L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is found in high-protein foods - fish, beans, meat and dairy products and research shows that L-Glutamine helps facilitate the release of growth hormone.

Glutamine Research Highlights

A study by Castell (2001) [1] showed that in clinical situations and during high-intensity exercise, L-Glutamine decreases the incidence of infections and a study by Khogali et al. (2002) [2] indicates that Glutamine may be beneficial for patients with coronary heart disease.

Two grams of glutamine gets the job done

These studies by Castell (2001) and Khogali et al. (2002) follow earlier research findings by Welbourne (1995) [3] that two grams of glutamine will significantly increase HGH growth hormone. Many protein recovery drinks sold today contain up to five grams of glutamine - so two grams may be considered a small dose.

What does this mean to you?

High-intensity training significantly reduces the body's supply of glutamine, and this needs to be replaced.

The pre-workout strategy of filling up the glutamine fuel tank before training may do much more than simply help to replenish a nutrient that is used during exercise. Glutamine may help facilitate the release of HGH during training.

L-Glutamine is a powerful supplement and has many wonderful benefits but there can be drug interactions with glutamine and some forms of chemotherapy. Always check the possible side effects of supplements with your doctor.

Referenced Material

CASTELL, L.M and NEWSHOLME, E.A. (2001) The relation between glutamine and the immunodepression observed in exercise. Biomedical and Life Sciences, 20(1), p. 49-61
KHOGALI, S.E. et al (2002) Is glutamine beneficial in ischemic heart disease? Nutrition, 18 (2), p. 123-126
WELBOURNE, T.C. (1995) Increased plasma bicarbonate and growth hormone after an oral glutamine load, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61, p. 1058-1061

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2007) L-Glutamine [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/lglutamine.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page: