Glutamine is an amino acid that helps maintain muscle mass and strength as we age. It also supports immune function and may help prevent certain types of cancer. It is found in high concentrations in skeletal muscles, heart, liver, kidneys, brain, pancreas, and intestinal mucosa.
Why Is it Important?
As we age, our bodies begin to lose some of their ability to produce glutamine. This leads to a loss of lean muscle mass and reduced immunity. In addition, there is evidence that glutamine may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
How Does it Work?
Glutamine is one of the 20 essential amino acids found in protein. It is produced by intestinal cells and released into the bloodstream when needed. Once in the body, it is used to build proteins such as muscles, bones, skin, hair, and nails.
Where Can I Find It?
You can find glutamine in meat, dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds, and grains. However, it is not present in significant amounts in vegetables, fruits, or other plant foods.
How Much Should You Take?
There isn’t enough research available to determine how much glutamine people should take. However, some experts recommend taking 1 gram per kilogram of body weight daily. This would mean that a 150-pound adult would need to consume approximately 450 grams of glutamine each day. Shop Glutamine supplement here.
Side Effects
While there aren’t any known side effects associated with taking too much glutamine, there are some potential risks. People who have kidney failure or liver disease shouldn’t take more than 500 milligrams per day because high doses can cause ammonia levels to rise. High doses of glutamine can also lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.