The Science of Glutamine Benefits: Strengthening Gut, Immunity, and Mind

By HealthMeansWealth

The Importance of Glutamine for the Body

Glutamine benefits almost every cell in the body, synthesizing antioxidants like nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Roughly 70 to 80 g of glutamine is in an adult body, and the body produces about 40 to 80 g per day.

Enhanced Immune Function

Glutamine supports immune cells by providing energy to neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes.

Improved Digestive Health

Glutamine is essential for intestinal health, compared to the need for glucose for energy. GLS is an enzyme that breaks down glutamine into glutamate. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter.

Increased Muscle Growth  and Recovery

Skeletal muscles store and produce a significant portion of glutamine in the body. To be more precise, the muscles contain roughly 80% of the body’s glutamine.

Liver Support

The liver is responsible for blood detoxification, bile production, and managing carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, drugs, blood p, and storing glycogen (energy stores).

Brain and Cognitive Benefits

A research study on mice showed that L-glutamine’s antioxidative properties increased other super antioxidants and weakened the risk of developing ischemic brain injury. Glutamine’s immune benefits protect pre-term baby brain development by fighting infections.

Wound Healing

Glutamine supplementation and topical application increase wound healing from chemo and radiation.

Weight Management

After 14 days, participants in the obese category had diminished waist circumferences. Additionally, in a rat study, glutamine showed benefits of improved insulin and reduced adiposity.

Overall, most research studies report that around 30g of glutamine supplementation per day, in addition to dietary consumption, provides a wide range of health benefits. Increasing protein intake can increase lean muscle, aid in weight loss and gut health, and obtain higher levels of L-glutamine.