- Immune System Support
- Stops Cortisol
- Organ and Intestinal Protection
- Brain Function
- Keeps from "Overtraining"
- Stops Muscle Wasting
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (building block of protein)
in the bloodstream. It is considered a "conditionally essential amino
acid" because it can be manufactured in the body, but under extreme
physical stress the demand for
glutamine exceeds the body's ability to
synthesize it. Most
glutamine in the body is stored in muscles followed
by the lungs, where much of the
glutamine is manufactured.
Glutamine is
important for removing excess ammonia (a common waste product in the
body). In the process of picking up ammonia,
glutamine donates it when
needed to make other amino acids, as well as sugar, and the antioxidant
glutathione.
Several types of important immune cells rely on
glutamine for energy --
without it, the immune system would be impaired.
Glutamine also supports normal brain function and digestion.
Adequate amounts of
glutamine are generally obtained through diet alone
because the body is also able to make
glutamine on its own. Certain
medical conditions, including injuries, surgery, infections, and
prolonged stress, can deplete
glutamine levels, however. In these
cases,
glutamine supplementation may be helpful.
Wound Healing
When the body is stressed (such as from injuries, infections,
burns, trauma, or surgical procedures), steroid hormones such as
cortisol are released into the bloodstream. Elevated cortisol levels
can deplete
glutamine stores in the body. Since
glutamine plays a key
role in the immune system, a deficiency in this nutrient can
significantly slow the healing process. Studies have shown that
glutamine supplements enhance the immune system and reduce infections
(particularly infections associated with surgery).
Glutamine
supplements may also aid in the recovery of severe burns.
Inflammatory
Bowel Disease (IBD)
Glutamine helps to protect the lining of the gastrointestinal
tract known as the mucosa. Because of this, some experts speculate that
glutamine deficiency may play a role in the development of IBD, namely
ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These conditions are
characterized by damage to the mucosal lining of the small and/or large
intestines, which leads to inflammation, infection, and ulcerations
(holes). In fact, some preliminary research suggests that
glutamine may
be a valuable supplement during treatment of IBD because it promotes
healing of the cells in the intestines and improves diarrhea associated
with IBD. Not all studies have found this positive benefit, however.
For this reason, more research is needed before conclusions can be
drawn. In the meantime, follow the advice of your healthcare provider
when deciding whether to use
glutamine for IBD.
Peritonitis
Glutamine supplementation has long been known to maintain the
health of the mucosa (inner wall) of the gastrointestinal tract and
inhibit muscle wasting in critically ill patients. Keeping the
intestinal mucosa healthy helps prevent infections such as peritonitis
(inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the
abdominal wall and covers most of the organs of the body).
Animal studies indicate that a diet supplemented with
glutamine may
protect the lining of the intestine, inhibit the growth of bacteria,
and improve survival rates in animals with peritonitis.
Athletes
Athletes who train excessively may deplete their
glutamine
stores. This is because they are overusing their skeletal muscles,
where much of the
glutamine in the body is stored. Athletes who
overstress their muscles (without adequate time for recovery between
workouts) may be at increased risk for infection and often recover
slowly from injuries. This is also true for people who participate in
prolonged exercise, such as ultra-marathon runners. For this select
group of athletes,
glutamine supplementation may be useful.
How to
Take It
Glutamine should be taken with cold or room temperature foods or
liquids.
Glutamine powder should not be added to hot beverages because heat
destroys this amino acid.
Glutamine supplements should also be kept in
a dry location. Moisture leads to breakdown of this substance.
Most
Glutamine has no taste and can be added to any liquid.
Dose
Doses ranging from 500 to 1,500 mg per day are generally considered
safe. Amounts as high as 5,000 to 15,000 mg per day (in divided doses)
may be used by Athletes and very active individuals.
Precautions
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with
medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the
supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
Glutamine is different from glutamate (glutamic acid), monosodium
glutamate, and gluten.
Glutamine will not cause symptoms (headaches,
facial pressure, tingling, or burning sensation) associated with
sensitivity to monosodium glutamate. People who are gluten sensitive
can use
glutamine without problems.
Packing Information:Each powder is put into a HDPE container, Heat Sealed, and labeled with dosing based off 1/4 tsp. Some items may be hygroscopic and may clump during shipment. This does not effect the efficacy of the product, but just the texture.