Have you heard about the incredible health benefits of L-glutamine? First used in powder form by people in the fitness industry including bodybuilders who were looking to preserve muscle tissue, L-glutamine also simply called glutamine is an amino acid that is a building block of protein and needed by your body in large amounts.

The most common original uses of glutamine powder were to meet the following goals: to lose weight fast, burn fat and help build muscle. While that remains the case, science now shows that glutamine benefits are abundant. With the chemical formula C 5 H 10 N 2 O 3 , glutamine is one of 20 naturally occurring amino acids found in protein foods.

It makes up 30 percent to 35 percent of the amino acid nitrogen in your blood. It means that yo ur body can make some on its own but uses it in large amounts. It also becomes essential when an individual faces disease or specifically muscle wasting.

This can happen in the course of certain diseases or even physical trauma. Amazingly, around 60 percent of your skeletal muscle is made up of glutamine — and supplementing with this amino acid can aid protein synthesis and help naturally balance your pH levels. Found in both animal and plant proteins including in high levels in both casein and whey protein , glutamine is also available in supplement form and widely popular in the fitness community and beyond.

Glutamine can be found in animal proteins, such as meats and dairy, along with plant-based protein sources, such as beans, raw spinach, parsley and red cabbage. Studies estimate that most people probably consume between three and six grams of glutamine from their daily diets.

To obtain a healthy amount, a general recommendation is to consume at least three servings of these L-glutamine-rich foods daily. What are the benefits of taking glutamine? New research now shows that L-glutamine benefits the body in the following ways:.

L-glutamine benefits your overall health by supporting gut function and digestive processes. It can be beneficial if you have a digestive condition , such as:. Additional research supports this finding.

For example, a study published in the journal of Clinical Immunology found that L-glutamine normalizes the effects of the TH2 immune response that stimulates inflammatory cytokines. The effects of L-glutamine in these studies show that it reduces intestinal inflammation and can help people recover from food sensitivities.

It seems helpful for reducing intestinal colonization and bacterial overgrowth of pathogens. This may reduce the risk for widespread issues ranging from constipation to weight gain. There are millions of people struggling with a condition called leaky gut syndrome. It is essentially the main cause of autoimmune disease today.

Because glutamine is the major fuel source for cells of the small intestine, it has been shown to support intestinal health and help treat leaky gut in clinical studies. A study published in the medical journal Lancet referenced above examined 20 hospital patients and found that supplementing with L-glutamine decreased intestinal permeability.

An animal study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that L-glutamine benefits ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. It also shows promise for treating ulcers by providing protection from further damage.

Plus, it offers a healthier, natural alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of stomach ulcers. If, indeed, you appear to have leaky gut, L-glutamine is the No. A precursor to the neurotransmitter glutamate in your brain, glutamine is key to boosting your brain health. A disruption of the glutamine-glutamate cycle can result in all kinds of brain problems, including:.

Glutamine can also help stall brain aging. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

L-glutamine pronounced as el gloo' ta meen. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow?

What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names.

Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking L-glutamine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to L-glutamine, any other medications.

If you follow a plant-based diet with low glutamine content, you may be able to consume supplements while still receiving a normal daily amount of it overall. If you decide to take a glutamine supplement, it is probably best to start with a conservative dose of around 5 grams per day.

Summary Intake of the glutamine found in foods, as well as the short-term use of supplements, is safe. However, glutamine supplements can affect how your body processes amino acids.

More studies on their long-term use are needed. L-glutamine is the important form, which is produced naturally in the body and found in many foods. It is estimated that a typical diet contains 3 to 6 grams per day.

It provides fuel for immune and intestinal cells and helps keep the connections in the intestines strong. During times when your body cannot produce optimal amounts, such as during injury or severe illness, supplementing with it may be beneficial for your immune health and recovery.

Glutamine is also frequently used a sports supplement, but most research does not support its effectiveness. Supplementing appears to be safe in the short-term, but more research is needed on its long-term effects.

Before taking a glutamine supplement, consider whether the reason for taking it is supported by current evidence. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Share on Pinterest. What Is Glutamine? It Is Found in Many Foods.

How can you reduce bloating? In the bowel, glutamine appears to contribute to the following functions. L-glutamine can also boost immune cell activity in the gut, helping prevent infection and inflammation and to soothe intestinal tissue.

L-glutamine deficiency can occur with:. L-glutamine helps people with IBS by working to protect the mucous membrane of the digestive system.

The mucous membrane blocks bacterial infiltration during digestion. L-glutamine supplements appear to be safe for most people, although some have experienced constipation and bloating.

Doctors sometimes prescribe L-glutamine for sickle cell disease under the name Endari. Endari can have the following adverse effects:. In the United States, some research suggests that the most common dietary sources of glutamine include:.

Beans, lentils, and other high-protein foods can also help boost glutamine levels. Other supplements that may benefit people with IBS include digestive enzymes.

These can help the body break down foods into smaller molecules, making them easier to absorb. Examples of digestive enzymes a person with IBS may take include the following:.

Do digestive enzymes work for IBS? At present, there is not enough scientific research to prove that L-glutamine improves the symptoms of IBS, but some evidence is emerging to support its use. In , a small study focused on people with diarrhea-predominant IBS that had developed after an infection.

Results showed that In a study , two groups of 22 people followed a FODMAP diet for 6 weeks, either with or without a daily supplement of 15 g of glutamine. They all had symptoms of IBS. There was a significantly higher improvement in scores among those taking the supplement compared with those following the diet alone.

While this suggests L-glutamine may help manage IBS symptoms, the researchers note that they need more studies to establish a suitable dose.

Plans are currently underway for clinical trials on the effect of glutamine on diverticulitis , an infection that can occur in the colon. Anyone with IBS who is considering taking L-glutamine supplements should first speak with a doctor.

If they use supplements, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage instructions and seek medical advice if any adverse effects occur. A review of existing research indicates that vitamin D supplements could help to ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as abdominal pain.

Irritable bowel syndrome affects over a tenth of the population globally, but many go undiagnosed. Nobody knows what causes it, however. To make sure glutamine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether glutamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether glutamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA Use Glutamine Endari exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. When treating short bowel syndrome, you may need to take glutamine 6 times per day for up to 16 weeks.

The number of times per day you take glutamine depends on the reason you are using it. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Take glutamine tablets on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Dissolve your dose of glutamine oral powder in at least 8 ounces of hot or cold liquid. You may also mix the powder with a soft food such as pudding, applesauce, or yogurt. Stir the mixture and eat or drink all of it right away.

Do not pour dry glutamine powder directly into a tube feeding formula. Always mix the powder with water and infuse it directly into the feeding tube using a syringe. Glutamine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet, tube feedings, and IV fluids.

It is very important to follow the diet and medication plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin.

These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription over-the-counter [OTC] medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.

These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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