GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The most abundant amino acid in muscles and blood, glutamine provides fuel for various cells
of the immune system and is a critical component in wound
repair. The body can make glutamine, but may not make
enough when the body is under stress. Glutamine is found naturally in beans, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, dairy products, eggs, fish,
legumes, meat, nuts, seafood, seeds, soy, whey, and whole
grains.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Preliminary evidence suggests that glutamine
might help prevent infections in people who
are over-stressed and athletes who are overtrained
– and thus immunosuppressed. Glutamine
may also be useful as a nutritional supplement for people
undergoing recovery from illness. Some scientists have also
suggested that glutamine could be useful as a
treatment for food allergies. This speculation is based on a theory called “leaky
gut syndrome,” where proteins leak through the wall
of the digestive tract and enter the blood, causing allergic reactions. There is some evidence to
support this theory as several studies have suggested that
glutamine supplements might reduce leakage through the
intestinal walls. Because of this glutamine supplements have been suggested for people with other
digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome,
Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. However, there have
also been trials that have found that glutamine supplements were of no benefit to these people. Glutamine may be of benefit to patients with HIV as
it has been shown to increase levels
of glutathione, which interferes with viral activation, as well as significantly increasing
lean body mass. Based on glutamine’s role in muscle, the
amino acid may be useful for athletes experiencing
overtraining syndrome.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
There are no known symptoms of glutamine deficiency.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Doses range from 1.5 to 6g daily, divided into
several separate doses. The majority of healthy people do not need to take supplementary glutamine.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
established – glutamine is generally regarded as
safe.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People who are hypersensitive to monosodium
glutamate (MSG) should use glutamine with caution, as the body metabolises glutamine into
glutamate. Individuals taking antiseizure medications, for
example carbamazepine, phenobarbital, Dilantin (phenytoin),
Mysoline (primidone), and valproic acid (Depakene), should only take supplementary glutamine
under medical supervision. People with kidney or liver
disease should consult their doctor before taking
supplementary glutamine.
