Glutamine
Glutamine (molecular weight: 146.15 g/mol) is one of the 20
amino acids encoded by the genetic code. Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning it can be produced by the body and is involved in a variety of metabolic processes. Glutamine has recently been re-classified as a conditionally essential amino acid. This means that while the body can make glutamine, under extreme physical stress the demand for glutamine exceeds the body's ability to synthesize it. During times of stress glutamine reserves are depleted and need to be replenished through supplementation. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. Over 61% of skeletal muscle tissue is glutamine. L-glutamine is predominantly synthesized and stored in skeletal muscle. Glutamine is converted into the excitotoxin glutamate within neurons. Glutamine is then transported to the neuron and by the enzyme glutaminase, it is converted to glutamate--the potential excitotoxin. L-glutamine accounts for 30-35 percent of the amino acid nitrogen in the plasma. It contains two ammonia groups, one from its precursor, glutamate, and the other from free ammonia in the bloodstream. Glutamine is one of the three amino acids involved in glutathione synthesis.
Glutathione, an important intracellular
antioxidant and hepatic detoxifier, is comprised of glutamic acid,
cysteine, and
glycine.
Glutamine functions, uses, and health benefits
Glutamine is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Glutamine is converted to glucose when more
glucose is required by the body as an energy source. Glutamine also plays a part in maintaining proper blood glucose levels and the right pH range. It serves as a source of fuel for cells lining the intestines. Without it, these cells waste away. It is also used by white blood cells and is important for immune function. Glutamine assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body, and is the basis of the building blocks for the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Glutamine regulates the expression of certain genes, including those that govern certain protective
enzymes, and helps regulate the biosynthesis of DNA and RNA. Construction of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is dependent upon adequate amounts of glutamine. Glutamine increases the body's ability to secrete
human growth hormone (HGH).
HGH assists in metabolizing body fat and helps to support new muscle tissue growth. Glutamine is important for removing excess ammonia. In the process of picking up ammonia, glutamine donates it when needed to make other amino acids, as well as sugar, and the antioxidant
glutathione. The glutamic acid-glutamine interconversion is of central importance to the regulation of the levels of toxic ammonia in the body, and it is thus not surprising that when the concentrations of the amino acids of blood plasma are measured, glutamine is found to have the highest of all. The health benefits of glutamine include immune system regulation, nitrogen shuttling, oxidative stress, muscle preservation, intestinal health, injuries, and much more. Supplemental l-glutamine can be helpful in the treatment of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, intestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, and connective tissue diseases. Glutamine is the primary source of energy for the various cells of the immune system, including T cells and macrophages. Strenuous exercise, viral and bacterial infections, and stress and trauma in general cause glutamine depletion that starves the immune cells. Glutamine helps to protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract known as the mucosa. Glutamine supplementation maintains the health of the mucosa (inner wall) of the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits muscle wasting in critically ill patients. Glutamine has been shown to enhance the ability of
[COLOR=blue! important][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][COLOR=blue! important][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]medications[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR] to kill cancerous growths. Many people with cancer have abnormally low levels of glutamine. Glutamine protects the liver during toxic
[COLOR=blue! important][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][COLOR=blue! important][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]chemotherapy[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/COLOR], during acetaminophen toxicity, and following a severe inflammatory injury to the liver. Glutamine is used to protect the lining of the small and large intestines from damage caused by chemotherapy or radiation. Glutamine can aid in healing stomach ulcers and prevent inflammation of the stomach that is caused by chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Individuals with advanced stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often experience severe
weight loss (particularly loss of muscle mass). Glutamine combined with antioxidants or other nutrients may help people with HIV to gain weight. Digestion and normal metabolic function of the intestines are dependent upon adequate amounts of glutamine. Glutamine helps to protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract known as the mucosa. L-glutamine levels have been found to be decreased in endurance athletes who train too often and at high intensity. Athletes with a strenuous training schedule may be able to reduce the risk of infections by supplementing with glutamine.
