What is glutamine? Is this a miracle supplement, or is it just a bunch of hype? We will attempt to set the record straight on this amino acid glutamine. (glutamine is often referred to a ‘l-glutamine, when referring to the supplement form)
Have you seen the comments like “Do not use glutamine if you are sensitive to monosodium glutamate (MSG)”? Or how about “L-Glutamine – Not Recommended.” What does it all mean?
Should you avoid it like the plague, or get the facts and decide for yourself if glutamine can help you? Get the facts below. Be an informed consumer. I think you will be surprised by the facts.
What is Glutamine And Where Does It Come From?
The human genetic code is made up of 20 amino acids. Glutamine is one of them. Therefore, you are born with glutamine in your body. It is one of the building blocks of human beings. L-Glutamine can also be found in high protein foods like fish, red meat, beans and dairy products.
When you exercise or play sports, the body’s supply of amino acids is used up. Even everyday activities like gardening, walking, and shopping use amino acids. Glutamine, then, is used by your body each and every day.
One of the main uses of glutamine supplementation is to replenish those amino acids. In competitive sports, glutamine is used to improve endurance, stamina and strength for competition.
Q: Can you get too much of a good thing?
A: Studies regarding excessive consumption have proved inconclusive. It is healthy to use glutamine as a normal supplementation. Prolonged periods of exercise like a workout, will use the body’s ready supply of amino acids, and they will need to be replaced.
This is one of the main reasons why glutamine supplementation is recommended for those who have suffered physical trauma, immune deficiencies, or even cancer. L-Glutamine has been shown to be very supportive to the body when it needs to mend itself from a trauma, such as surgery.
L-Glutamine and IBS
Studies have shown that the intestinal extraction rate of glutamine is greater than any other of the body’s amino acids. L-Glutamine has been used to treat IBS and actually repair the lining of the intestines and sooth both diarrhea and constipation. L-Glutamine is easily absorbed and it works quickly to easy the symptoms of IBS.
L-Glutamine has been shown to significantly reduce healing time after an operation. Hospitals employ a nutrition regimen that includes L-Glutamine to patients following abdominal surgery. Clinical trials show that the supplements and foods with L-Glutamine improve nitrogen balances and intestinal permeability.
Bottom Line Of What is Glutamine?
It is a naturally occurring supplement that can aid your body in better performance, quicker healing, increased energy and endurance and so much more. If you have liver or kidney disease, do consult your doctor before trying this or any supplement.
Side effects of glutamine: If you do have a very rare hypersensitivity to MSG, talk to your doctor. The FDA has not published any reports on the effects of glutamine and MSG sensitivity. Now we have (hopefully) answered the question, ‘what is glutamine‘.