Glutamine Information
What's amazing is how everyone, regardless of lifestyle, can derive
supplemental benefits from glutamine. Here is a brief list of the possible
applications of supplemental glutamine.
Improves athletic performance
Improves brain functioning
Stabilizes blood sugar
Helps the heart function
Strengthens the immune system
Maintains the health and functioning of the gut lining
Decreases alcohol cravings
Decreases sugar cravings
Helps with wound healing
Helps maintain proper acid/alkaline balance
Possible cancer benefits
1. What is it and where does it come from?
The extremely popular amino acid L-Glutamine can be found in protein powders,
beans, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and of course, L-Glutamine
supplements from Spectrum-Nutrition.com.
2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support
this?
Glutamine is highly in demand throughout the body. It is used in the gut and
immune system extensively to maintain optimal performance. 60% of free-form
amino acids floating in skeletal muscles is L-glutamine. L-glutamine plays a
very important role in protein metabolism, and it appears to be a very important
nutrient for body builders. When supplemented, it may help body builders reduce
the amount of muscle deterioration that occurs because other tissues that need
glutamine will not rob the glutamine stored in the muscle cells.
Research shows that after intensely working out, glutamine levels in the
body are reduced by as much as 50%. Since the body relies on glutamine as
cellular fuel for the immune system, scientific studies have shown that
glutamine supplementation can minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and
improve protein metabolism. Its effects on replenishing the body after stress or
trauma have been shown in Europe where it is commonly given to patients in
hospitals. Glutamine's cell-volumizing effects have also been shown in several
studies. No conclusive studies have been done to evaluate the effects of
L-glutamine supplementation on weight-training adults; however, a recent study
showed up to a 400% increase in growth-hormone levels when as little as 2 grams
of free-form L-glutamine supplement was consumed!
3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
Bodybuilders and those who have been under a lot of stress or trauma (such as
burn, surgery, and disease victims) can particularly gain from the intake of
glutamine. Since bodybuilders use a lot of their glutamine when working out,
they are more susceptible to illness, as the immune system relies heavily on
this amino acid.
Becoming ill or losing lean muscle mass are signs of deficiency. Catabolism
or muscle break down can occur if the body robs muscles of glutamine for use
elsewhere such as nitrogen transport or maintaining the immune system. Glutamine
supplementation is certainly important in keeping muscles building--not
deteriorating.
4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Bodybuilders can benefit by taking ten grams of L-glutamine per day, although
clinical studies have not determined a precise amount for muscle metabolism
optimization.
There are no side effects associated with L-glutamine, because it is a
nutrient naturally occurring in the body. Reports of an upset stomach are
associated with ingesting a great deal of glutamine, using smaller doses is
recommended if this occurs.
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