What's Glutamine?

[Maximum6]

I was wondering what Glutamine is.....been searching..but i don't really understand it. Something about Amino Acid..?? Is this something to consider to use for performance?

[Troyster]

You're correct, Glutamine (L-Glutamine) is one of the non-essential amino acids.

AMINO ACIDS are the "building Blocks" of the body. They are utilized in building cells, tissue repair and muscle activity. Protein is made up of 22 amino acids. Eight are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body) the rest are non-essential and are manufactured in the body by eating the right components (easily assimilated through a "normal" diet).

Studies have revealed that Glutamine (among other components, which is not the focus of this topic) is thrown, in abundance, at injured tissues by the body (in this case we consider a fatigued or worked muscle as "injured").

So, the logic is that making available, to you body, abundant supplies of glutamine will assist with recovery and muscle tissue repair and reduce recovery time. That's one of the largest "touted" benifits.

There are, however, many other benifits touted as well:
(see link below for the source of this info)
Why should I take L-Glutamine?
- Boosts immune system function
- Maintains muscle mass
- Prevents muscle catabolism (breakdown)
- Enhances glycogen storage
- Aids recovery from exercise

... By supplementing the diet with L-Glutamine, weight training athletes may be able to prevent muscle tissue breakdown and help promote cell volumization. When L-Glutamine is in short supply, muscle tissue becomes the first to sacrifice it. Thus muscle tissue breaks down which leads to "flat" muscles, less strength and a very unfavorable environment for muscle growth. However, when L-Glutamine is in abundant supply, the opposite occurs. High muscular levels of L-Glutamine and other cell volumizers like Taurine, can lead to protein metabolism and cell volumizing. Cell volumizing is a process whereby water molecules are pulled into the muscle cell, helping them look "fuller" or more "pumped" and thereby creating the necessary conditions for muscle growth.

The above excerpt taken from here (please read for more detailed info and recommendations on how much to take):

www.omnisport.ca/Glutamine.htm

Regards.

Troy

[Tim Wescott]

Good stuff Troy!!

You have a great knowledge of supplements bro.

I beleive also that it`s the most prevelant amino acid found in skeletal muscle tissue so it makes sense to use it.

I have used it in the past and did great, but I really don`t know if I can attribute my gains to the glutamine only, as I was taking quite a few supps at the time and my diet was spot-on.

It surely didn`t hurt me though, as I looked my best at the time!!

I gotta` go out and get me some more!