Introduction
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that is found freely in the human body, in fact, it is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is one of the 20 amino acids encoded by the genetic code.
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning it can be produced by the body and is involved in a variety of metabolic processes.
Amino acids are small molecules used by the body to construct proteins. L-Glutamine is part of many of the proteins our bodies produce, including proteins in muscles, immune cells and in the protective lining of the intestines.
Dietary Sources of Glutamine
Dietary sources of glutamine include plant and animal proteins such as beef, eggs, pork and poultry, milk, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, raw spinach, raw parsley, and cabbage.
Glutamine is also found in other foods high in protein, such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy products.
Small amounts of free L-glutamine are found in vegetable juices and fermented foods, such as miso and yogurt.
Stress and L-Glutamine
Under normal circumstances, the body is capable of manufacturing all the L-glutamine it needs to create these proteins. When the body is under stress from illness or even vigorous exercise, muscle tissue releases L-glutamine to meet immediate demands in other parts of the body.
L-Glutamine and HIV
The body's demand for glutamine may exceed its ability to produce it when the body is under stress for a long period of time, such as in HIV infection. While as an amino acid, it is considered nonessential, it may be essential in patients with loss of muscle tissue due to disease conditions associated with HIV infection.
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Glutamine-supplemented foods in some patients have been shown to prevent deterioration of gut permeability, protect against the development of intestinal mucosal atrophy, and improve nitrogen balance.
Glutamine supplementation can attenuate loss of protein in the muscle and protect immune and gut-barrier function during radiochemotherapy in patients with advanced cancer.
The combination of glutamine and creatine increases muscle mass and power.
Functions of Glutamine in the Body
Glutamine has a variety of biochemical functions including:
- A substrate for DNA synthesis
- Major role in protein synthesis
- Primary source of fuel for the cells lining the inside of the small intestine
- Precursor for rapidly dividing immune cells, thus aiding in immune function
- Regulation of acid-base balance in the kidney by producing ammonium
- Alternative source of fuel for the brain and helps to block cortisol-induced protein catabolism