Glutamine is the most common amino acid (a building block of protein) in the blood.
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Glutamine Supplement Facts
What Is Glutamine?
Glutamine is anamino acid, which are the building blocks of protein.
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Glutamine plays several important roles in the body.
Glutamine is essential for regulating nitrogen balance in the body.
Nitrogen is important because it helps build proteins, which are needed formuscle growthand repairing tissues.
Supportsintestinal health:Glutamine helps balance gut bacteria and maintains the intestinal lining.
May reduceheart diseaserisk:Glutamine may help improve heart health by reducing inflammatory markers and supporting better metabolic function.
Glutamine supplements may support wound healing by reducing inflammation and speeding up recovery.
Clinical trials have shown that supplementation may shorten hospital stays and help people with burns heal faster.
May prevent cancer:Many people with cancer have low glutamine levels.
Glutamine supplementation may help prevent cancer by supporting healthy cell function, improving gut health, and limiting inflammation.
May relieve oral mucositis:Oral mucositis (painful mouth sores) is a common side effect ofcancer treatments.
Glutamine supports gut health and reduces inflammation, which can help the body fight infections better.
This could lead to better health and improved treatment results for people living with HIV.
It also helps reducevaso-occlusive crises, a painful condition where sickled cells clump together and block blood flow.
Food Sources
Glutamine is found in food, especiallyplant and animal protein sources.
Food sources of glutamine include:
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that the body naturally produces.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Glutamine supplements are widely available.
Most supplements are labeled as L-glutamine.
you might find them in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules, tablets, or liquids.
Glutamine is also found in manyprotein powder supplements.
Again, most people dont need to take a glutamine supplement.
Although, you may benefit from one if you have a chronic illness or do intense physical activity.
Side Effects
Getting more glutamine than your body needs can cause more harm than good.
When shopping for glutamine supplements, read labels carefully.
Do not confuse glutamine for another chemical calledglutamate(glutamic acid).
Taking too much glutamate can cause seizures and kill brain cells.
Who Should Not Take Glutamine?
Glutamine supplements arent suitable for everyone, so consult your healthcare provider before use.
They should be avoided in the following cases:
Glutamine may interact with some herbs and medications.
Dosage
Most adults consume between 3 and 6 grams of glutamine daily from foods.
However, supplementation may be necessary for some, especially under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
People with severe burns or undergoing cancer treatment may benefit from glutamine supplementation.
While the FDA has approved prescription products like Endari and Nutrestore, over-the-counter glutamine supplements have not been approved.
Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements for exercise and athletic performance.
National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 5961, Glutamine.
Food and Drug Administration.Endari label.
Food and Drug Administration.Nutrestore label.
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Mount Sinai.Glutamine.