Found in higher amounts throughout the body, glutamine is primarily found in skeletal muscle. There are a number of foods that contain high levels of this amino acid. Supplements with glutamine are often used to build or enhance muscle mass and treat certain medical conditions.
Within your system, this amino acid performs several functions, including production of protein. As previously mentioned, it plays an essential role in the proper functioning of your immune system. It also has a significant role in your brain function and digestion.
The majority of its users consume this product to enhance their exercise performance. Some of them use it to alleviate signs and symptoms of health conditions, like anxiety, depression, insomnia, ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease.
Those who are undergoing chemotherapy can also benefit from this amino acid to protect them against the harsh effects of such treatment. Furthermore, patients who experienced traumatic injuries or surgery can take advantage of this amino acid.
Here is a list of health benefits that scientists were able to find. Even though research about the health benefits of taking a supplement with glutamine is very limited, some studies did suggest that such product can provide you with positive effects.
Improve athletic performance
In addition to creatine, glutamine is also widely used by bodybuilders and athletes to help them improve their sports performance. But because your body naturally makes it, it is not necessary for you to take such supplement, unless your dietary intake is not enough.
Most athletes do take this supplement to protect them against impairment related to strenuous exercise.
There were a few clinical trials conducted to look at the effects of this amino acid in sports performance. But, in one study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, it was discovered that glutamine did not enhance the exercise performance of a group of male athletes.
Help in cancer treatment
In some studies, researchers were able to find a link between faster recover}’ of patients undergoing cancer medical treatment and intake of glutamine supplement. According to a report published in 1999, scientists noted that the supplemental use of this amino acid did help in offsetting glutamine depletion that occurred in cancer patients.
Furthermore, said report also noted that it prevented toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
And it might increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.
However, the authors of said study cautioned patients about glutamine’s ability to stimulate growth of some tumors.
In another study conducted, researchers found that patients who underwent colorectal surgery have reduced their hospital stay by simply taking a glutamine supplementation.
Enhance brain function
When it is converted to glutamic acid, glutamine could enhance mental abilities of humans.
Bodybuilders and athletes are more prone to infections, like colds and flu. This is usually the case because any type of exercise can cause glutamine levels in the body to decrease, leaving tissues vulnerable to illness. But supplementing your body with glutamine can help you stay healthy in spite of the new strains of flu virus.
There are other conditions that can be alleviated through the use of glutamine supplement. Some of them are related to digestion problems, stress, severe burns, and so on.
Because your body is made up of different organs and tissues, you will feel ill if one of them is compromised. But through the help of this type of supplement, you can prevent the effects of severe training while promoting good health.