The Facts Of Glutamine
March 14, 2009 by Tisha Tolar
Filed under Supplements
Glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids (protein building block) formed by the human body. It is considered a non-essential amino acid 
and one of the only amino acids which directly crosses the blood-brain barrier. It can be found in the body circulating in the blood and stored in the skeletal muscles. While it is naturally formed by the human body in some situations such as injury or illness it may become essential to supplement glutamine by taking supplements or eating foods which contain glutamine acid. Glutamine and glutamine acid is found in protein rich foods such as fish, red meat, beans, nuts and dairy products.
What Does Glutamine Do for the Body?
When you body needs more glucose as an energy source it will convert glutamine into glucose. Your body also used glutamine to control blood sugar levels, improve mental function and maintain muscle mass. Serving as a source of fuel for the cells lining your intestines glutamine plays an important role in preventing these cells from wasting away. Glutamine is used by white blood cells and plays an important role in the immune system. It has been known to reduce healing time after operations.
What is Glutamine Used For?
When used as a supplement glutamine is considered as a muscle mass enhancer as well as a “brain food” for body builders. It has been known to be used by physicians to treat alcoholism, muscle wasting conditions and mild depression. Other conditions which have been connected to glutamine use include pre- and post-surgery health, athletic performance, HIV support, immune function, preventing infection and gastritis.
How Much Glutamine Do You Need?
Most healthy people do not need to supplement with glutamine as long as they are getting a daily dose in their food intake. The average diet will provide between 5 and 8 grams of glutamine a day. Often used by bodybuilders to boost muscle mass, many boost this level to 10 grams or more with glutamine supplements. People who need help controlling blood sugar may also benefit from additional glutamine.
Side Effects of Glutamine
Many people assume that naturally occurring products are free of side effects, however as with any medication or supplement side effects are possible. While very few side effects have been reported from glutamine, theoretically glutamine could cause significant side effects. The following are things that could result from excess glutamine: cause or worsen cancer, increase seizures and cause mania in people who suffer from manic depression or bipolar disease.
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