Ultimate Glutamine

Glutamine is one of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It is classified as a non-essential amino acid because the human body can synthesize it on its own.

However, under certain conditions, such as intense exercise, stress, illness, or injury, the body's demand for glutamine may exceed its ability to produce it, making it conditionally essential in such situations. In these cases, glutamine may need to be obtained from the diet or through supplementation.

The terms Glutamine and L-Glutamine is often used interchangeably as there is not much separating the two except a slight difference in their chemical structure. Glutamine supplements are always in the form of L-Glutamine which is more effective for you.

No, glutamine and glutamic acid are not the same; they are two different amino acids with distinct chemical structures and functions.

Glutamine: Glutamine is one of the 20 standard amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. In addition to being a component of proteins, glutamine plays several essential roles in the body, including acting as a precursor for other amino acids, supporting the immune system, and being involved in nitrogen transport.

Glutamic Acid: Glutamic acid is also one of the 20 standard amino acids. Its chemical structure is very similar to glutamine. Glutamic acid is known for its crucial role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, where it functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter, facilitating communication between nerve cells.

Industrial production through fermentation: Glutamine is produced on industrial scale through fermentation using microorganisms. This method is used to manufacture L-glutamine, the biologically active form of the amino acid. 

Here's how glutamine works and its role in the body:

1. Protein Building Block: Glutamine is one of the building blocks of proteins. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, which is essential for tissue repair, muscle growth, and overall maintenance of the body's structures.
2. Immune Function: Glutamine is a significant contributor to immune system health. Immune cells, particularly white blood cells and certain intestinal cells, use glutamine as their primary energy source. During times of stress or infection, the demand for glutamine by these cells increases to support their optimal function.
3. Nitrogen Transport: Glutamine is involved in transporting nitrogen between tissues. It serves as a carrier of nitrogen, moving it between different organs and cells, aiding in various metabolic processes.
4. Gut Health: The cells lining the intestines use glutamine for energy and to maintain their structural integrity. It helps support the health and function of the intestinal lining, which is vital for proper nutrient absorption and barrier protection against harmful substances.
5. Antioxidant Properties: Glutamine acts as an antioxidant in the body, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to various health issues.

1. Protein building block: Glutamine serves as a building block for proteins. It is involved in the synthesis of muscle tissue and supports the growth and maintenance of muscles.
2. Immune system support: Glutamine plays a vital role in supporting the immune system. It is a significant energy source for immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, helping them function efficiently to defend the body against infections and illnesses.
3. Intestinal health: The cells lining the gastrointestinal tract use glutamine as a primary source of energy. It helps maintain the integrity and function of the intestinal lining, promoting gut health and enhancing nutrient absorption.
4. Antioxidant properties: Glutamine is known to have antioxidant effects, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
5. Nitrogen transport and balance: Glutamine is critical for transporting nitrogen between tissues. It helps maintain a positive nitrogen balance, which is essential for protein synthesis and overall cellular health.
6. Detoxification: Glutamine plays a role in the detoxification process by aiding the removal of ammonia, a waste product of protein metabolism, from the body. This is particularly important for liver health.
7. Energy production: Glutamine can be converted into glucose in the liver through a process called gluconeogenesis. This is especially important during times of stress, fasting, or intense physical activity when the body requires additional energy.
8. Brain health: Glutamine is a precursor to the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is essential for brain function and cognition.

Who can supplement Creatine?

Adults have around 80–130 g of creatine in their bodies. Every day about 1–2 % of this creatine is broken down and excreted, so it has to be replenished. Given your daily requirement of creatine, consumption of meat and synthesis of creatine by your own body may only provide maintenance levels of creatine. The body’s need for creatine to maximize your creatine levels may be significantly greater and that is why a creatine supplement may be right for you.

Muscle soreness, also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), is the pain and stiffness that occurs after engaging in intense or unaccustomed exercise.

Glutamine has been suggested to help with muscle recovery as some studies have shown that supplementing with glutamine may reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery however these results might be due to various other factors, such as study design, individual variability, and exercise protocols.

Overall, while glutamine may have some potential benefits for muscle recovery and soreness, it is not a magic solution. Other factors, such as proper nutrition, hydration, adequate rest, and appropriate exercise programming, are essential for managing muscle soreness effectively.

Glutamine is considered beneficial for individuals with leaky gut or intestinal permeability problems because it is a primary fuel source for the cells lining the intestines (enterocytes) and helps maintain the structural integrity of the gut barrier. It supports the regeneration and repair of the gut lining, which is vital in protecting against increased permeability and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

Several studies have explored the potential benefits of glutamine in gut health, especially in conditions associated with increased intestinal permeability, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it's crucial to note that while glutamine can be beneficial for some individuals with gut issues, it may not be a cure-all solution, and the treatment for leaky gut involves a multifaceted approach.

5g - one Scoop.

Add 5g Glutamine to a cold beverage, juice, electrolytes or a post workout shake. Stir and consume. Use up to 3 serves daily, including one serving after exercise. Ideally add to your post workout shake. Product is unflavoured so will need to be sweetened.

 Ideally add to your post workout shake. Alternatively, it is also completely safe to take daily at any time. 

1. Athletes and Bodybuilders: Glutamine is believed to play a role in muscle recovery and immune system support. Athletes engaged in intense training and bodybuilders may take glutamine supplements to potentially aid in muscle repair and reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness.
2. Individuals with Intestinal Issues: Glutamine is known to support the health of the intestinal lining. People with certain digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or leaky gut syndrome, may use glutamine to help promote gut healing and reduce inflammation.
3. Immune Support: Glutamine plays a role in supporting the immune system. During times of stress or illness, individuals may consider taking glutamine to potentially bolster their immune function.

It's essential to seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.

Your healthcare professional can assess your individual health status, consider any potential risks or benefits, and guide you on whether glutamine supplementation is suitable for you during this period.