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Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid, meaning that the body can create is own supply if the diet is lacking in glutamine-rich sources. Some people refer to it as a "smart-vitamin" - although it is in actual fact no vitamin at all.
Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid found in the bloodstream and the muscles of the body. Because it can readily pass the blood-brain barrier, it is known as brain fuel. In the brain, glutamine is converted into glutamic acid - which is essential for cerebral function - and vice versa. It also increases the amount of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is needed to sustain proper brain function and mental activity. Glutamine promotes mental ability, and may stimulate mental alertness and clear thinking. This use is still unproven.
Glutamine assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body, and is the basis of the building blocks for the synthesis of RNA and DNA.
When an amino acid is broken down, nitrogen is released. The body needs nitrogen, but free nitrogen can form ammonia, which is especially toxic to brain tissues. The liver can convert nitrogen may attach itself to glutamic acid, while removing ammonia from the brain. This process forms glutamine. Glutamine is unique among the amino acids in that each molecule contains not one nitrogen atom but two. Thus, its creation helps to clear ammonia from the tissues, especially brain tissue, and it can transfer nitrogen from one place to another.
Glutamine is found and produced in large amounts in the muscles and is readily available when needed for the synthesis of skeletal muscle proteins and appears to play an important part in keeping them functioning normally. Because this amino acid helps to build and maintain muscle, supplemental glutamine is useful for dieters and bodybuilders. It's also used by white blood cells and contributes to normal immune-system function. Individuals with muscle-wasting and immune-system related illnesses (such as cancer or AIDS) who may be incapable of manufacturing their own supply of glutamine, may benefit from glutamine supplements taken along with other amino acids. More importantly, it helps to prevent the kind of muscle-wasting that can accompany prolonged bed rest or diseases such as cancer and AIDS. This is because stress and injury (including surgical trauma) cause the muscles to release glutamine into the bloodstream. In fact, during times of stress, as much as one-third of the glutamine present in the muscles may be released. As a result, stress and/or illness can lead to the loss of skeletal muscle. If enough glutamine is available, however, this can prevented.
Supplemental L-glutamine can be helpful in the treatment of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, intestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, connective tissue diseases such as polymyositis and scleroderma, epilepsy, fatigue, impotence, and tissue damage due to radiation treatment for cancer. Several studies have shown that glutamine, when used as an oral rinse, can help to reduce cancer chemotherapy-induced mouth sores. Whether glutamine taken orally can aid in preventing other complications of cancer treatment, including stomach irritation, is still being examined. In fact, some research indicates it may stimulate the growth of certain tumors.
It promotes the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract. One of glutamine's most important tasks in the body is to nourish cells that line the intestine and stomach. Preliminary studies have shown that supplements of glutamine may protect against aspirin-induced gastric lesions and enhance healing of painful peptic ulcers. It has also been examined for preventing stress ulcers in individuals treated for severe burns. Those with stomach problems associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may theoretically benefit from glutamine too.
L-glutamine can enhance mental functioning, and has been used to treat a range of problems including treating weight loss, insomnia, depression, anxiety, developmental disabilities, epilepsy, fatigue, impotence, schizophrenia, and senility.
L-glutamine decreases sweets and sugar cravings, which is beneficial to people wishing to lose weight.
L-glutamine decreases the desire for alcohol, and is useful for recovering alcoholics. Both glutamic acid and GABA are essential for proper mental function. Because of its action in the brain, glutamine supplements have been recommended for preventing the deleterious effects of alcohol on the brain and for reducing alcohol cravings - a finding that has support in clinical trials.
Sources
Many plant and animal substances contain glutamine, but it is easily destroyed by cooking. If eaten raw, spinach and parsley are good sources. Other glutamine-rich sources are poultry, fish, meat, beans, milk, and legumes.
Look for glutamine supplements prefaced by the letter L. This form resembles the glutamine in the body more than supplements prefaced by the letter D.
Supplemental glutamine must be kept absolutely dry or the powder will degrade into ammonia and pyroglutamic acid.
Molecular Description
Glutamine is one of the twenty amino acids generally present in animal proteins. A monoamide of glutamic acid, the biochemical is also a component of many plants and was first isolated from beet juice in 1883. Glutamine was not isolated as a component from a protein, however, until 1932 and was first chemically produced the following year. The substance plays an important role in the cellular metabolism of animals and is the only amino acid with the ability to easily cross the barrier between blood and brain tissue. Combined, glutamine and glutamic acid are responsible for the vast majority of the amino nitrogen located in the brain, and are of central importance in the regulation of bodily ammonia levels. Though it is readily synthesized naturally within the body, glutamine is popularly sold as a nutritional supplement for athletes.
Glutamine Deficiency
Deficiency of this nutrient is rare, since it can be manufactured by the body but deficiencies can develop during periods of fasting, starvation, strict dieting, cirrhosis, and weight loss associated with AIDS and cancer.
Toxicity & Symptoms of High Intake
No clear toxicity has emerged in glutamine studies, but it should not be taken by people suffering from liver or kidney problems.
Glutamine Dosage
Although a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) has not been established for glutathione, it is critical for optimal health. In the presence of good health, supplementation of glutamine should not be necessary.
Alcoholism: 500-1,000 mg L-glutamine twice a day between meals.
Cancer: 1 scoopful (3-4 gm.) mixed with water 3-4 times a day; swish in mouth and swallow. Alternately, 1,500-2,000 mg in pills, 4 times a day. All doses taken between meals.
Crohn's Disease: 1,000 mg L-glutamine twice a day.
Ulcers: 500 mg L-glutamine 3 times a day for one month.
Weight Loss: 1 tsp. (4 grams) L-glutamine powder mixed in water twice a day.
Interactions
Methotrexate, a drug used to treat certain kinds of cancer, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis, may interfere with glutamine's effectiveness in treating mouth ulcers resulting from cancer chemotherapy.
There are no other known drug or nutrient interactions associated with glutamine.
Cautions
Glutamine should not be taken by persons with cirrhosis of the liver, kidney problems, Reye's syndrome, or any type of disorder that can result in an accumulation of ammonia in the blood. For such individuals, taking supplemental glutamine may only cause further damage to the body.
Take care not to confuse glutamine with substances that have similar-sounding names, such as glutathione, glutamic acid, gluten, and monosodium glutamate. Be aware that although the names sound similar, glutamine, glutamic acid (also sometimes called glutamate), glutathione, gluten, and monosodium glutamate are all different substances.
Some people may experience headaches and other side effects with glutamine, but much remains to be learned about the potential adverse reactions associated with this supplement. In clinical trials, no toxic reactions were recorded at relatively high doses of 4 to 21 grams a day.
If you have any serious illness or are pregnant or breast-feeding, only take an amino acid such as glutamine after consulting your healthcare provider or midwife.
To be safe, never take glutamine - or any single amino acid for that matter - for longer than three months unless you are under the direction of a healthcare provider familiar with its use.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a salt of glutamic acid, is sometimes used as a condiment for flavoring foods. It imparts no flavor of its own, but enhances the flavors of meats, fish, and vegetables. Some people have an allergic reaction to MSGs, and should be avoided by such individuals.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
GLUTAMINE SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS
L-Glutamine, Amino Acid Supplement, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 120 Caps
L-Glutamine is an important amino acid that helps brain function, as it converts quickly into glucose, the only source of energy to the brain. L-Glutamine promotes better thinking ability, and increases the amount of GABA, another amino acid that aids in proper brain function.
L-Glutamine, Amino Acid Supplement, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 Caps
L-Glutamine is an important amino acid and natural Growth Hormone Releaser that helps brain function, and may be used for combating effects of alcoholism, alleviating hypoglycemia, fatigue reduction, improving exercise endurance, benefiting the liver and intestines, maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract, and strengthening the immune system.
L-Glutamine Powder, 100% Pure Free Form Amino Acid & GH Releaser, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
L-Glutamine powder may be used for reducing fatigue and improving exercise endurance.
Glutamine / L-Glutamine Supplements & Products
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