Glutamine Benefits

There are several glutamine benefits for human health. These benefits, as well as some possible side effects of this amino acid are discussed in this article.

Being the most abundant amino acid, glutamine is crucial for protein synthesis and several other important metabolic processes of the body. However, glutamine or l-glutamine is not an essential amino acid, which means that human body can synthesize sufficient amount of glutamine under normal circumstances. It is manufactured from another amino acid, which is known as glutamic acid. Glutamine is considered as a conditionally essential amino acid, as the body may fail to produce enough glutamine in conditions like, extreme physical stress, severe injury and burns. In such a situation, it can become necessary to get this amino acid from foods and supplements. Glutamine benefits for human health are numerous, some of which are explained below.

Glutamine Health Benefits

Glutamine has immense importance in functions like, protein synthesis, regulation of acid base balance of the body, removal of excess ammonia from the body and maintenance of muscle mass. One of the most important glutamine benefits is that it can help to slow down the rate of muscle breakdown. This is the reason why glutamine supplements are one of the popular bodybuilding supplements.

During intense training or exercise programs, the body depletes the level of the stored glutamine rapidly. Therefore, bodybuilders and athletes take glutamine supplements to preserve their muscle mass. This can be termed as one of the most significant glutamine supplement benefits. Glutamine benefits for women bodybuilders are also highly appreciated, but pregnant and breastfeeding women should better avoid the supplements of this amino acid. Glutamine is also important for proper brain functioning, as it is the precursor for the important neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It has been observed that glutamine can cross the blood-brain barrier to provide energy to the brain cells for facilitating the normal brain functions. Glutamine can prove helpful in preventing blood sugar reactions as well.

Glutamine is the precursor of glutathione, which an antioxidant. By helping the body to produce this antioxidant, glutamine boosts the immune system. Apart from these, glutamine can help to speed up wound healing and recovery from illnesses and promote the health of the gastrointestinal tract. It protects the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract and thus, maintain the health of the digestive system. Nowadays, glutamine is used for the treatment of alcoholism, depression and Huntington's disease.

Glutamine Side Effects

So far, no major l-glutamine side effects have been observed, especially if this amino acid is obtained from food sources. Supplementation of glutamine is also considered to be safe. Only intravenous administration of nutritional formula containing glutamine has been observed to cause elevated liver enzyme in some studies. Glutamine supplements may cause mania in the patients of bipolar disorder. These two are the possible glutamine side effects.

Apart from these, excessive intake of glutamine can cause diarrhea in some individuals. People with kidney and liver disease and Reye's syndrome are usually advised to avoid glutamine supplements. Individuals allergic to monosodium glutamate should also avoid or take the permission of their health care provider before taking this amino acid supplement. Glutamine supplements can be found in the form of powder and capsules. To derive the glutamine powder benefits to the full extent, it should not be added to hot liquid or beverage, as exposure to heat can destroy it.

Hope by now, you have got a good idea about glutamine benefits and side effects. To sum up, glutamine is the most commonly found amino acid in the human body, and is known for its immense importance for human health. A number of foods can provide sufficient amounts of this amino acid, out of which fish, chicken, beef, eggs, milk and dairy products, beans, wheat and vegetables like, cabbage, spinach, beets and parsley are the important dietary sources of glutamine. Along with these foods, supplementation of glutamine can be required at times, in which case it is essential to follow the direction given by your physician.