by Paul Cribb, B.H.Sci HMS
AST Director of Research

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and there is a big reason why. L-Glutamine plays a regulatory role in many important processes of cellular metabolism such as fuel production from protein, carbs and fats. L-Glutamine is essential to cell turnover; the regeneration and growth of all new cells as well as immune activation.

For building muscle, glutamine is essential. The amount of glutamine within muscle governs protein synthesis rates and contractile protein mass as well as supplies precursors for antioxidant protection. Glutamine is also thought to play a role in maintaining healthy insulin secretion. Glutamine has been shown to regulate the expression of many genes related to metabolism, signal transduction, immune defense and cellular repair. Thus, the function of glutamine goes beyond that of a simple metabolic fuel or protein precursor as previously assumed.

Periods of intense metabolic stress such as exercise training easily outstrip the body’s synthesis capabilities for this amino acid. Research still hasn’t been able to determine an amount that will optimize results from intense exercise. AST GL3 L-Glutamine , are you getting enough of this amazing amino acid?

Source: Journal of Cell Physiology, 2005.

End of Glutamine - Back to Homepage