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L-Glutamine
Occurrences in nature
Glutamine is the most abundant naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid in the human body and one of the only amino acids which directly crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the body it is found circulating in the blood as well as stored in the skeletal muscles. It becomes conditionally essential (requiring intake from food or supplements) in states of illness or injury.
Dietary sources
Dietary sources of L-glutamine include beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, dairy products, cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, and parsley. Small amounts of free L-glutamine are also found in vegetable juices and fermented foods, such as miso.
Functions of l-Glutamine
Glutamine has a variety of biochemical functions including:
• A substrate for DNA synthesis
• Major role in protein synthesis
• Primary source of fuel for enterocytes (cells lining the inside of the small intestine).
• Precursor for rapidly dividing immune cells, thus aiding in immune function
• Regulation of acid-base balance in the kidney by producing ammonium.
• Alternative source of fuel for the brain and helps to block cortisol-induced protein catabolism
• In catabolic states of injury and illness, GLN becomes conditionally-essential (requiring intake from food or supplements).
Glutamine has been studied extensively over the past 10-15 years and has been shown to be useful in treatment of serious illnesses, injury, trauma, burns, cancer and its treatment related side-effects as well as in wound healing for postoperative patients. That is why it is now also classified as a "nutraceutical". Glutamine is also marketed as a supplement used for muscle growth in weightlifting, bodybuilding, hGH-stimulation, endurance and other sports.
Glutamine and the Brain
Glutamine has also been taken to enhance brain function as it fuels two of the brain's most important neurotransmitters: glutamic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It also assists in nitrogen transportation and reduces toxic build up of ammonia in the brain (though is contra-indicated for those with Reye's Syndrome). Hence, it has been used to aid memory, increase IQ in those with mental retardation, used to support those with schizophrenia and senility. It has also been used in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety and depression. It has also been used in recovery programs to break sugar craving cycles in alcoholics and assist people in the management of sugar craving in diabetes. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and preserves Glutathione (important for detoxification and immune support) levels in the liver.
Glutamine is contraindicated for those with Reye's Disease, cirrhosis of the liver and kidney diseas
L-glutamine as a hGH-stimulating amino acid.
L-Glutamine is a semi-essential amino acid. While glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, there is evidence that taking a glutamine supplement can have positive effects. In a 1995 study by Thomas C. Welboume of Louisiana State University College of Medicine in Shreveport, Welbourne showed that a surprisingly small oral dose of about 2 grams of glutamine raised growth hormone levels more than four times over that of a placebo. Even more exciting, age did not diminish the response at least in this small study of volunteers, who ranged from thirty-two to sixty-four years.
Glutamine also has many positive effects on preventing muscle wasting and increasing general health. High levels of glutamine in the blood translates into greater health as a 1994 study showed. In a survey of thirty-three people over the age of sixty, those at the top of the scale of blood glutamine levels had fewer illnesses, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and were closer to their ideal weights than people at the bottom of the scale in this nutrient. The low-glutamine subjects had higher rates of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, while those who were high in glutamine said that they felt great.
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