L-glutamine is part of almost every protein source, as this single amino acid accounts for about 60% of all free amino acids in the body.

 

L-glutamine is normally made from other amino acids in the diet, but as more may be needed by some people under certain circumstances it is called a “conditionally essential” amino acid. It is a key ingredient added to brain/mind formulas because it is effective at getting across the blood-brain barrier and it can serve as the brain's backup source of energy. L-Glutamine is the only amino acid that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, glutamine is converted into L-glutamic acid, known simply as glutamic acid. While glucose is the brain's primary source of energy, the brain can utilize glutamic acid as a backup fuel.

 

L-glutamine has been effective in increasing the IQs of mentally deficient children. L-glutamine is also the precursor for the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) for proper brain function and mental activity. It is found in both plant and animal proteins. L-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. No other nutrient is as important as glutamine for gastrointestinal health. Glutamine rapidly facilitates healing and restores the health of mucous membranes inside the colon (large intestine). Unlike other amino acids that have a single nitrogen atom, glutamine contains two nitrogen atoms that enable it to transfer nitrogen and remove ammonia from body tissues, regulating blood pH and protecting the kidneys and those with peptic ulcers. Glutamine supplementation reduces stomach inflammation caused by chemotherapy and can be useful in cases of diarrhea. The body often cannot synthesize enough glutamine to heal wounds, preserve lean tissue and nourish the immune system following major surgery or physical stress. Providing supplemental glutamine avoids all of these complications, normalizes amino acid levels, speeds healing, and improves overall surgical recovery.

 

Glutamine is also the primary source of energy for the immune system. One of the reasons that cancer patients lose lean tissue (muscle mass) is because of a depletion of glutamine. An analysis of polyps in the colon shows that they have a significantly lower glutamine content than healthy colon tissue. When our T-cell reserve (a standard measurement of immune activity) is low in glutamine the macrophage cells lose strength. But when L-glutamine is given in large doses, the immune system responds. This versatile amino acid also is a component of the important antioxidant glutathione.

 

Glutamine can inhibit fatty buildups inside the liver and aid medical treatment of cirrhosis, and also has been used to curb the desire to drink alcohol. Cravings for sugar can be alleviated by taking L-glutamine.The National Institute of Mental Health has acknowledged glutamine's influence on sugar cravings. By preserving lean tissue, which encourages the burning of fat, this amino acid helps cleanse the body of waste products that are created by fat metabolism, thus helping achieve proper weight maintenance. Prolonged exercise causes microscopic injuries to the muscles and, for a long as two weeks after a workout, lowers body's glutamine stores. Glutamine supplements should be taken on an empty stomach with no other protein sources, preferably in the morning or between meals. For peptic ulcers take a minimum of 500mg daily on an empty stomach.

 

 

Precautions: 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. Because L-glutamine possibly reduces sugar and alcohol cravings, it could be considered for treating recovering alcoholics. L-glutamine should be kept absolutely dry or the powder will degrade into ammonia and pyroglutamic acid.