Glutamine Food Supplement

Glutamine is a very popular amino acid among athletes: it supports the elimination of waste and the protection of cells, the production of energy and the manufacture of new proteins. But although it is naturally present in the body, glutamine in a dietary supplement may be necessary for situations of intense physical stress, such as during rigorous training.

What is glutamine?

Glutamine is the most abundant non-essential amino acid in the human body and plays a crucial role in the functioning of many organs. Although it is naturally produced by the body, its abundant presence does not diminish its importance. It is essential for protein synthesis and is involved in various metabolic pathways. During times of stress, such as during intense physical activity, proteolysis accelerates and the glutamine requirements of organs such as the liver, intestine and immune system increase, which can reduce glutamine stores in skeletal muscle. This deficiency can limit the body's ability to respond to metabolic stress, affect the function of certain tissues and have a negative impact on clinical outcomes. Thus, although our bodies can produce glutamine naturally, it is sometimes consumed more quickly than we can make it, particularly in times of stress, intense physical exertion or illness. A glutamine dietary supplement therefore helps support these mechanisms for optimal health.

What is the role of glutamine in a dietary supplement?

Glutamine is a type of amino acid , a sort of building block that our bodies use to make proteins. It is found throughout our bodies, but is most abundant in muscles and blood. A glutamine supplement will support the following key functions (1):

1. Nitrogen Transport : Glutamine helps transport nitrogen, a vital element, in our blood. This is crucial for removing waste from our bodies and maintaining a healthy balance of acids and bases in our blood.
2. Metabolic role : It helps make new proteins and other important molecules in our bodies (like DNA, which carries our genetic information). In the intestines, for example, glutamine is converted into another compound that is then used to produce energy and help make glucose, an important energy source.
3. Oxidation Protection : Glutamine supplements help produce a substance called glutathione, which protects our cells from damage caused by oxidants, a type of waste product produced when our bodies use oxygen.
4. Energy source : Glutamine can be burned as fuel to produce energy, especially useful for the cells in our gut and immune system, which need it to function properly (2).

Athletes: what are the benefits of glutamine as a dietary supplement?

Support for muscle recovery

During intense exercise, muscles experience micro-tears and use their glutamine stores to repair themselves. Supplementing your diet with glutamine as a sports supplement may help replenish these stores more quickly, which could promote more efficient recovery and reduce muscle fatigue after exercise.

Strengthening the immune system

Intense training can temporarily weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections. Glutamine is used by immune cells as an energy source. Glutamine supplementation may therefore support the immune system during times of physical stress, to maintain an effective defense against disease.

Protection against muscle breakdown

During times of stress or physical overload, the body may draw on muscle protein stores to meet its energy needs, which can lead to loss of muscle mass. Glutamine supplementation may help limit this muscle breakdown by providing an alternative energy source for muscles and supporting protein synthesis.

Improved gut health

Glutamine is used by cells in the intestine as their main source of energy (3). For athletes, maintaining good gut health is crucial: a healthy gut promotes better absorption of nutrients essential for performance and recovery. Glutamine supplementation may therefore help support gut function, particularly after intense physical exertion.

Sources:

(1) https://www.revmed.ch/revue-medicale-suisse/2001/revue-medicale-suisse-2369/glutamine-metabolisme-et-physiopathologie

(2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0985056209000740

(3) https://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-04157725v1/file/THESE18.06%20hugues%20elisa%20impression.pdf