1. What is Glutamine and where does it come from?
Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid, and one of the 20 amino acids encoded by the standard genetic code.
Like other amino acids, Glutamine is a biochemically important building block of proteins. Glutamine is absolutely crucial in nitrogen metabolism. Glutamine can, in fact, be used as a nitrogen donor in the biosynthesis of many compounds, such as other amino acids.
The amino acid Glutamine can be found in high-protein foods such as protein powders, beans, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products. Pure Glutamine and Glutamine-containing supplements of the highest quality are available from A1Supplements.com.
2. What does Glutamine do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
As a nutritional supplement, Glutamine is used in weightlifting, bodybuilding, and endurance sports primarily for Glutamine's ability to replenish the body supply of amino acids.
Studies find Glutamine supplementation is healthy because it is helpful particularly post-workout to assistant muscle recovery by replenishing amino acid supply as well as bettering the body's immunity via fortification of the intestinal tract, where the responsibility for up to 70% of the body's immunity lies. Therefore, Glutamine is highly in demand throughout the body. It is used in the gut for immune system maintenance and throughout the body as an amino acid replenisher. Approximately 60% of free-form amino acids floating in skeletal muscles is Glutamine.
Glutamine plays a very important role in protein metabolism, and it appears to be a very important nutrient for athletes and others who regularly exercise. When supplemented, it helps the body body by reducing the amount of muscle deterioration that occurs because other tissues that need Glutamine will not rob the Glutamine stored in the muscle cells to rebuild.
Research shows that after intensely working out, Glutamine levels in the body are reduced by as much as 50%. Since the body relies on Glutamine as cellular fuel for the immune system, scientific studies have shown that Glutamine supplementation can minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and improve protein metabolism.
Its effects on replenishing the body after stress or trauma have been shown in Europe where it is commonly given to patients in hospitals.
Glutamine's cell-volumizing effectshave also been shown in several studies. No conclusive studies have been done to evaluate the effects of Glutamine supplementation on weight-training adults; however, a recent study showed up to a 400% increase in growth-hormone levels when as little as 2 grams of free-form Glutamine supplement was consumed!
3. Who needs Glutamine and how much should be taken? Are there any side effects or symptoms of deficiency?
Bodybuilders, athletes and those who regularly exercise can particularly gain from the intake of Glutamine. Since we use a lot of their Glutamine when working out, this creates an environment in our body which is more susceptible to health related problems, as the immune system relies heavily on this amino acid.
Catabolism or muscle break down can occur if the body robs muscles of Glutamine for use elsewhere such as nitrogen transport or maintaining the immune system. Glutamine supplementation is certainly important in keeping muscles building--not deteriorating.
Bodybuilders can benefit by taking ten grams of Glutamine per day, although clinical studies have not determined a precise amount for muscle metabolism optimization.
There are no clinically reported side effects associated with Glutamine supplementation, because it is a nutrient naturally occurring in the body. Reports of an upset stomach are associated with ingesting a great deal of Glutamine, so follow the recommendations on the label for best results.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.