L-Glutamine - Glossary

L-Glutamine

A conditionally-essential amino acid. L-glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and participates in a wide variety of metabolic reactions. Glutamine is particularly important in the gut, where it functions as an energy source for the cells lining the small intestine.  It also helps maintain glucose homeostasis and acid-base balance, and is needed for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids.

Glutamine is a common bodybuilding supplement, although it appears to have little impact on muscle growth or performance.  Supplemental glutamine does, however, have therapeutic uses for critically ill/injured patients. Supplemental glutamine may also enhance the secretion of growth hormone.

For more information, see Paul’s article, “L-Glutamine: Potent Appetite Suppressant, Craving Killer & More!

Author: elissa

Elissa is a former research associate with the University of California at Davis, and the author/co-author of over a dozen articles published in scientific journals. Currently a freelance writer and researcher, Elissa brings her multidisciplinary education and training to her writing on nutrition and supplements.

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