Glutamine | Recovery Amino Acids

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in muscle cells, comprising over 60% of skeletal muscle. Among 20 amino acids, glutamine provides the most versatility of amino acid metabolism and immune function and plays a vital role in intestinal health. However, glutamine needs can often be greater than its ability to produce it, therefore adequate intake and supplementation can be of great benefit.

ENHANCES IMMUNITY & OPTIMIZES INTESTINAL HEALTH

Glutamine is highly utilised by the immune system as glutamine is essential for immune cell proliferation and function ¹. Various factors such as increased physical activity, can reduce levels of circulating glutamine, therefore making these individuals more susceptible to illness ²³. L-glutamine has also been shown to boost immune system function through inhibition of inflammatory responses ¹. As a result, glutamine supplementation has been shown amongst various studies to increase glutamine concentrations and support the immune system ³.

Glutamine also plays a major role in digestive health. This is because the gut is where glutamine is mostly metabolized ⁴. Glutamine is responsible for helping repair and maintain gut barrier function of the small intestines ⁴. Glutamine also helps protect the intestines from damage and injury ⁴. As a result, glutamine supplementation can help improve gut health, and even help reduce symptoms and severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and digestive issues commonly associated with celiac disease ⁴ ⁵ ⁶

INCREASES LEAN MUSCLE MASS & DELAYS DOMS

L-glutamine is an amino acid which serves as a building block for protein, aiding in muscle gain and exercise performance. According to a recent meta-analysis, glutamine has a significant effect on weight reduction ⁷. This can be supported by a study in which participants took glutamine during six weeks of weight training and showed an increase in lean tissue mass and improved strength ⁸. Another study showed that eight weeks of glutamine supplementation resulted in increased upper and lower body strength, increased muscular power, and reduced body fat ⁹. Findings also show that supplementation increases the rate of recovery after exercise, reduces muscle damage, and reduces DOMS.