Glutamine

Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are used by the body to carry out normal function. By conditionally essential, it is meant that glutamine can be manufactured to some degree by the body. Of course, the body also relies on dietary sources of glutamine. However, in certain conditions, the body is incapable of manufacturing enough glutamine to meet its overall demand. Therefore, exogenous supplementation is often required.

Glutamine itself is used by the body in roles such as the detoxification processes, augmentation of immune function and processes associated with digestive efficiency. Glutamine also serves as a precursor for various neurotransmitters used by the body\'s central nervous system, such as glutamic acid and GABA (gamma amino benzoic acid). Interestingly, glutamine, in its role as a precursor for various body neurotransmitters, can create transmitters associated with increased alertness, hyper vigilance, and increased energy. In addition, it can serve a role in precursive neurotransmitter synthesis for compounds, such as GABA, which have a relaxation response. In clinical studies, it has been shown that patients who supplement with glutamine often relate a significant improvement in overall energy level as well as the feeling of general, overall calmness.

Glutamine has been shown to enhance recovery during surgical trauma and other types of injuries, such as thermal or burn injuries. It has been shown to enhance the rate of healing from multiple types of physical trauma. Glutamine also plays a role in the maintenance of normal muscle cell metabolism and muscle mass and preservation of lean muscle tissue. It normalizes immune cell function and aids in the body\'s role of the detoxification processes, by helping to move toxins out of the body.

Glutamine seems to play a favorable role the physiological regulation of blood sugar metabolism. It is, therefore, effective for patients who may be at risk for certain types of diabetes or hypoglycemia. In addition to its role in effective blood sugar regulation, it also seems to play a role in maintenance of normal body weight as some studies have shown that higher doses of glutamine are effective as an adjunct in weight loss.

There are no known side effects from glutamine.

If you have any questions, please contact the Advanced Medical Center.

Dale Guyer, M.D.