Gregory Chandler - Glutamine

By Gregory Chandler


Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and muscles. Glutamine stimulates the synthesis and inhibits the degradation of proteins. Glutamine is a carrier of nitrogen and has been called the "nitrogen shuttle." Research suggests that glutamine, when taken post exercise, stimulates glycogen resynthesis. Many people who exercise or train frequently and do not take glutamine post exercise have been shown to have low plasma levels of glutamine. Several hours of recovery are required before normal plasma levels are restored, and if not fully restored before your next training session can lead to overtraining.

Other types of metabolic stress such as illness, inflammation, injury, infection and surgery can deplete glutamine reserves, which is why glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid and must be obtained from the diet. Glutamine works synergistically with insulin to hydrate the cells, which makes supplementing with glutamine and carbohydrate immediately after exercise critical.

I would suggest a minimum of 5 grams of glutamine after exercise.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law