The amino acid glutamine is the most abundant in our bodies. It helps to support a variety of healthy functions, including:
Protein production for muscle tissue
Providing energy to cells that protect our intestines
Immune system cell support
Assisting in the detoxification of foreign substances from the liver
Your body produces glutamine, but we also get it from foods such as wheat, peanuts, corn, and milk. Deficiency is extremely rare and is caused by a genetic disorder rather than a lack of intake.
However, research suggests that taking glutamine supplement may have some health benefits, and scientists are continuing to investigate the amino acid’s potential to prevent or treat certain conditions.
Health Advantages
While our bodies produce the glutamine we require to function, it may require more when under stress due to injury or illness.
Many clinical studies have shown that glutamine helps to alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments such as muscle wasting, oral inflammation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Supplementation has also been linked to shorter hospital stays and lower rates of mortality in sick patients.
These findings are supported by research on the health effects of glutamine, which includes:
Immune System Aid
Glutamine is the primary source of energy for your body’s lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infection and disease. However, when we are sick or injured, our blood glutamine levels drop, reducing the ability of these immune cells to defend our bodies.
While there is conflicting evidence on whether it improves immunity in healthy people, studies show it can speed up recovery and reduce complications when you’re sick.
Regulation of Intestinal Health
The immune system support provided by glutamine is closely related to its activity in our intestines. The amino acids aids in the maintenance of your intestinal lining, ensuring that your body absorbs the nutrients it requires, thereby supporting good health and protecting against serious problems such as leaky gut syndrome.
Because our gut is the largest organ in our immune system, some scientists believe glutamine may help with immunity.
There is evidence that glutamine supplements may benefit people with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and gut inflammation.
Help with Muscle Recovery
Glutamine is required for muscle protein maintenance. It first gained popularity as a muscle-building and fat-burning supplement. Scientists are still investigating these claims, and while studies have yet to confirm any muscle-building effects, it may help reduce fatigue and improve exercise recovery.
According to research, athletes who supplemented with glutamine experienced less muscle soreness and strength loss. It may also reduce muscle damage and improve exercise performance, but research into these effects is ongoing.
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