There are two forms of glutamine – glutamine peptides and L glutamine. L glutamine is “free form,” meaning it is free from being bonded to other amino acids, thus making it less stable. Glutamine peptides, on the other hand, are bonded to other amino acids with peptide bonds. This allows for better transport into the blood stream and muscle tissue where it is needed.

Glutamine peptides are recognized to be the most bioavailable form of glutamine available and are estimated to be absorbed at a rate that is approximately double that of equivalent amounts of free form l glutamine. The digestive tract has peptide transport systems that allow peptides to be better absorbed and better utilized than free form amino acids like L glutamine. Glutamine peptides are also more stable in solution, higher temperatures and low PH than free-form L glutamine.

Glutamine peptides may also be the answer to what scientists call the “glutamine paradox.” Glutamine has numerous possible benefits, but the “paradox” is that a large majority of ingested free form L glutamine does not actually make it into the blood stream and get into the muscle tissue. Anywhere from 50-85% of oral glutamine is used by the intestines, liver and immune system. The result is very few of the glutamine benefits related to muscle maintenance are actually realized. With glutamine peptides having a much higher rate of absorption, the benefits are more likely to be realized; hence the “glutamine paradox” may be solved.

Glutamine peptides provide the same benefits as L glutamine and there are no adverse side effects of taking glutamine peptides. There have been rare reports of people having constipation and bloating with high doses of glutamine peptides. People with renal and liver failure should be very cautious in the use of glutamine peptide supplements. If you are pregnant or nursing you should avoid the use of oral glutamine peptide supplements unless directed by your doctor.
 

Other Glutamine Related Pages:

What is L Glutamine?
Glutamine Supplements
Benefits of L Glutamine & L Glutamine Side Effects
Glutamine Dosage Recommendations
Recommended Glutamine Supplements