Glutamine may help to maintain muscle, boost the immune system, support gastrointestinal health, and sustain healthy growth hormone levels. Of the 20+ amino acids needed for protein synthesis, glutamine is the most abundant, making up 50% of all amino acids in the blood and 60% of those in the body. It is found in high concentrations in skeletal muscle, lung, liver, brain, and stomach tissue.
Glutamine is important in the fight against fatigue, schizophrenia, mental disabilities, and is a precursor to a healthy digestive tract. Converted to glutamic acid in the brain and is important for cerebral function. Dr. Richard Passwater, in his paper titled "14 doctors confirm L-Glutamine Improves I.Q"., stated that L-Glutamine effects brain cell activity and is one two types of fuel necessary to nourish the brain. •
Precursor to the neurotransmitter amino acid Glutamate (Glutamic Acid).
Precursor to the neurotransmitter GABA. Important glycogenic amino acid, meaning that it is essential for helping to maintain normal and steady blood sugar levels.
Involved with muscle strength and endurance.
Essential to gastrointestinal function; provides energy to the small intestines. The intestines are the only organ in the body that uses it as a primary source of energy.
l-Glutamine has the highest blood concentration of all the amino acids.
Involved in DNA synthesis.
It may be the most important amino acid because it plays an important role in strengthening the immune system, transporting nitrogen, and supporting protein synthesis.
It is the most abundant single amino acid in the blood and in the intracellular free amino acid pool (most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue). It comprises 61% of the amino acid pool in skeletal muscle. It’s unique structure, containing two nitrogen side chains, consists of 19% nitrogen - making it the primary transporter of nitrogen into the muscle cell. In fact, glutamine alone is responsible for 35% of the nitrogen that gets into the muscle cell. It drives muscle building nitrogen into the muscle cell where it is synthesized for growth.
You train with weights to build muscle. The more intensely you train, and the heavier the overload you subject your muscles to, the greater the growth response will be. It is a key factor in muscle growth, and controlling the “skeletal muscle/whole body glutamine gradient” is critical in maintaining and building muscle tissue. The higher the muscle glutamine levels you can maintain, the less chance you have of falling into catabolism and the faster muscle will grow.
Important along with glucose in supplying the brain with energy. L-glutamine helps curb sugar and alcohol cravings, increase mental alertness, and to nutritionally boost the nervous system. l-Glutamine has shown promise in the treatment of senility, depression and fatigue.
Who should take L-Glutamine?
Bodybuilders, Dieters, Older individuals, young athletes and many others.
Technicals: Glutamine, is a precursor of GABA and passes through the blood-brain barrier and therefore a better supplement to take if one wants to just increase brain levels of GABA, since Glutamine in the brain, converts to GABA. The question of it's clinical usefulness may be a function of its dosage.
Sources: The best dietary sources of glutamine include poultry, beef, fish, cabbage, beets, and dairy products.
Deficiencies Caused by: Prolonged exercise, surgery, burns, and infectious disease can deplete glutamine levels by as much as 50%.
Signs or Symptoms of a Deficiency: Bowel Diseases, Celiac, Crohn's Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Alcoholism, Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Excess maybe seen in: Use of some anti-convulsant medications.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information presented is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment from your own doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing presented here is intended as a substitute for prescription medication or any other medical treatment prescribed by your doctor.
