  |
Can Glutamine Improve Nitrogen Balance in the Body? |
|
Can Glutamine Improve Nitrogen Balance in the Body?
|
Darrell Miller | 05/07/14 |
Date:
May 07, 2014 09:08 AM
Author: Darrell Miller
(dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Can Glutamine Improve Nitrogen Balance in the Body?
Can Glutamine Improve Nitrogen Balance in the Body?
Glutamine also abbreviated as Q is one of the 20 amino acids the genetic code encodes. Glutamine is not an essential amino acid and this means the body can produce it. It is the most abundant of all amino acids with a concentration of 500 to 900 molecules per liter.
Glutamine structure
It has an amide side chain that is formed by replacement of an hydroxy group of glutamic acid. It is coded by COG and CAA.
Glutmine and nitrogen balance
Glutamine does actually improve nitrogen balance in the body. The regulation mechanism occurs by feedback inhibition mechanism. The deamination of glutamate by glutamate dehydrogenase leads tp production of ammonia (NH3) and an alpha ketoglutarate. High concentrations of ammonia can be dangerous to the body, they are neurotoxic and cause disruption of the Urea Cycle and affect the liver. High concentrations of ketoglutarate helps activate glutamine synthetase which acts a a catalyst in the synthesis of glutamate.
This process is controlled by 9 feedback inhibitors. Of the 9 inhibitors, six are products found in glutamate pathway cycle. This helps in regulation of nitrogen at cellular level which is very sensitive. It helps control ammonia levels which can be dangerous at high levels.
Improving anabolic state of the body
Glutamine helps the body muscles recover after intense training. This occurs through energy repletion in the muscles. Boosting of the immune system has also being discovered to be associated by glutamine. It also buffers against the build up of lactic acid in muscles leading to muscle growth.
Glutamine increases the size of the cells and promotes the integrity of the intestines leading to increased absorption by the cells. It also releases a growth hormone that helps in muscle growth.
Conclusion
Essentials of glutamine have been found to be many. Nowadays there are commercially produced glutamine which are taken as strong anti-catabolic supplement.
