Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (building block of protein) in the body. Glutamine is produced in the muscles and is distributed by the blood to the organs that need it The body can make enough glutamine for its regular needs. But during times of extreme stress (the kind you experience after heavy exercise or an injury), your body may need more glutamine than it can make. Most glutamine is stored in muscles, followed by the lungs where much of the glutamine is made.
What are the benefits of Glutamine?
- Glutamine is important for removing excess ammonia (a common waste product in the body).
- It helps your immune system function and may be needed for normal brain function and digestion.
- Glutamine is needed to make other chemicals in the body such as other amino acids and glucose (sugar).
- It is important for providing "fuel" (nitrogen and carbon) to many different cells in the body. After surgery or traumatic injury, nitrogen is necessary to repair the wounds and keep the vital organs functioning. About one third of this nitrogen comes from glutamine. If the body uses more glutamine than the muscles can make (i.e., during times of stress), muscle wasting can occur.
- It improves recovery after bone marrow transplant or bowel surgery.
- It increasing well-being in people who have suffered traumatic injuries, and preventing infections in critically ill people.
- It improves your for digestive system condition and tackles stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
- Wound healing and recovery from illness.
- When the body is stressed (from injuries, infections, burns, trauma, or surgical procedures), it releases the hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. High levels of cortisol can lower your body's stores of glutamine. Several studies show that adding glutamine to enteral nutrition (tube feeding) helps reduce the rate of death in trauma and critically ill people.
- Clinical studies show that taking glutamine supplements strengthens the immune system and reduce infections, particularly infections associated with surgery. Glutamine may help prevent or treat multiple organ dysfunction after shock or other injuries among people in the intensive care unit. Glutamine supplements may also help in the recovery of severe burns.
- Used in DNA syntheses .
- Plays a major role in protein synthesis.
- Primary source fuel for enterocytes (cells lining the inside of the small intestines).
- Alternative fuel source for the brain.
- Precursor to L-citrulline production.
- Improves gastrointestinal health.
- Aids in memory, focus and concentration.
- Promotes muscle growth and reduces muscle breakdown..
- Improves athletic performance and aids recovery after intense training or competition.
- Boosts metabolism and cellular detoxification.
- Cuts sugar and alcohol cravings.
- Important in supplying the brain with energy. Its main function is to support cellular growth, energy and repair.
- Plays a role in the health of the immune system, the digestive tract and the muscles.
- L-glutamine participates in the formation of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, amino sugars, glutathione, L-glutamate, other amino acids, and is used in protein synthesis and glucose production.
- Glutamine is the non-toxic transporter of ammonia in the bloodstream.
The brain can only use glucose, not fat, as a source for energy. In times of stress, for example when training too hard or during disease, the brain may not get enough glucose for energy. Since the brain is the most important organ, L-glutamine will be directed to the brain. Here it can be converted into a sugar element, which can be used by the brain as fuel.
