Glutamine Benefits

Being the most abundant amino acid, glutamine is crucial for protein synthesis and several other important metabolic processes of the body. However, glutamine or l-glutamine is not an essential amino acid, which means that human body can synthesize sufficient amount of glutamine under normal circumstances. It is manufactured from another amino acid, which is known as glutamic acid. It is considered as a conditionally essential amino acid, as the body may fail to produce enough glutamine in conditions like, extreme physical stress, severe injury and burns. In such a situation, it can become necessary to get this amino acid from foods and supplements.

Glutamine Health Benefits

It has immense importance in functions like, protein synthesis, regulation of acid base balance of the body, removal of excess ammonia from the body and maintenance of muscle mass. It can help to slow down the rate of muscle breakdown. This is the reason why its supplements are one of the popular bodybuilding supplements.

During intense training or exercise programs, the body depletes the level of the stored glutamine rapidly. Therefore, bodybuilders and athletes take its supplements to preserve their muscle mass. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should better avoid the supplements of this amino acid. It is also important for proper brain functioning, as it is the precursor for the important neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It has been observed that glutamine can cross the blood-brain barrier to provide energy to the brain cells for facilitating the normal brain functions. It can prove helpful in preventing blood sugar reactions as well.

It is the precursor of glutathione, which an antioxidant. By helping the body to produce this antioxidant, glutamine boosts the immune system. Apart from these, it can help to speed up wound healing and recovery from illnesses and promote the health of the gastrointestinal tract. It protects the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract and thus, maintain the health of the digestive system. Nowadays, it is used for the treatment of alcoholism, depression and Huntington's disease.

Glutamine Side Effects

So far, no major side effects have been observed, especially if this amino acid is obtained from food sources. Supplementation of glutamine is also considered to be safe. Only intravenous administration of nutritional formula containing glutamine has been observed to cause elevated liver enzyme in some studies. Its supplements may cause mania in the patients of bipolar disorder.

Apart from these, excessive intake of this amino acid can cause diarrhea in some individuals. People with kidney and liver disease and Reye's syndrome are usually advised to avoid these supplements. Individuals allergic to monosodium glutamate should also avoid or take the permission of their health care provider before taking this amino acid supplement. Its supplements can be found in the form of powder and capsules. It should not be added to hot liquid or beverage, as exposure to heat can destroy it.

A number of foods can provide sufficient amounts of this amino acid, out of which fish, chicken, beef, eggs, milk and dairy products, beans, wheat and vegetables like, cabbage, spinach, beets and parsley are the important dietary sources. Along with these foods, supplementation of glutamine can be required at times, in which case, it is essential to follow the direction given by your physician.