- Immune System Support
- Stops Cortisol
- Organ and Intestinal Protection
- Brain Function
- Keeps from "Overtraining"
- Stops Muscle Wasting
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
synthesize it. Most glutamine in the body is stored in muscles followed
by the lungs, where much of the glutamine is manufactured. Glutamine is
important for removing excess ammonia (a common waste product in the
body). In the process of picking up ammonia, glutamine donates it when
needed to make other amino acids, as well as sugar, and the antioxidant
glutathione.
Several types of important immune cells rely on glutamine for energy --
without it, the immune system would be impaired. Glutamine also appears
to be necessary for normal brain function and digestion.
Adequate amounts of glutamine are generally obtained through diet alone
because the body is also able to make glutamine on its own. Certain
medical conditions, including injuries, surgery, infections, and
prolonged stress, can deplete glutamine levels, however. In these
cases, glutamine supplementation may be helpful.
Wound Healing
When the body is stressed (such as from injuries, infections,
burns, trauma, or surgical procedures), steroid hormones such as
cortisol are released into the bloodstream. Elevated cortisol levels
can deplete glutamine stores in the body. Since glutamine plays a key
role in the immune system, a deficiency in this nutrient can
significantly slow the healing process. Studies have shown that
glutamine supplements enhance the immune system and reduce infections
(particularly infections associated with surgery). Glutamine
supplements may also aid in the recovery of severe burns.
Inflammatory
Bowel Disease (IBD)
Glutamine helps to protect the lining of the gastrointestinal
tract known as the mucosa. Because of this, some experts speculate that
glutamine deficiency may play a role in the development of IBD, namely
ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These conditions are
characterized by damage to the mucosal lining of the small and/or large
intestines, which leads to inflammation, infection, and ulcerations
(holes). In fact, some preliminary research suggests that glutamine may
be a valuable supplement during treatment of IBD because it promotes
healing of the cells in the intestines and improves diarrhea associated
with IBD. Not all studies have found this positive benefit, however.
For this reason, more research is needed before conclusions can be
drawn. In the meantime, follow the advice of your healthcare provider
when deciding whether to use glutamine for IBD.
Stops Muscle
Wasting
Individuals with advanced stages of human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) often experience severe weight loss (particularly loss of muscle
mass). A few studies of individuals with HIV have demonstrated that
glutamine supplementation, along with other important nutrients
including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, and
N-acetylcysteine, may reduce the severe weight loss associated with
this condition.
Peritonitis
Glutamine supplementation has long been known to maintain the
health of the mucosa (inner wall) of the gastrointestinal tract and
inhibit muscle wasting in critically ill patients. Keeping the
intestinal mucosa healthy helps prevent infections such as peritonitis
(inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the
abdominal wall and covers most of the organs of the body).
Animal studies indicate that a diet supplemented with glutamine may
protect the lining of the intestine, inhibit the growth of bacteria,
and improve survival rates in animals with peritonitis.
Additional studies of people at high risk for peritonitis infection
suggest that diets high in glutamine, arginine, and omega-3 fatty acids
may lower the risk of infection by more than 50% and significantly
shorten the length of hospital stay. These results are somewhat
controversial, however, as the way that these supplements appear to
work involves an inflammatory response in the peritoneum -- a reaction
known to cause peritonitis.
Athletes
Athletes who train excessively may deplete their glutamine
stores. This is because they are overusing their skeletal muscles,
where much of the glutamine in the body is stored. Athletes who
overstress their muscles (without adequate time for recovery between
workouts) may be at increased risk for infection and often recover
slowly from injuries. This is also true for people who participate in
prolonged exercise, such as ultra-marathon runners. For this select
group of athletes, glutamine supplementation may be useful.
Cancer
Many people with cancer have abnormally low levels of glutamine.
For this reason, some experts speculate that glutamine may prove to be
a good addition to conventional treatment of cancer under certain
conditions. In fact, nutritional support with supplemental glutamine is
often used in malnourished cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or
radiation treatments and sometimes used in patients undergoing bone
marrow transplants.
Glutamine is used to protect the lining of the small and large
intestines from damage caused by chemotherapy or radiation. Glutamine
may also protect against the development of mucositis (breakdown of the
mucosal membranes of the mouth and nasal passages) caused by therapy
for head and neck cancer.
Ulcers
Glutamine can aid in healing stomach ulcers and prevent inflammation of
the stomach that is caused by chronic use of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS).
How to
Take It
Glutamine should be taken with cold or room temperature foods or
liquids. It should not be added to hot beverages because heat destroys
glutamine. Most Glutamine has no taste and can be added to any liquid.
Dose
Doses ranging from 500 to 1,500 mg per day are generally considered
safe. Amounts as high as 5,000 to 15,000 mg per day (in divided doses)
may be used by Athletes and very active individuals.
Precautions
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with
medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the
supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
Glutamine powder should not be added to hot beverages because heat
destroys this amino acid. Glutamine supplements should also be kept in
a dry location. Moisture leads to breakdown of this substance.
People with kidney
disease, liver disease, or Reye's syndrome (a rare, sometimes fatal
disease of childhood that is generally associated with use of aspirin
in conjunction with chicken pox or an upper respiratory illness) should
not take glutamine.
Many elderly people have diminished kidney function and may need to
reduce the dose of glutamine.
Glutamine is different from glutamate (glutamic acid), monosodium
glutamate, and gluten. Glutamine will not cause symptoms (headaches,
facial pressure, tingling, or burning sensation) associated with
sensitivity to monosodium glutamate. People who are gluten sensitive
can use glutamine without problems.
Packing Information:Each powder is put into a HDPE container, Heat Sealed, and labeled with dosing based off 1/4 tsp. Some items may be hygroscopic and may clump during shipment. This does not effect the efficacy of the product, but just the texture.