What, Why and How to Use Glutamine

Whether you are someone who exercises routinely or not, L-Glutamine is an important supplement you might want to consider for overall health and wellness.

As the scientific evidence continues to grow, glutamine supplementation becomes more and more popular...or very good reasons.

An important amino acid with many functions in the body, it is not only a building block of protein but also a critical part of proper immune and intestinal systems function. Although it is considered a non-essential amino acid, meaning your body can actually produce it, for many, supplemental glutamine is necessary for optimal benefit.

Read on for a good look at what Glutamine is and how it can benefit your body.

What is Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant nonessential amino acid in the human body and one of the few amino acids that can directly cross the blood-brain barrier.

While glutamine is both found in foods, and produced by the body, it is often considered a conditionally essential amino acid as there are circumstances where the demand for glutamine outweighs the supply.

Glutamine exists in two variations, D-Glutamine and L-Glutamine. They are almost identical but do have slightly different molecular structures. The L-glutamine is found in foods and supplements, the form found in protein drinks.

As a note, the typical daily diet contains between three grams to six grams. Obviously, this can vary considerably depending on the specific nutritional choices. Some plant-based food like beans have a good percentage of Glutamine but the greatest amounts are found in animal products (hardly a surprise, given the protein-rich contents).

You will see below why ensuring your glutamine intake is on the higher end is so very important.

Why Should I Use Glutamine

Due to the role glutamine plays as a building block of protein, scientists have long suspected that it could assist in gaining muscle and improving performance during exercise, but there is little to no question about the benefit glutamine plays in recovery.

Studies have shown those who were using glutamine supplements had less muscle soreness and recovered faster after high-intensity workouts, as well as, reduced fatigue on subjects who ran for two hours during testing.

However, glutamine's most important functions have nothing to do with fitness. The mountains of research showing the benefits of supplemental glutamine on immunity, injury, and intestinal function are even more important in our view. For this reason, high-protein diets, have become common recommendations for those recovering from injuries. Research has shown that using supplemental glutamine during recovery actually results in better health, reduced infections, and shorter hospital stays after surgery.

So, while the benefit during the time of recovery is key, glutamine also plays an important part in the intestinal function and immune system on a daily basis.

Your intestines are actually the largest part of your immune system and glutamine is an important energy source for these cells. In addition, glutamine helps maintain the barrier between your intestines and the rest of the body, ensuring that you do not have a leaky gut. A leaky gut will allow bacteria and other harmful toxins to move from the intestines to other parts of the body (NOT GOOD)!

As we hope you can see, glutamine is not, in any way, just for those who exercise regularly. Overall health and wellness are far more important a benefit to this amino acid usage.

How Should I Use Glutamine

To date, studies on supplemental glutamine have ranged between 5g per day up to 45g per day with no side-effects of concerns shown. In short, normal and higher-than-normal amounts of glutamine are not only safe, but needs can and will vary depending on individual circumstances.

Those recovering from illness or injury would most likely benefit from higher supplemental intake in the short-term, while those looking for the overall wellness benefits will likely do well with 5-10g per day.

Our intake timing suggestions are quite simple.

If you maintain any sort of fitness regiment, you will best be served to split your glutamine servings up in your pre and post-workout regiment.

If you are not exercising, or on days where you do not, a single serving, in the morning, mixed into your favorite drink or shake will do just fine.

For those not familiar with supplemental glutamine, great news...glutamine powder is flavorless, tasteless, and mixes instantly with a spoon or shaker, so you can truly include it in water, juice, and anything else you so choose.

That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Pretty simple to include to your overall wellness regimen so give it a go!

3D Labs Nutrition to the Rescue

Your health and well-being are at the forefront of our business.

It is not that we are not concerned with how you look in the mirror, but honestly, after 30+ years in and around the industry, we know firsthand, how you look is a byproduct of how you feel and perform. In other words, how healthy you are.

At 3D Labs Nutrition, we believe supplemental Glutamine is a beneficial addition to almost all adult's daily diet, whether you exercise religiously or not. This belief is the reason our Glutamine is not only the highest quality but also, an extremely affordable price. We want to make glutamine a foundational product for all.

Always Remember...

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Until next time...PROGRESS, not PERFECTION!

Don't forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

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