WHAT IS GLUTAMINE?

Glutamine is an often-talked-about amino acid for athletic performance, but it has many more functions than just supporting muscles! Glutamine, or L-glutamine, is the most abundant amino acid in the body, and it’s involved in many different processes.¹ It is referred to as conditionally essential because there are many situations where the body needs more of it than it’s able to produce on its own.

Within the body, glutamine is involved in:¹

• Regulation of metabolism
• Protein synthesis and degradation
• Energy production
• Glycogenesis
• Ammonia detoxification
• Maintenance of the acid-base balance

It also plays an important role in our immune function and gut health because it helps to increase the production of anti-inflammatory and cell-protective factors.^2,3 Glutamine is used in abundance by the epithelial cells lining our gut.⁴ Decreased glutamine availability has been linked with immune system disorders, infections, and gastrointestinal conditions like leaky gut, IBS, Crohn’s, and Colitis.^3,4,5

In the sports world, glutamine is regularly used by people who lead an active lifestyle because of evidence highlighting that hard training and exercise combined with high stress can deplete the body’s glutamine levels.^2,6 Low blood glutamine levels can contribute to muscle loss, poor recovery, reduced immune function along with nervous system, cognitive, and endocrine changes.^2,6

WHO IS GLUTAMINE FOR?

As you can see, the use of glutamine is not just for the physically active or the physically ill – everyone who undergoes periods of stress can likely benefit from a boost in their glutamine stores.

WHY IRON VEGAN L-GLUTAMINE?

Iron Vegan offers a unique fermented L-glutamine that is designed for the ingredient-conscious customer. It is derived from Non-GMO beets and corn and has been bacterially fermented to provide optimal absorption and use by the body. Our formula is an easy-to-use powder that is free from artificial flavours, colours, and sweeteners and is gluten-free and kosher certified.

For the discerning athlete, Iron Vegan provides peace of mind by ensuring that the fermented L-glutamine is Informed Sport certified, having been tested and certified free of banned substances. Iron Vegan also partners with 1% for the Planet, giving back to the earth through support of environmental initiatives.

References:
1. Cruzat, V., Macedo Rogero, M., Noel Keane, K., Curi, R., Newsholme, P. Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation. Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1564. Published 2018 Oct 23. doi:10.3390/nu10111564
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. Wang B, Wu G, Zhou Z, et al. Glutamine and intestinal barrier function. Amino Acids. 2015;47(10):2143–2154. doi:10.1007/s00726-014-1773-4
5. Morris CR, Hamilton-Reeves J, Martindale RG, Sarav M, Ochoa Gautier JB. Acquired Amino Acid Deficiencies: A Focus on Arginine and Glutamine. Nutr Clin Pract. 2017;32(1_suppl):30S–47S. doi:10.1177/0884533617691250
6. Coqueiro, A. Y., Rogero, M. M., & Tirapegui, J. (2019). Glutamine as an Anti-Fatigue Amino Acid in Sports Nutrition. Nutrients, 11(4), 863. doi:10.3390/nu11040863

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.