Glutamine

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid and is found in large amounts in the muscles of the body, and since it easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, it is also known as a superb brain fuel, and some people refer to it as a “smart-vitamin” – although it is in actual fact no vitamin at all.

 

What it is

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (building block of protein) in the bloodstream. It is considered a “conditionally essential amino acid” because it can be manufactured in the body, but under extreme physical stress the demand for glutamine exceeds the body's ability to synthesise it. Most glutamine in the body is stored in muscles followed by the lungs, where much of the glutamine is manufactured.

 

What it does

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in muscles. It helps build and maintain muscle tissue; helps prevent muscle wasting that can accompany prolonged bed rest or diseases such as cancer and AIDS. It is a “brain fuel” that increases brain function and mental activity.

Glutamine assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body; promotes a healthy digestive tract; shortens the healing time of ulcers. It alleviates fatigue, depression and impotence; decreases sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol. Glutamine has been recently used in the treatment of schizophrenia and senility.

 

Benefits

  • Muscle building
  • Anti-catabolic agent
  • Immune system support
  • Protein synthesis
  • Maintain cell volume
  • Growth hormone production
  • Ulcer repair

 

Dosage

Based on controlled clinical studies with positive results, the dosageof glutamine is generally ranges from between 2 to 15 grams daily.