A - Z of Glutamine
Last updated: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 PrintWhat is Glutamine?
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid (protein building block) utilised by the digestive system in muscle tissue maintenance and by the immune system, and acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter.
Sixty percent of the intramuscular pool of free amino acids consists of glutamine. It also plays an important part in nitrogen balance throughout the body. Those who suffer from Huntington’s disease have an excess of glutamine in the body. It is the most abundant amino acid in the body.
How does it work?
Glutamine plays a key role in the synthesis of protein, and becomes an energy source after deamination, and increases nitrogen retention. It is then used in the metabolism of nucleic acid. The theory is that these processes help to speed up the recovery of muscle tissue after a long workout, or period of physical stress.
Why you might consider using glutamine
Glutamine might help in preventing the loss of muscle mass, and may effect muscle recovery times after physical activity. A diet consisting of a healthy amount of glutamine does effect the immune system positively during times of stress.
What it can do
What it cannot do
Harmful effects
A low dosage of glutamine supplementation (7 g - 21 g glutamine for a person weighing 70 kg) shows no negative side effects. Even when taken in higher dosages (22 g - 42 g glutamine per day), it failed to show any unwanted side effects However, recent studies have shown that:
Who may benefit?
Glutamine is most effective if used to repair gastrointestinal injury. Individuals with a weak immune system may benefit from a regular intake of glutamine.
Who should use it?
Those with lowered immune systems may benefit most from glutamine intake, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to support this claim.
Legal Status
Legal.
Verdict
As of yet, there is no concrete evidence that the the supplementation of glutamine enhances exercise or builds muscle. Though some studies may show a positive effect on the immune system, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support this.
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