Glutamine is the most abundant naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid in the human body and one of the only amino acids capable of directly crossing the blood-brain barrier. It can be found circulating in the blood as well as stored in the skeletal muscles. Even though it is officially classified as “non-essential,” there are some authorities who believe it becomes conditionally essential in states of illness, injury, or physical stress (such as that induced by heavy exercising). Higher intake of glutamine from food or supplements is usually encouraged during these states.
Glutamine Is One Of
The Most Important
Amino Acids For Bodybuilding Success
Glutamine plays a primary role in a variety of biochemical functions:
·Helps to block cortisol-induced protein catabolism
·Aids in DNA synthesis
·Aids in protein synthesis
·Primary source of fuel for cells lining the inside of the small intestine
·Aids in immune function
·Alternative source of fuel for the brain
·Helps to block cortisol-induced protein catabolism
Glutamine’s benefits have been studied extensively over the past 10-15 years. Not only has it been shown to be beneficial for bodybuilders and athletes, but it also aids in the treatment of serious illnesses, injury, trauma, burns, cancer and its treatment related side-effects as well as in wound healing for postoperative patients.
Helps Prevent Muscle Breakdown
Muscle cells are one of the largest storehouses in the body of free form glutamine. In times of illness, stress, injury, or hard exercise, the muscles will surrender their glutamine stores into the bloodstream. Thus, the body’s need for glutamine needs to be replenished either by food, supplements or both. If inadequate amounts of glutamine are present, the muscles actually start to break down (muscle wasting) to provide necessary glutamine to the bloodstream. In other words, blood levels of glutamine will always try to remain stable at the expense of the stores of muscle glutamine.
When the level of glutamine in skeletal muscle decreases, the ability of the muscle to make protein also diminishes. Once glutamine levels decrease, the balance of all the essential amino acids in skeletal muscle then gets out of whack leading to a diminishing of protein synthesis. Thus glutamine plays an important role in preserving muscle mass. We now know without a doubt that supplemental glutamine prevents muscle breakdown.
If you are not using supplemental glutamine in your bodybuilding program, there’s a good possibility you are retarding your muscular growth. While many of the new sports supplements contain added glutamine, it is a good idea to add straight glutamine to your supplements regimen. Our new GLUTAMINE POWDER makes taking glutamine easier than ever. Take 5 grams of GLUTAMINE POWDER in a glass of water before and after training. Or you can do what some bodybuilders do and mix it up with water or your electrolyte drink and sip on it while you train. It is flavorless and mixes instantly in water. |
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