Glutamine- Do You Really Know the Importance

Because glutamine can be manufacture in the human body, its importance as a nutritional supplement has long been overlooked. An extraordinary body of research supports glutamine’s importance in helping to maintain muscle mass, regenerate the immune system, encourage gastrointestinal health, and sustain healthy antioxidant levels.

Viral infections, surgery, burns, infectious disease, and even prolonged exercise can considerably deplete levels of this multi-functional amino acid. In these occasions in which the body is under obvious stress, supplementation with glutamine becomes essential.

Maintaining muscle is essential to good health and over all weight management. Increasing your muscle mass will also increase your basal metabolic rate,(amount of calories the body burns while at rest.) One study found that patients who had major surgery and were given glutamine did not lose muscle mass during the recuperative period, even though they were inactive. Ann Surg. 1989 Apr;209(4):455-61

Ingesting the supplement led to a 70% increase in serum growth hormone levels compared to placebo, leading the researchers to conclude that an oral mixture of glutamine, glycine, and niacin can enhance growth hormone secretion in healthy adults.

Glutamine is also known to boosts growth hormone levels. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 42 healthy middle-aged and elderly adults, the subjects consumed either a placebo or 5 grams of a nutritional supplement composed mainly of glutamine, glycine, and niacin. The supplement was ingested twice daily for three weeks. At baseline and at the study’s end, the investigators analyzed the participants’ blood. Ingesting the supplement led to a 70% increase in serum growth hormone levels compared to placebo, leading the researchers to conclude that an oral mixture of glutamine, glycine, and niacin can enhance growth hormone secretion in healthy adults. Nutr Neurosci. 2003 Oct;6(5):269-75.

For our Athletes

There is an increased risk of infections in athletes undertaking prolonged, strenuous exercise. There is some evidence that cells of the immune system are less capable of producing a defense against infections after such exercise. In a recent study it indicates there was a significant decrease in infections and illness after intense training in those who supplemented with glutamine versus those who did not.

You knew it was good but did you know it was this good?, next time you’re going to pass on a supplement make sure it’s not Glutamine

Joe Palumbo

IFBB Professional Bodybuilder
Director of Physical Performance Infinite Labs Orlando FL
Certified Trainer
Advance Sports Nutrition Specialist (ASNS)
Certified Navy Seal Fitness Instructor
Freelance writer: Workouts and Training Techniques, Strength Training and Conditioning, General Fitness, Weight Loss and Nutritional Needs