What is Glutamine and What Does it Do For You?
- by amino VITAL
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Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid. In other words, it is synthesized in the body but not made in large enough quantities during periods of stress.
It is an important amino acid with many important functions for your body. Not only is it a critical part of the immune system, but it also has a role in your intestinal health (1). Additionally, many are researching the impact on reduced muscle fatigue and soreness.
See: Reducing Fatigue with Supplementation
This article will focus on 3 primary functions: Immune System Health, Intestinal Health, and Muscle Soreness.
Glutamine and Immune System Health
Glutamine plays a key role in immune function. During a period of intense exercise or stress, the body may not be able to produce enough of it. Glutamine supplements may help improve immune function and preserve protein stores in the body (1). It is used at a high rate by certain cells of the immune system for specific functions. For example, Glutamine availability influences macrophage-mediated phagocytosis (3).
Intestinal Health
Additionally, it helps maintain the barrier between the intestines and the rest of your body. And, aids with the proper growth of intestinal cells (1). If there is a lack of Glutamine, there may be functional upsets with the immune system or the gut.
A study was conducted with a group of 107 children to see their response to this amino acid. In the study, half of the children took a Glutamine supplement, and the other half took a placebo (6). In just 120 days, the children who received the supplement had improved intestinal barrier function. Other research has even showed reduced inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. There is a powerful connection between this amino acid and your gut (5).
Reducing Muscle Soreness
Additionally, this amino acid regulates protein synthesis. In other words, it can reduce muscle protein breakdown (4). Additionally, there is little to no support around the use of Glutamine supplements specifically for muscle gain or strength performance. However, there have been results in supplementation reducing fatigue or decreasing muscle soreness during and after exercise (1).
See: What Is Muscle Protein Synthesis?
A study was conducted to see the effects Glutamine supplementation has on quad muscle strength and soreness following exercise (7). A total of 16 healthy participants volunteered for a double-blind, placebo study. In conclusion, participants taking the supplement over placebo had a faster recovery and reduced muscle soreness (7).
Glutamine In All aminoVITAL Products
For a pre-workout supplement, try Fast Charge 30 minutes before activity. Made with plant-based amino acids (BCAAs, Arginine, Glutamine) + B Vitamins, Fast Charge is designed to boost natural energy and fight fatigue during your workout.
See: What is Arginine and What Does it Do For You?
For increased stamina and performance, drink Action while you workout. Made with plant-based amino acids (BCAAs, Arginine, Glutamine) + electrolytes, Action provides healthy hydration, energy, and focus.
See: aminoVITAL Action Ingredient Breakdown
After your workout, drink Rapid Recovery to minimize muscle soreness and help you recover faster. The plant-based amino acids (BCAAs, Arginine, Glutamine) + complex carbs & electrolytes in Rapid Recovery are clinically proven to help accelerate muscle recovery and reduce next-day soreness.
See: Rapid Recovery Ingredient Breakdown
