Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, and it’s involved in many processes. We now refer to Glutamine as conditionally essential because there are many situations where the needs of the body are greater than its ability to produce it. This is why supplementation can be a wise consideration.

Glutamine is not new to the active lifestyle and athlete community partly because research has shown that hard training and or exercise combined with high stress can deplete your glutamine levels. This can increase the risk of Overtraining Syndrome.  Low blood Glutamine may increase the risk of this syndrome and there are serious consequences when left unaddressed.  Muscle loss, poor recovery, reduced immune function and a number of nervous system, cognitive and endocrine changes may arise.  It can be hard to resolve once it gets going so many active individuals supplement with glutamine to support recovery and avoid this issue. (4).

Endurance athletes are also at high risk.  They commonly manifest with upper respiratory tract infections.  This is most commonly seen in marathon runners and triathletes, but all long-distance activities fit here.  Glutamine supplementation has been shown to help reduce the severity and frequency of these infections (5).

Glutamine-Not Just for Athletes

What many people may not realize is that Glutamine isn’t just for the athlete or the physically active.   In fact, a recent statement from the International Council on Amino Acid Science (ICAAS) explained that large amounts of Glutamine are used by the body during stress and critical illness.

Glutamine has been used abundantly in clinical settings to enhance post-operative states and to aid healing of the body after viral or bacterial infection. It’s also major fuel for the immune system supporting recovery after surgery, trauma, burns, or sepsis (parenteral supplementation-IV etc) (1)

Glutamine is also used abundantly by the epithelial cells of the gut.  This has important implications for people dealing with digestive health issues like Leaky Gut, IBS, Crohns and Colitis. (1)

Other Benefits of Glutamine:

There are many other benefits of glutamine including being a key amino in the production of Glutathione.  It’s also shown to reduce the severity of age-related muscle loss (Sarcopenia)

So now, maybe you’re realizing that supplementing with a daily dose of glutamine might be a smart idea.  Now what?

We recommend Iron Vegan Fermented L-Glutamine!

Iron Vegan is brand focused on bringing you the cleanest and highest quality products.  Fermented L-Glutamine is specifically focused on muscle repair and immune support.

Fermented L-Glutamine is going to be your best choice as It’s a much higher quality form of glutamine that has been bacterially fermented to provide better absorption.

Iron Vegan focuses on clean ingredients. It contains no artificial colours or sweeteners.  This product is Gluten Free and Kosher.  It uses non-GMO vegan sources (beets or corn).  It’s also Informed-Choice Certified.  This certification provides peace of mind that the product is tested and is free of banned substances.

Each serving provides you with 5 grams of L-Glutamine so most people will take a teaspoon per day after their workout with their post workout nutrition.  A couple of other great windows is before bed and or first thing in the morning.  Research has documented intakes from 5 grams up to 45 grams for particular medical requirements.

Everyone is under stress today and stress affects all of our body systems including the immune system.  We need all the support we can get.

By Tammy Strome  RNCP, HBa kin, CCP, IFBB Pro

Integrative High Performance Coach

*Please note that anyone with possible compromised Liver or Kidney function should consult with their doctor before taking any amino acid supplement.  Not intended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

References:

1. Sharp NC, Koutedakis Y. Sport and the overtraining syndrome: Immunological aspects. Br Med Bull 1992;48:518-533
2. Agostini F, Biolo G. Effects of physical activity on glutamine metabolism. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care 2010;13:58-64:
3. Lindsay-Rae B. Weltzel, Wischmeyer P. Glutamine in critical illness: the time has come, the time is now. Critical Care Clinics 2010;26: 515-525
4. Antonio J, Street C. Glutamine: A potentially useful supplement for athletes. Can J Appl Physiol 1999; 24:1-14.

5. Castell LM, Newsholme EA. The effects of oral glutamine supplementation

on athletes after prolonged, exhaustive exercise. Nutrition 1997;13:738-742

6. Garcia-de-Lorenzo A et al. clinical evidence for enteral nutritional support with glutamine: a systematic review. 2003;19(9):805-811)

About the Author: Iron Vegan

Iron Vegan is made for high performance and adventure, enhanced by the power of plants to fuel a new generation of athletes. Learn more at ironvegan.ca