L-Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the blood stream. In the body, amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein which is the main component of tissues including muscles. Typically, the body can manufacture or obtain from the diet enough glutamine to meet the body’s needs. However certain types of increased stress can deplete glutamine levels. Cancer, burns, trauma, or intense exercise can reduce glutamine levels and increase the need for supplementation.

Glutamine’s main role is to enable the body to fight off diseases and infections. Low levels can also affect the digestive system. Injuries, burns, infections and even surgical incisions place stress on the body. This stress causes the body to release cortisol which in turn depletes glutamine stores. Because of the key role glutamine plays in the immune system, any significant drops cause wounds to heal more slowly. Glutamine supplementation can help the body boost immune function, reducing infection and encouraging healing.

Some athletes may also benefit from glutamine supplements. Excessive exercise or prolong exercise (like for a marathon) lowers levels. This opens the athlete up to more infections and slower time recovering from injuries.

Individuals who suffer with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) may also experience relief with glutamine. Glutamine protects the intestinal lining in healthy individuals. In IBD the lining is damaged but taking additional glutamine can help encourage its healing. It also eases the diarrhea that often accompanies IBD.

Early animal studies indicate that glutamine may act as an appetite suppressant. More research is needed in humans to verify this effect.

L-Glutamine by Vitabase is a pure crystalline, free-form amino acid.