Glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids
our body uses to build proteins. These proteins are the building
blocks for most components of our bodies, including muscles, bones,
hair, hormones and more. Glutamine plays a vital role in the
proper functioning of many body systems. Due to its importance in
the body, the use of glutamine supplementation is the focus of intense
research.
Of the 20 amino acids in our bodies, nine
are considered "essential" and the other 11 are termed
"non-essential." The essential amino acids need to be
obtained from our diet, as opposed to the non-essential ones, which our
body can manufacture on its own. When we eat, the proteins we
ingest are broken down by our digestive system into their individual
amino acids. By linking amino acids back together in various
combinations, our body synthesizes the proteins it needs.
Supports Surgery, Burns, Infections, and Prolonged Exercise
Since we are capable of making glutamine on our own, it was originally
labeled a non-essential amino acid. However, most scientists now
consider l-glutamine to be a "conditionally" essential amino
acid, because under certain conditions we are unable to make adequate
amounts and thus need to obtain it from outside sources. Studies
have shown that our body's concentration of glutamine is markedly
decreased during times of severe bodily stress, such as during major
surgery, burns, starvation, serious infections and even prolonged
exercise.1,2
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid
in our bodies, comprising approximately half of the free amino acids in
our muscles and blood.3 The majority
of our glutamine is manufactured and stored in skeletal muscle.
While our bodies synthesize most of the l-glutamine that we need, we also
obtain some from the foods we eat. Practically all proteins we
consume contain some amount of glutamine, usually in the order of 4% to
8% of their total amino acid composition. Given the average
adult's daily protein intake, we probably obtain less than 10 grams of
glutamine from our diet each day.4
Glutamine plays many roles in our
body. Research has shown l-glutamine to be integral in the proper
function bodily functions. It acts as a type of fuel for cells,
especially for rapidly dividing cells such as enterocytes, colonocytes,
lymphocytes and fibroblasts.5 During
the manufacture of glutamine, a nitrogen molecule is taken from free
ammonia in the body, thus it plays a role in protecting our bodies from
high levels of ammonia and maintaining proper acid-base balance.4,6
When needed, our body can convert glutamine to sugar. Glutamine is
also involved in the manufacture of other amino acids, including
glutathione, an important intracellular antioxidant.4
The small intestine is by far the
greatest user of glutamine in the body. Enterocytes (epithelial
cells lining the small intestine) use glutamine as their primary fuel.4
It is felt that a lack of l-glutamine leads to a loss of epithelial cell
integrity in the lining of the intestines. This, in turn, may
allow toxins and infectious agents to enter the body.8 Most
research studies concerning glutamine and the gastrointestinal system
involve the addition of l-glutamine to TPN (total parenteral
nutrition). Although glutamine has been shown to be beneficial
when added to TPN solution, its role is still controversial and more
studies are needed to determine its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Exercise
L-glutamine may play a role in enhancing the systems of athletes
after prolonged strenuous exercise. Glutamine regulation may be
especially important in athletes. Studies have shown that while l-glutamine
levels rise after short-term exercise, they decrease after prolonged
periods of exercise.14 It has been
theorized that after exhaustive exercise, such as running a marathon,
athletes are at an increased risk of low levels of necessary glutamine.
This is possibly due to decreased l-glutamine levels.15
On the other hand, it should be noted that regular, moderate exercise
has been shown to be beneficial for sedentary individuals (yet another
reason regular exercise can improve your health).14
Dr. Atkins
Recommended Dosage
In his book, Dr. Atkin's Vita-Nutrient Solution, the late Dr. Atkins
recommended between 5 and 20 grams per day when needed, between 2 and 3
grams at the onset of a desire for sweets, and up to 40 grams per day
for more serious concerns. Dr. Atkins recommended powdered
L-glutamine as the easiest and most economical way to obtain this amino
acid.7
Another Recommendation is to
take 5 gm (1 heaping teaspoon
of L-Glutamine powder) on an empty stomach before sleep and/or exercise (except in special cases
mentioned throughout the article -- see link above). The powder
has slight sweet taste.
When taking l-glutamine
supplements, it is probably best to split the recommended dosage into
two to four divided servings spread throughout the day.3
As with any vitamin or nutritional supplement, the use of glutamine
supplementation should only be done under the supervision of a
physician.
Pg
2 | Pg
3 | Pg
4 | Pg
5 | Conclusion/References
Order:
L-Glutamine
