L-
glutamine is an important amino acid you may be interested in
learning about. Amino acids are the "building blocks"
of protein, and they are classified as "essential" (meaning
the body cannot synthesize them itself and must obtain them from
the diet), or "non-essential" (meaning the body can
make them from various raw materials). L - glutamine is considered
"conditionally non-essential" meaning normally the body
can make enough to meet its own needs. However, in times of stress
or trauma the body can run low on l-glutamine, and needs to obtain
extra from an outside source.So
far, so boring right?Hang
in there, I'm getting to the good stuff.Normally
glutamine is marketed to body builders because it has been shown
to enhance muscle recovery and strength, display anticatabolic
behavior, increase protein synthesis, and muscle hydration --
all important stuff, you'll agree. Those
familiar with Dr Atkins' diet will have heard of glutamine --
Dr Atkins recommends supplementing with it during his diet's initial
period of extreme carbohydrate restriction. L - glutamine helps
protect the lean muscle mass that is so threatened at this stage.
It can also be metabolized into glucose for fuel if necessary.
All in all, a good idea, and a great supplement for this purpose.However,
l - glutamine has been touted as a miracle weight loss supplement
by a few "less than scrupulous" marketers. A recent
release by
The
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that oral
supplementation with as little as 2 grams (about half a teaspoon)
of glutamine significantly elevated circulating growth hormone
levels! Because HGH (human growth hormone) has powerful anabolic
(muscle building) and fat burning powers, various supplement makers
have tossed a few grains of l-glutamine into their compilations
so as to "validate" their outrageous claims.The
biggest contributors to this problem are the makers of the "lose
weight while you sleep" products. Some add a tiny bit of
glutamine into a product's formulation, and claim the powerful
fat burning powers of HGH will burn the weight off you while you
sleep.Here's
the first problem... in order to get the benefits of this amino,
you need to supplement in significant amounts -- with anywhere
between 2-5 grams per serving. The reason is this -- one of the
largest consumers of l-glutamine in the body is the small intestine
-- and you must take in significant amounts in order to get any
past this glutton and into your bloodstream. Most of the "miracle
products" contain only trace amounts of l-glutamine; not
enough for you to obtain ANY benefit. In addition, glutamine is
relatively unstable in solution form.Second
problem... Yes, growth hormone has both anabolic and fat burning
powers, but it has yet to be demonstrated that relatively brief
periods of increased serum growth hormone has any *significant*
effect on weight loss. Again, it's a case of putting the cart
before the horse for the sake of a few dollars. It's a shame,
because glutamine is a very worthwhile supplement.Proper
Supplementation:L-glutamine
is a tasteless, odorless white powder. It can be mixed with water,
juice, or diet pop, as long as it is consumed immediately (I recommend
mixing with juice, otherwise it tastes like "chalk-water").
I recommend 5 grams (1 teaspoon) twice daily -- on an empty stomach
before bed and immediately upon rising. Bodybuilders and those
on the severe carbohydrate restriction period of the Atkins diet
may wish to double this, and add two more divided doses.
At 10
grams a day, 300 grams will do you for the month, at a cost of
about $28. Here's some glutamine sources from my favorite online
retailer...
AST
GL3 Glutamine, 300 grams
AST
GL3 Glutamine, 600 grams
EAS
Glutamine 1000mg
Final
recommendation? A great supplement for body builders, anyone on
the Atkins low carb diet, and anyone who wants the possible benefits
of elevated serum growth hormone levels. I take this stuff daily.
Just don't expect the weight to melt off you while you sleep.
:-)
