestyle and is among the primary tests conducted by medical practitioners who utilize blood tests to ascertain the amino acid levels present in patients with symptoms of chronic illness, dysfunction in cognitive functioning and mood swings, making it an increasingly popular substance not just in the athletic world but in medical practice. During periods of stress, trauma or simply intensive sports training, Glutamine depletion occurs which manifests itself in the form of decreased strength, stamina and recovery - taking anywhere up to six days to return to normal levels. Research has shown that during intense resistance training Glutamine levels can be reduced by up to 50%.

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How do Glutamine supplements work?

What Glutamine does is play a vital role in protein metabolism, cell volumizing, increased production and secretion of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and anti-catabolism i.e. the impairment and breakdown of muscle tissue, especially in bodybuilders.

Although, there has been no conclusive research into the effects of supplementation on adults in weight-training, a recent study showed that a dramatic 400 percent increase in HGH levels could occur by the consumption of just 2 grams of supplement.

Other consistent research findings show that after an intense workout lactic acid build up has occurred in the muscles, but at the same time Glutamine levels are reduced by as much as 50%. Studies have also shown that Glutamine supplementation effectively reduces muscle tissue breakdown and improves protein metabolism.

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Who can benefit from taking Glutamine?

Bodybuilders and strength athletes in particular can benefit from increased intake of Glutamine. As mentioned above, when bodybuilders train, Glutamine levels can drop dramatically. Muscle catabolism can occur when the body robs the muscles of Glutamine to use in the immune system or nitrogen transport. Glutamine supplementation can help reduce the effects of muscle catabolism.

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Glutamine dosages:

Common Glutamine dosages range from 10-20g per day. No clinical studies have determined the precise amount of Glutamine required for muscle metabolism optimization.

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Glutamine side effects:

While there are no recognized side-effects from ingesting levels of Glutamine, perhaps the only denomination of affected people who need to exercise caution are diabetics. In diabetics (both type 1 and type 2) there is much volatility in Glutamine metabolism. Higher levels of Glutamine are broken down by their liver and kidneys for the production of glucose. Caution is required here in that diabetics should discuss the intake of Glutamine supplements with their doctors before doing so.

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