Glutamine is an essential amino acid and has been very much in the news over the last couple of years. Out of all the amino acids, glutamine is probably the most important for people that workout regularly and anyone that is trying to lose will want to consider supplementing with glutamine.
Glutamine is highly in demand throughout the body. It is used by the immune system to maintain optimal performance. most of the free-form amino acids floating in skeletal muscles is glutamine. Glutamine plays a very important role in protein metabolism, and it is a very important nutrient for body builders. When supplemented, glutamine may help anyone that exercises to reduce the amount of muscle deterioration that occurs because other tissues that need glutamine will not rob the glutamine stored in the muscle cells. One of the problems that people have when trying to lose through exercise is that when you run out of carbs for your body to use (glycogen) then your body will use protein and fat for energy. Using Glutamine will lower the amount of protein used and instead your body will use your fat for energy.
Research shows that after intensely working out, glutamine levels in the body are cut in half. Since the body needs glutamine as cellular fuel for the immune system. Glutamine’s effects on replenishing the body after stress or trauma have been shown in Europe where it is commonly given to patients in hospitals. Glutamine’s cell-volumizing effects have also been shown in several studies. No conclusive studies have been done to evaluate the effects of glutamine supplementation on -training adults; however, a recent study showed up to a 400% increase in growth-hormone levels when as little as 2 grams of free-form glutamine supplement was consumed!
Exercisers can particularly gain from the intake of glutamine. Since lifters use a lot of their glutamine when working out, they are more susceptible to health related problems, as the immune system relies heavily on this amino acid.
Catabolism or muscle break down can occur if the body robs muscles of glutamine for use elsewhere such as nitrogen transport or maintaining the immune system. Glutamine supplementation is certainly important in keeping muscles building–not deteriorating.
People that exercise a lot can benefit by taking ten grams of glutamine per day, although clinical studies have not determined a precise amount for muscle metabolism optimization.
There are no side effects associated with glutamine, because it is a nutrient naturally occurring in the body. Reports of an upset stomach are associated with ingesting a great deal of glutamine, using smaller doses is recommended if this occurs.