Benefits of L Glutamine

L glutamine plays a key role in muscle maintenance, intestinal stress and the immune system. The question is, what are the benefits of L glutamine supplements? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it appears the jury is still out on the benefits of L glutamine supplements as it pertains to athletes and guys looking to build muscle. There have been a variety of studies that show they work, but there have also been studies showing that the benefits of L glutamine supplements aren't actually realized. Again, as it pertains to athletic performance and the building of muscle anyway.

So who do you believe? Do they work or don't they? It's hard to say and the reality is the only way of knowing is to try them out and see if you notice any of the supposed benefits of L glutamine that we'll cover here. Before we discuss those benefits, I want to recommend you grab a copy of Will Brink's eBook called, Bodybuilding Revealed. Brink is a sports nutrition expert and has spent years studying supplements and their effectiveness. In his book, he covers over 25 of the most popular nutritional supplements - including glutamine. Based on his years of research and studies, he gives his expert opinion on each supplement and tells you which ones really work and which ones don't. He also provides dosage recommendations for those he believes are effective. It's a great book and if you're serious about taking your muscle building and weight loss efforts to the next level, it's a "must have."

Now, let's take a look at three possible benefits of L glutamine supplements...

Muscle Maintenance
L glutamine helps repair and build muscle as it is linked to protein synthesis and improved protein metabolism. Its anti-catabolic ability prevents the breakdown of muscle. Another benefit of L glutamine in muscle maintenance is that it helps restore muscle glycogen, which aids in recovery and recuperation. It stands to reason then, that glutamine supplements may improve the repair and building of muscle when the body's own glutamine stores are depleted, which occurs during periods of physical stress (intense workouts, surgery, colds, etc.).

Glutamine supplements may also help increase growth hormone levels. Growth hormone helps metabolize body fat and supports new muscle growth. According to a recent study, supplementing with just two grams of L glutamine daily increased growth hormones by over 400%! Finally, like creatine, glutamine may also promote cell volumization. Cell volumization is when water is drawn inside muscle cells which can help increase muscle “fullness.”

Immune System
L glutamine supplements may also help boost the immune system by being one of the building blocks for the body’s most powerful anti-oxidant, glutathione. For bodybuilders and athletes, the need for glutamine increases due to the added stress to the body. Without adequate levels of L glutamine stores in the body during this stress, susceptibility to illnesses increases. You can’t lift weights or exercise when you’re sick so strengthening the immune system is important. Glutamine supplements may restore depleted glutamine levels in the body, which would boost the immune system and consequently, help prevent you from getting sick. This could be a significant benefit of L glutamine supplementation.

Intestinal Stress
Glutamine has pronounced effects on the health of the gut. Some studies have found that supplementing with glutamine can even cure ulcers.

We've looked at the possible benefits of L glutamine supplements, let's look at the L glutamine side effects...

L Glutamine Side Effects

The good news is, there appears to be no adverse L glutamine side effects. Glutamine occurs naturally in the body so it’s a safe supplement to take. You may, however, experience an upset stomach if you take excessive amounts of L glutamine so stick with the recommended doses.

Where to buy L-Glutamine?

I've tried many different brands of it and I've found that the best overall deal is the Bioplex 1000gm (100 servings per container) at Bodybuilding.com - Bioplex L-Glutamine, 1000 Grams. However, a lesser expensive, but still good brand is the NOW Foods brand here at 150 servings per container - NOW L-Glutamine 1500. I have no scientific evidence to back this claim, but the Bioplex just digested in my system much better than the other brands. You get more for your money with the NOW brand, though. Your mileage may vary!

Other Glutamine Related Pages:

What is L Glutamine?
Glutamine Supplements
Glutamine Peptides vs. L Glutamine
Glutamine Dosage Recommendations
Recommended Glutamine Supplements