L-GLUTAMINE

L-Glutamine is used as a sports nutrition supplement to support muscle recovery and protein synthesis.
L-Glutamine is used together with human growth hormone and a specialized diet to treat short bowel syndrome.
L-Glutamine is also used to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease (blood disorder) in adults and children.

CAS Number: 56‑85‑9 
EC Number (EINECS): 200‑292‑1 
IUPAC Name: (2S)‑2‑amino‑4‑carbamoylbutanoic acid
Chemical Formula: C₅H₁₀N₂O₃ 
Molecular Weight: ~146.14 g/mol 

SYNONYMS:
L-Glutamine, Glutamine, Gln, H-GLN-OH, L-GLN, L-Glutamin, L-Gln-OH, L-Glutamic acid amide, (S)-2,5-Diamino-5-oxopentanoic acid, (2S)-2-amino-4-carbamoylbutanoic acid, Levoglutamide, Glutamic acid 5-amide, Glutamine, 2-Amino-4-carbamoylbutanoic acid, L-Glutamine, (levo)glutamide, 2,5-Diamino-5-oxopentanoic acid, 2-Amino-4-carbamoylbutanoic acid, Endari

L-Glutamine is the most abundant of 20 different amino acids in your body.
An amino acid is a building block of protein.
Proteins help with many jobs.

For example, proteins can help repair body tissues, keep your digestive system working and help your immune system fight germs.
As a protein building block, L-Glutamine plays a role in these functions (and others), too.
L-Glutamine is a conditional nonessential amino acid.

“Nonessential” means you get L-Glutamine from foods you eat, but your body makes it, too.
In contrast, you have to get “essential” amino acids from foods because your body can’t make them.
L-Glutamine is “conditional” because, although your body usually makes enough of it, there may be moments when you need more than your body can make.

For example, your body uses more L-Glutamine when you’re sick or injured.
You may need to compensate by getting more L-Glutamine from outside sources.
But most healthy adults have enough L-Glutamine for good health and don’t need to up their intake.

L-Glutamine (symbol Gln or Q) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
L-Glutamine's side chain is similar to that of glutamic acid, except the carboxylic acid group is replaced by an amide.
L-Glutamine is classified as a charge-neutral, polar amino acid.

L-Glutamine is non-essential and conditionally essential in humans, meaning the body can usually synthesize sufficient amounts of it, but in some instances of stress, the body's demand for L-Glutamine increases, and L-Glutamine must be obtained from the diet.
L-Glutamine is encoded by the codons CAA and CAG.

L-Glutamine is named after glutamic acid, which in turn is named after its discovery in cereal proteins, gluten.
In human blood, L-Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid.

The dietary sources of L-Glutamine include especially the protein-rich foods like beef, chicken, fish, dairy products, eggs, vegetables like beans, beets, cabbage, spinach, carrots, parsley, vegetable juices and also in wheat, papaya, Brussels sprouts, celery, kale and fermented foods like miso.

The one-letter symbol Q for L-Glutamine was assigned in alphabetical sequence to N for asparagine, being larger by merely one methylene –CH2– group.
Note that P was used for proline, and O was avoided due to similarity with D.

The mnemonic Qlutamine was also proposed.
L-Glutamine is marketed as medical food and is prescribed when a medical professional believes a person in their care needs supplementary glutamine due to metabolic demands beyond what can be met by endogenous synthesis or diet.

L-Glutamine is a substance naturally produced in the body to help regulate cell growth and function.
There may also be man-made versions of these substances.
Glutamine is an amino acid.

Amino acids are molecules that play many roles in the body.
Their main purpose is to serve as building blocks for proteins.
Proteins are crucial to the organs.

They also serve other functions, such as transporting substances in the blood and fighting off harmful viruses and bacteria.
Like many other amino acids, it exists in two different forms: L-Glutamine and D-Glutamine.
They are almost identical but have a slightly different molecular arrangement.

The form found in foods and supplements is L-Glutamine.
Some supplements list it as L-Glutamine, but others simply use the broader term L-Glutamine.
While L-Glutamine is used to make proteins and perform other functions, D-Glutamine appears to be relatively unimportant in living organisms.

L-Glutamine can be produced naturally in your body.
In fact, it is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and other body fluids.
However, there are times when the L-Glutamine needs of your body are greater than its ability to produce it.

Therefore, it’s considered a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that L-Glutamine  must be obtained from the diet under certain conditions, such as injury or illness.
Also, L-Glutamine is an important molecule for the immune system and intestinal health.
Glutamine is an important amino acid.

L-Glutamine is the form found in foods, supplements and the human body.
L-Glutamine is part of the proteins in your body and involved in immune function and intestinal health.
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body.

L-glutamine's made in the muscles and transferred by the blood into different organ systems.
L-Glutamine is a building block for making proteins in the body.
It's also needed to make other amino acids and glucose.

L-Glutamine is approved by the US FDA as a prescription drug for sickle cell disease.
Don't confuse L-Glutamine with glutamate or glutamic acid.
These are not the same.

With the chemical formula C5H10N2O3, L-Glutamine is one of 20 naturally occurring amino acids found in protein foods.
L-glutamine’s also the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream.
L-glutamine makes up 30 percent to 35 percent of the amino acid nitrogen in your blood.

L-glutamine’s known as a conditional essential amino acid.
L-glutamine means that your body can make some on its own but uses it in large amounts.
L-glutamine also becomes essential when an individual faces disease or specifically muscle wasting.

This can happen in the course of certain diseases or even physical trauma.
Additionally, L-glutamine’s a conditionally essential nutrient during certain catabolic states, including after bone marrow transplantation.
Amazingly, around 60 percent of your skeletal muscle is made up of L-Glutamine – and supplementing with this amino acid can aid protein synthesis and help naturally balance your pH levels.

Glutamine is an amino acid. 
Amino acids are molecules that play many roles in the body.
Their main purpose is to serve as building blocks for proteins.

Proteins are crucial to the organs. 
They also serve other functions, such as transporting substances in the blood and fighting off harmful viruses and bacteria.
Like many other amino acids, it exists in two different forms: L-glutamine and D-glutamine.

They are almost identical but have a slightly different molecular arrangement.
The form found in foods and supplements is L-glutamine. Some supplements list it as L-glutamine, but others simply use the broader term glutamine.

While L-glutamine is used to make proteins and perform other functions, D-glutamine appears to be relatively unimportant in living organisms.
L-glutamine can be produced naturally in your body. In fact, it is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and other body fluids.
However, there are times when the glutamine needs of your body are greater than its ability to produce L-Glutamine.

Therefore, it’s considered a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that L-Glutamine must be obtained from the diet under certain conditions, such as injury or illness.

Also, L-Glutamine is an important molecule for the immune system and intestinal health.
Summary Glutamine is an important amino acid. L-glutamine is the form found in foods, supplements and the human body. 
L-Glutamine is part of the proteins in your body and involved in immune function and intestinal health.

USES and APPLICATIONS of L-GLUTAMINE:
Nutrition & Health: Dietary Amino Acid: Present in foods like meat, dairy, eggs, fish, beans, spinach, and cabbage.
Conditionally Essential: Although nonessential, L-Glutamine becomes essential during stress, illness, injury, intense exercise, or burns.
Supplementation: L-Glutamine is used as a sports nutrition supplement to support muscle recovery and protein synthesis.
Clinical Uses: An FDA‑approved oral L‑L-Glutamine is used to reduce complications in sickle cell disease.

Biotechnology & Laboratory: Cell Culture: Commonly added to cell culture media as an energy and nitrogen source because many cultured cells consume L-Glutamine rapidly.
L-Glutamine is used together with human growth hormone and a specialized diet to treat short bowel syndrome.

L-Glutamine is also used to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease (blood disorder) in adults and children.
L-Glutamine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
L-glutamine, also known as glutamine, is an amino acid.

Amino acids are organic compounds often referred to as the building blocks of proteins.
They play critical roles in health, such as building new proteins and creating hormones and neurotransmitters (messengers between nerve cells).
Amino acids are considered essential or nonessential.

Unlike nonessential amino acids, your body can't make the nine essential amino acids and you must obtain them through your diet.
L-glutamine is a special type of amino acid categorized as “conditionally essential.”
Conditionally essential amino acids only become essential under specific circumstances, such as severe burns, prolonged exercise, pregnancy, trauma, or illness.

As the most abundant amino acid in your body, L-glutamine is an important fuel source for your immune cells.
L-Glutamine also fights inflammation, protects cells from damage, and plays many other essential roles in health.
L-Glutamine supplements might help gut function, immune function, and other processes, especially in times of stress when the body uses more L-Glutamine.

People take L-Glutamine for sickle cell disease, swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas (pancreatitis), to improve recovery after surgery, for injuries, and for complications of HIV/AIDS.
L-glutamine is also used for diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, obesity, lung cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.

Food Sources use L-Glutamine: Found in both animal and plant proteins (including in high levels in both casein and whey protein), L-Glutamine is also available in supplement form and widely popular in the fitness community and beyond.
L-Glutamine can be found in animal proteins, such as meats and dairy, along with plant-based protein sources, such as beans, raw spinach, parsley and red cabbage.

It’s worth noting, though, that animal proteins tend to provide amino acids that are more digestible than plant proteins.
Studies estimate that most people probably consume between three and six grams of L-Glutamine from their daily diets.

-Sickle cell disease uses of L-Glutamine:
In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved L-glutamine oral powder, marketed as Endari, to reduce severe complications of sickle cell disease in people aged five years and older with the disorder.

The safety and efficacy of L-glutamine oral powder were studied in a randomized trial of subjects ages five to 58 years old with sickle cell disease who had two or more painful crises within the 12 months prior to enrollment in the trial.
Subjects were assigned randomly to treatment with L-glutamine oral powder or placebo, and the effect of treatment was evaluated over 48 weeks.

Subjects who were treated with L-glutamine oral powder experienced fewer hospital visits for pain treated with a parenterally administered narcotic or ketorolac (sickle cell crises), on average, compared to subjects who received a placebo (median 3 vs. median 4), fewer hospitalizations for sickle cell pain (median 2 vs. median 3), and fewer days in the hospital (median 6.5 days vs. median 11 days).

Subjects who received L-glutamine oral powder also had fewer occurrences of acute chest syndrome (a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease) compared with patients who received a placebo (8.6 percent vs. 23.1 percent).

L-glutamine oral powder received orphan drug designation.
The FDA granted the approval of Endari to Emmaus Medical Inc.

-Nutrition uses of L-Glutamine:
L-Glutamine is the most abundant naturally occurring, nonessential amino acid in the human body, and one of the few amino acids that can directly cross the blood–brain barrier.

Humans obtain L-Glutamine through catabolism of proteins in foods they eat.
In states where tissue is being built or repaired, like growth of babies, or healing from wounds or severe illness, L-Glutamine becomes conditionally essential.

THE FOODS WITH THE MOST L-GLUTAMINE:
The foods with the most L-Glutamine include:
*Eggs
*Tofu
*Milk
*Bone broth
*Grass-fed beef
*Spirulina
*Chinese cabbage
*Cottage cheese
*Asparagus
*Broccoli rabe
*Wild-caught fish (cod and salmon)
*Venison
*Turkey
*Corn
*Rice
To obtain a healthy amount, a general recommendation is to consume at least three servings of these L-Glutamine-rich foods daily.

WHAT DOES L-GLUTAMINE DO?
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body.
You might already know that amino acids are ‘building blocks’ used to make proteins.
The body then uses these proteins to help support your muscles, immune system and digestive health, for example.

L-Glutamine is one of 20 amino acids.
Your body can produce some of these amino acids itself, but others you may need to get from your diet.
You can also get L-Glutamine through certain foods, like bone broth, eggs, yogurt, tofu, and leafy greens (like spinach).

However, there can be times when you experience a L-Glutamine deficiency or you feel that you need to boost the levels of this amino acid – for example, after illness or surgery.
There are two types of Glutamine: – L-Glutamine and D-Glutamine.
The most important one to know about is L-Glutamine, since it’s used to make proteins and perform other important functions in your body.

THINK THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF L-GLUTAMINE COULD BE FOR YOU?
It’s best to get L-Glutamine through your diet where you can, but you can also take supplements – they’re readily available and easy to take.

Let’s find out more…
What are the potential benefits of L-Glutamine?
L-Glutamine supplementation has been linked to several possible health benefits, though it’s important to note that the research is still in its early stages.

Many of the studies conducted have been small, and the overall evidence is mixed.
That said, L-Glutamine supplements might offer some potential perks, such as:
Removing excess ammonia (waste products/toxins) from the body.
Supporting your immune function – some immune cells use L-Glutamine as a source of energy.

Supporting the digestive system – L-Glutamine is an energy source for intestinal cells such as enterocytes, which are cells involved in the uptake and absorption of nutrients.
While these benefits are promising, further research is needed to confirm L-Glutamine’s full impact on health.

Effects on Muscle Gain and Exercise Performance
Due to its role as a building block of protein, some researchers have tested whether taking L-Glutamine as a supplement improves muscle gain or exercise performance.

In one study, 31 people took either L-Glutamine or a placebo during six weeks of weight training.
By the end of the study, both groups showed improved muscle mass and strength.
However, there were no differences between the two groups.

Additional studies have also shown that it has no effects on muscle mass or performance.
However, some research has reported that L-Glutamine supplements may decrease muscle soreness and improve recovery after intense exercise.
In fact, one study found that L-Glutamine or Glutamine plus carbohydrates can help reduce a blood marker of fatigue during two hours of running.

L-Glutamine has also been used to try to boost the immune function of athletes, but results vary.
Other research has found that L-Glutamine did not improve the recovery of carbohydrate stores (glycogen) in muscle when added to carbohydrates and certain amino acids.
In the end, there is no evidence that these supplements provide benefits for muscle gain or strength.

There is some limited support for other effects, but more research is needed.
It’s also important to note that many athletes have high protein intakes in their regular diets, meaning they may be consuming large amounts of L-Glutamine even without supplements.

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED L-GLUTAMINE?
L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning your body usually makes enough to support its needs.
Studies show the body produces between 40-80 grams of L-glutamine per day.
Under normal circumstances, the body can maintain a healthy L-glutamine level by producing the amino acid internally and by ingesting L-glutamine-rich foods.

However, after specific situations—such as trauma, overexertion, and pregnancy—supplemental L-glutamine may be necessary to meet the body’s demands and maintain normal L-glutamine levels.

*Burns: 
people with burn injuries can have significant losses of amino acids, including L-glutamine.
Supplemental treatment with L-glutamine and other amino acids can help wound healing, improve immunity, and reduce mortality risk in people who’ve experienced burns as well as other injuries and traumas.

*Intensive exercise: 
Overtraining, such as during high-intensity or prolonged exercises like marathon running, can also lead to low L-glutamine levels.
This can suppress the immune system and increase infection rates in overtrained athletes.
Research findings suggest that blood levels of L-glutamine may decrease by approximately 20% after one hour of marathon running.

*Pregnancy:
L-glutamine also becomes conditionally essential during pregnancy.
This is because the pregnant person's typical production rates are unable to support the needs of both the parent and fetus.

In these situations, L-glutamine intake must be increased through supplementation or increased dietary intake.
In critical care settings, L-glutamine is sometimes administered through an IV.

GOOD SOURCES OF L-GLUTAMINE:
Both plant and animal foods contain L-glutamine.
These include:
*Beef
*Pork
*Poultry
*Fish
*Beans
*Milk
*Yogurt
*Cheese
*Spinach
*Parsley

Since L-glutamine is found in many foods and the body naturally produces it, most people can maintain optimal glutamine levels by following a balanced, nutritious diet.

SUPPLEMENTS, L-GLUTAMINE:
L-glutamine is available in supplement form, including as a standalone supplement.
L-Glutamine can also be found in products that contain multiple amino acids.
These products are available in several forms, such as capsules and powders.

L-glutamine supplements have been linked to several health benefits, such as improving symptoms of sickle cell disease, supporting exercise recovery, improving certain aspects of gut health, and more.

If you’re shopping for an L-glutamine supplement, it’s best to choose products that have undergone independent certification by independent laboratories.
This can increase your chances of buying a safe and high-quality supplement.

There is no determined recommended dose for L-glutamine supplements.
Talk to your healthcare provider about dosing and potential medication interactions before starting a supplement.

BIOLOGICAL ROLES & PROPERTIES OF L-GLUTAMINE:
Protein Synthesis: 
L-Glutamine is a building block of proteins.

Nitrogen Transport: 
L-Glutamine is the major carrier of nitrogen in the bloodstream, donating nitrogen for anabolic processes such as nucleotide and amino acid synthesis.

Cellular Energy: 
L-Glutamine serves as an important energy source for rapidly dividing cells (e.g., enterocytes, immune cells).

Metabolic Intermediary: 
L-Glutamine contributes carbon skeletons to the citric acid cycle, aiding ATP generation.

IMPORTANT FOR HEART HEALTH OF L-GLUTAMINE:
L-glutamine is critical to cardiovascular function and helps reduce heart disease risk factors.
L-Glutamine plays a central role in promoting the function of endothelial cells, which are cells that line the blood vessels.
L-glutamine enhances endothelial cell function and protects the cells against oxidative damage.

The body also uses L-Glutamine to create glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that reduces harmful free radicals and limits oxidative damage to cells.
Low levels of glutathione have been linked to many chronic health conditions, including heart disease.

Maintaining healthy levels of L-glutamine may support optimal glutathione levels, which protects the heart from oxidative damage and prevents heart disease.
L-glutamine may also protect against risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood lipid (fat) levels, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.

A study that included 15,040 people with diabetes found that people who consumed more L-glutamine through their diets had, on average, a lower risk of heart disease, heart disease-related death, and death from all causes.

PRODUCTION OF L-GLUTAMINE:
L-Glutamine is produced industrially using mutants of Brevibacterium flavum, which gives ca. 40 g/L in 2 days using glucose as a carbon source.

BIOSYNTHESIS OF L-GLUTAMINE:
L-Glutamine synthesis from glutamate and ammonia is catalyzed by the enzyme L-Glutamine synthetase.
The majority of L-Glutamine production occurs in muscle tissue, accounting for about 90% of all L-Glutamine synthesized.
L-Glutamine is also released, in small amounts, by the lungs and brain.
Although the liver is capable of L-Glutamine synthesis, its role in L-Glutamine metabolism is more regulatory than productive, as the liver takes up L-Glutamine derived from the gut via the hepatic portal system.

CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION & STRUCTURE OF L-GLUTAMINE:
L-Glutamine is an α‑amino acid containing an amine group (–NH₂), a carboxyl group (–COOH), and an amide side chain.
L-Glutamine is the amide derivative of L‑glutamic acid, with the side‑chain carboxyl converted into an amide.
In solution at physiological pH, L-Glutamine exists predominantly as a zwitterion.

WHAT IS L-GLUTAMINE USED FOR?
The L-Glutamine your body makes plays such an important role in maintaining your overall health that scientists are studying the potential benefits of taking L-Glutamine supplements.
For the most part, though, research shows that healthy people don’t need to take L-Glutamine.

Healthy bodies do a good job of making enough L-Glutamine and getting it from a regular diet.
Some research suggests that taking L-Glutamine can provide benefits in treating some conditions — although the evidence can be unclear.
In most cases, more research is needed to understand any potential benefits of taking L-Glutamine.

*Sickle cell disease
The only FDA-approved use of L-Glutamine is to reduce serious complications of sickle cell disease (SCD).
SCD involves having oddly shaped red blood cells.
These blood cells can get stuck in your blood vessels (veins, arteries and capillaries).
L-L-Glutamine can reduce symptoms, like pain, that can occur when this happens.

*Burns or injuries
Trauma, including severe burns, surgery or other injuries, can lower your L-Glutamine levels.
Not having enough L-Glutamine can prevent your immune system from working effectively.

Some research shows that people who are severely sick or injured may benefit from getting extra L-Glutamine.
Taking L-Glutamine may prevent or reduce infections after surgery.
It can prevent more extensive damage to your organs after a severe burn.

Studies that prove L-Glutamine’s benefits in these situations often involve providers adding L-Glutamine to a person’s feeding tube in the hospital.
Still, it’s not clear if taking L-Glutamine after an injury is effective for everyone.
Much depends on the clinical scenario and the person.

*Cancer
Healthy cells use L-Glutamine as an energy source that helps them function and thrive.
But cancer cells also use L-Glutamine to thrive and spread.
Cancer cells use more L-Glutamine than healthy cells.

They can use so much L-Glutamine that healthy cells don’t have enough to carry out their functions.
Related, people with cancer often have low L-Glutamine levels.
Scientists are studying ways to disrupt the processes that allow cancer cells to thrive using L-Glutamine, but this research is still in the early stages.

But L-Glutamine isn’t only a power source for cancer cells.
L-Glutamine provides benefits to people with cancer, too.
Some studies show that L-Glutamine supplements can help heal tissue after cancer treatments.

For example, L-Glutamine can reduce the pain associated with mucositis, or inflammation of your mouth and digestive tract after chemotherapy.
L-Glutamine may also help relieve symptoms of neuropathy after chemotherapy.
More research is needed to understand how taking L-Glutamine may reduce cancer treatment side effects.

L-GLUTAMINE IS FOUND IN MANY FOODS:
L-Glutamine is naturally found in a variety of foods.
L-Glutamine has been estimated that a typical diet contains 3 to 6 grams per day, but this can vary based on your specific diet.

The largest amounts of L-Glutamine are found in animal products due to their high protein contents.
However, some plant-based foods have a greater percentage of it in their protein.
One study used advanced lab techniques to determine how much L-Glutamine is found in various foods.

The following are the percentages of protein made up of L-Glutamine in each food:
*Eggs: 4.4% (0.6 g per 100 g of eggs)
*Beef: 4.8% (1.2 g per 100 g of beef)
*Skim milk: 8.1% (0.3 g per 100 g of milk)
*Tofu: 9.1% (0.6 g per 100 g of tofu)
*White rice: 11.1% (0.3 g per 100 g of rice)
*Corn: 16.2% (0.4 g per 100 g of corn)

Although some plant sources, such as white rice and corn, have a large percent of protein made up of L-Glutamine, they have fairly low protein contents overall.
Thus, meat and other animal products are the simplest ways to get high amounts of it.

Unfortunately, the exact L-Glutamine content of many specific foods has not been studied.
However, because L-Glutamine is a necessary part of proteins, virtually any food containing protein will contain some L-Glutamine.
Focusing on getting enough protein in your overall diet is an easy way to potentially increase the amount of L-Glutamine you are consuming.

Low L-Glutamine levels may affect metabolism and gut health.
Using L-Glutamine supplements may help manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
However, research is ongoing.

L-Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid that people often simply call L-Glutamine.
L-Glutamine is essential for overall health.
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and essential for many bodily functions.
People often use the terms Glutamine and L-Glutamine interchangeably, but they have different structures.

The body needs essential and nonessential amino acids to create various proteins.
A nonessential amino acid is a protein that the body can produce.

A person does not need to get it from food.
Some research suggests L-Glutamine may help manage symptoms in people with IBS.

Does L-Glutamine work for IBS?
The body needs protein for most functions, and amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins.
L-Glutamine is the most plentiful amino acid in the body and supports intestinal health.
For this reason, it may help people with IBS.

What is IBS?
IBS refers to a group of symptoms that affect a person’s digestive system.
It can cause the following symptoms:
*Bloating
*Cramping in the abdomen
*Constipation
*Diarrhea
*Severe upset stomach
*White mucus after a bowel movement
Some research has suggested that taking L-Glutamine supplements can help manage the symptoms of IBS.

WHAT ARE GOOD FOOD SOURCES OF L-GLUTAMINE?
Most of the L-Glutamine you get from food comes from high-protein animal products.
But you can get L-Glutamine from other sources, too.

L-Glutamine food sources include:
*Meat, including beef, pork and poultry.
*Dairy products, including eggs, milk, yogurt and cheese.
*Protein-rich non-animal products, including nuts and tofu.
*Vegetables, including corn and red cabbage.
*Grains, including rice and oats.

Most healthy people get enough L-Glutamine from the food they eat without having to stress about meal planning.
If your body needs extra L-Glutamine, it makes it.
This is what makes L-Glutamine a nonessential amino acid.

FUNCTIONS OF L-GLUTAMINE:
L-Glutamine plays a role in a variety of biochemical functions:
Protein synthesis, as any other of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids.
Lipid synthesis, especially by cancer cells.

Regulation of acid-base balance in the kidney by producing ammonium.
Cellular energy, as a source, next to glucose.

Nitrogen donation for many anabolic processes, including the synthesis of purines.
Carbon donation, as a source, refilling the citric acid cycle.
Nontoxic transporter of ammonia in the blood circulation.

ROLES IN METABOLISM OF L-GLUTAMINE:
L-Glutamine maintains redox balance by participating in glutathione synthesis and contributing to anabolic processes such as lipid synthesis by reductive carboxylation.
L-Glutamine provides a source of carbon and nitrogen for use in other metabolic processes.
L-Glutamine is present in serum at higher concentrations than other amino acids and is essential for many cellular functions.
Examples include the synthesis of nucleotides and non-essential amino acids.

One of the most important functions of L-Glutamine is its ability to be converted into α-KG, which helps to maintain the flow of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, generating ATP via the electron carriers NADH and FADH2.
The highest consumption of L-Glutamine occurs in the cells of the intestines, kidney cells (where it is used for acid-base balance), activated immune cells, and many cancer cells.

WHAT DOES L-GLUTAMINE DO FOR YOUR BODY?
L-Glutamine is an essential protein building block.
L-Glutamine also helps make other amino acids and removes waste products, like ammonia, from your body.
L-Glutamine plays a key role in chemical (metabolic) processes that provide your body with the energy it needs to work.

L-Glutamine supports your:
Immune system: 
L-Glutamine is a crucial power source that fuels your immune system.
Your white blood cells use L-Glutamine to protect you from infections and keep you healthy.
L-Glutamine plays a key role in processes that repair damaged tissue.

Digestive system: 
Many of your white blood cells that use L-Glutamine are in your intestines.
L-Glutamine helps strengthen the cell barrier that prevents your intestines from becoming damaged.
L-Glutamine helps maintain a healthy gut.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF GLUTAMINE?
There are two types, L-Glutamine and D-Glutamine.
The most important one to know about when it comes to your body is L-Glutamine.
Often, when people mention L-Glutamine, they mean L-Glutamine.

BENEFITS & BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF L-GLUTAMINE:
*Supports Immune System: 
L-Glutamine is a preferred fuel for immune cells and helps maintain immune function.

*Gut Health: 
L-Glutamine supports intestinal cell integrity and function.

*Protein Metabolism: 
L-Glutamine facilitates protein synthesis and prevents muscle breakdown.

*Nitrogen Balance: 
L-Glutamine helps regulate nitrogen balance and ammonia detoxification.

L-GLUTAMINE IS IMPORTANT FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
One of the most important functions of L-Glutamine is its role in the immune system.
L-glutamine is a critical fuel source for immune cells, including white blood cells and certain intestinal cells.
However, L-glutamine's blood levels can decrease due to major injuries, burns or surgeries.

If the body’s need for L-Glutamine is greater than its ability to produce it, your body may break down protein stores, such as muscle, to release more of this amino acid.
Additionally, the function of the immune system can be compromised when insufficient amounts of L-Glutamine are available.

For these reasons, high-protein diets, high-L-Glutamine diets or L-Glutamine supplements are often prescribed after major injuries like burns.
Studies have also reported that L-Glutamine supplements may improve health, decrease infections and lead to shorter hospital stays after surgery.
What’s more, they have been shown to improve survival and reduce medical costs in critically ill patients.

However, there is not strong support for benefits in healthy adults, and the needs of these individuals may be met through diet and the body’s natural production.

Summary
L-Glutamine plays an important role in immune function.
However, during illness or injury, the body may not be able to produce enough of L-glutamine.
L-Glutamine supplements may help improve immune function and preserve protein stores in the body.

L-GLUTAMINE PLAYS A ROLE IN INTESTINAL HEALTH:
L-Glutamine’s immune system benefits are related to its role in intestinal health.
In the human body, the intestines are considered the largest portion of the immune system.
This is because of the many intestinal cells with immune functions, as well as the trillions of bacteria that live in your intestines and impact your immune health.

L-Glutamine is an important energy source for intestinal and immune cells.
L-glutamine also helps maintain the barrier between the inside of your intestines and the rest of your body, thereby protecting against a leaky gut.

This prevents harmful bacteria or toxins from moving from your intestines into the rest of your body.
Additionally, it is important for the normal growth and maintenance of the cells in the intestine.
Due to the major role of the intestines in the immune system, L-Glutamine may benefit your overall immune health by supporting the intestinal cells.

Summary
Your intestines are a major part of your immune system.
L-Glutamine is an energy source for intestinal and immune cells.
L-glutamine also helps maintain the barrier between the intestines and the rest of your body and aids with proper growth of intestinal cells.

USES & EFFECTIVENESS OF L-GLUTAMINE:
Effective for
Sickle cell disease.
A specific L-Glutamine product (Endari, Emmaus Medical, Inc) is a US FDA-approved prescription drug for sickle cell disease.
Taking L-glutamine by mouth reduces sudden complications of sickle cell disease.

Possibly Effective for
Critical illness (trauma).
Taking L-Glutamine by mouth or by IV seems to reduce complications in critically ill adults.
But L-glutamine doesn't seem to reduce the risk of death.
IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

Involuntary weight loss in people with HIV/AIDS.
Taking L-Glutamine by mouth seems to help HIV/AIDS patients absorb food better and gain weight.

Swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Taking L-Glutamine by mouth or by IV seems to reduce complications from this condition.
L-glutamine may also shorten the total time spent in the hospital.

Recovery after surgery.
Giving L-Glutamine by IV seems to reduce the number of days spent in the hospital after surgery.
But L-glutamine doesn't seem to reduce the risk of death after any type of surgery.
IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

BENEFITS OF L-GLUTAMINE
What are the benefits of taking L-Glutamine?
New research now shows that L-L-Glutamine benefits the body in the following ways:

***Improves Gastrointestinal and Immune Health
L-L-Glutamine benefits your overall health by supporting gut function and digestive processes.
It can be beneficial if you have a digestive condition, such as:
*irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
*an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease
*ulcerative colitis
*diverticulosis
*diverticulitis
*leaky gut or any of the issues associated with leaky gut (like joint pain, rosacea or any type of autoimmune response)

It’s worth noting that the man famous for discovering the Krebs cycle in the body (also known as the “citric acid cycle“) was the first person to recommend taking L-L-Glutamine for gut-related issues.
That’s because Sir Hans Adolf Krebs — a German-born British biochemist who received (with Fritz Lipmann) the 1953 Nobel Prize for Physiology — found that it helped improve a healthy gut-related immune response.

Additional research supports this finding.
For example, a study published in the journal of Clinical Immunology found that L-Glutamine normalizes the effects of the TH2 immune response that stimulates inflammatory cytokines.

The effects of L-Glutamine in these studies show that it reduces intestinal inflammation and can help people recover from food sensitivities.
L-glutamine’s also known to play an important role in maintaining healthy gut microbiota and immunity.
L-glutamine seems helpful for reducing intestinal colonization and bacterial overgrowth of pathogens.
This may reduce the risk for widespread issues ranging from constipation to weight gain.

A 2018 article published in Nutrients also states that “in vitro and in vivo studies have determined that L-Glutamine is an essential nutrient for lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, macrophage phagocytic plus secretory activities, and neutrophil bacterial killing.”
In fact, L-Glutamine is currently part of clinical nutrition supplementation recommended for immune-suppressed individuals.

***Can Help Treat Leaky Gut and Ulcers
There are millions of people struggling with a condition called leaky gut syndrome.
L-glutamine is essentially the main cause of autoimmune disease today.
Leaky gut can contribute to thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s disease, along with arthritis, skin issues like psoriasis and other serious health concerns.

Because L-Glutamine is the major fuel source for cells of the small intestine, it has been shown to support intestinal health and help treat leaky gut in clinical studies.
A study published in the medical journal Lancet referenced above examined 20 hospital patients and found that supplementing with L-L-Glutamine decreased intestinal permeability.
L-glutamine also shows promise for treating ulcers by providing protection from further damage.

Plus, L-glutamine offers a healthier, natural alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of stomach ulcers.
If you’re unsure if you suffer from leaky gut, this leaky gut test can help.
If, indeed, you appear to have leaky gut, L-Glutamine is the No. 1 amino acid you need to help heal and repair it.

***Supports Brain Health
*A precursor to the neurotransmitter glutamate in your brain, L-Glutamine is key to boosting your brain health.

Why?
A disruption of the L-Glutamine-glutamate cycle can result in all kinds of brain problems, including:
*Reye’s syndrome
*epilepsy
*bipolar disorder
*schizophrenia
*anxiety
*depression
*alcohol addiction

L-Glutamine can also help stall brain aging.
Mitochondrial dysfunction causes abnormal increases in the neurotransmitter glutamate and, again, puts the brain at risk for developing the above problems.

A study conducted at the New York University School of Medicine showed that even mild traumatic brain injury caused brain atrophy, and most of this damage was due to the disrupted L-Glutamine-glutamate cycle and an abnormal increase in glutamate levels.

***May Improve IBS Symptoms and Diarrhea
L-Glutamine helps improve IBS and diarrhea by balancing mucus production.
This results in healthier bowel movements.
If you have Hashimoto’s or an underactive thyroid, consider making L-glutamine a part of your hypothyroidism diet.
The same goes for anyone who suffers from IBS symptoms like constant diarrhea or ulcerations.

***Promotes Muscle Growth and Decreases Muscle Wasting
Whether your goal is to increase athletic performance, boost metabolism, improve recovery or even build muscle, research shows that L-Glutamine can significantly aid your efforts.

During an intense workout, your body becomes stressed, and your muscles and tendons require more L-Glutamine than the amount supplied by a normal diet.
After an intense workout, the levels of cellular L-Glutamine can drop by 50 percent and plasma levels by 30 percent.

This muscle-wasting state is a gateway for the body to use your muscle for energy rather than carbohydrates, but L-Glutamine can help prevent this from happening.
Supplementing with L-Glutamine allows your muscles to fight and push a bit further.

This boosts your strength and helps repair your skeletal muscles.
A study found that L-Glutamine supplementation makes it possible to recover quicker from intense weight training sessions because it improves muscle hydration.

This aids the muscle recovery process and reduces recovery time for wounds and burns.
It’s why L-Glutamine supplementation is not only common for bodybuilders in the bodybuilding industry, but in nearly every athletic pursuit these days.

***May Improve Athletic Performance and Recovery from Endurance Exercise
One of L-Glutamine’s main roles in the body is to support detoxification by cleansing the body from high levels of ammonia.
It acts as a buffer and converts excess ammonia into other amino acids, amino sugars and urea.

Doing approximately one hour of exercise can cause a 40 percent reduction of L-Glutamine in the body.
L-glutamine can also cause suppressed immune function.

This has a negative impact on your resistance training and may lead to overtraining syndrome.
L-Glutamine benefits long distance athletes as well by boosting the immune system (T-helper cells).
Animal studies have indicated that this increase in T-helper cells may reduce the “stresses” associated with overtraining syndrome.

However, not every study has found that it necessarily boosts performance.
One 2019 review that included data from 55 studies observed that L-Glutamine improved some fatigue markers, such as increased glycogen synthesis and reduced ammonia accumulation, but this intervention did not always increase physical performance.

***Supports Metabolic and Heart Health
Research has indicated that human growth hormone (HGH) levels go up nearly 400 percent after L-Glutamine supplementation.
This hormonal response leads to an increase in resting metabolic rate and improves the afterburn effect or EPOC post-exercise.
This afterburn effect is essential for burning fat, weight loss and building lean muscle mass.

IS L-GLUTAMINE GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
There’s evidence suggesting that L-glutamine helps burn fat and build lean muscle mass by suppressing insulin levels and stabilizing blood glucose.
This enables the body to use less muscle mass to maintain blood sugar and insulin sensitivity in the cells.

In fact, six weeks of supplementation with 30 grams per day of L-Glutamine powder “markedly improved some cardiovascular risk factors, as well as body composition, in patients with type 2 diabetes” in one study.
For this reason, L-Glutamine benefits diabetics and those with sugar and carb cravings as well.

Emerging evidence also indicates that L-Glutamine plays a fundamental role in cardiovascular health by serving as a substrate for the synthesis of DNA, ATP, proteins and lipids.
Additionally, L-glutamine seems to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as:
*hypertension
*hyperlipidemia
*glucose intolerance
*obesity
*diabetes

HOW L-GLUTAMINE SUPPORTS GUT HEALTH AND IBS MANAGEMENT
Low L-glutamine levels may affect metabolism and gut health. Using L-glutamine supplements may help manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 
However, research is ongoing.

L-glutamine is a nonessential amino acid that people often simply call glutamine. 
L-glutamine is essential for overall health.
L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and essential for many bodily functions. 

People often use the terms glutamine and L-glutamine interchangeably, but they have different structures.
The body needs essential and nonessential amino acids to create various proteins. 

A nonessential amino acid is a protein that the body can produce. 
A person does not need to get it from food.
Some research suggests L-glutamine may help manage symptoms in people with IBS.

Does it work for IBS?
Anna Efetova/Getty Images
The body needs protein for most functions, and amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins.
L-glutamine is the most plentiful amino acid in the body and supports intestinal health. For this reason, it may help people with IBS.

What is IBS?
IBS refers to a group of symptoms that affect a person’s digestive system. 
It can cause the following symptoms:
*bloating
*cramping in the abdomen
*constipation
*diarrhea
*severe upset stomach
*white mucus after a bowel movement
Some research has suggested that taking L-Glutamine supplements can help manage the symptoms of IBS.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of L-GLUTAMINE:
CAS Number: 56-85-9
EC Number (EINECS): 200-292-1
PubChem CID: 5961
Chemical Formula: C₅H₁₀N₂O₃
Molecular Weight: ~146.14 g/mol
IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-amino-4-carbamoylbutanoic acid
Appearance: White crystalline powder.
State: Solid.
Odor & Taste: Odorless with a very mild taste.

Density: ~1.47 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
Melting Point: ~185 °C (decomposes).
Boiling Point: Estimated ~265–353 °C.
Solubility: Soluble in water (~25 mg/mL), soluble in DMSO and ethanol; 
practically insoluble in methanol, ether, benzene, acetone, ethyl acetate, and chloroform.
pKa: ~2.17 (carboxyl) at 25 °C.
pH (aqueous solution): ~5.0-6.0 at 25 °C.
Optical Rotation: +33° (indicative of L-chirality).
LogP: ~-1.67 (low lipid solubility)

CAS Number: 56-85-9
EC Number: 200-292-1
PubChem CID: 5961
Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₀N₂O₃
Molecular Weight: ~146.14 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Soluble in water
Melting Point: ~185 °C (decomp.)

Role: Nonessential amino acid (conditionally essential)
Uses: Nutrition, supplementation, cell culture
Chemical formula: C5H10N2O3
Molar mass: 146.146 g·mol−1
Melting point: decomposes around 185°C
Solubility in water: soluble
Acidity (pKa): 2.2 (carboxyl), 9.1 (amino)
Chiral rotation ([α]D): +6.5º (H2O, c = 2)

FIRST AID MEASURES of L-GLUTAMINE:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact: 
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. 
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact: 
Rinse out with plenty of water. 
Call in ophthalmologist. 
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing: 
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). 
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of L-GLUTAMINE:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains. 
Collect, bind, and pump off spills. 
Observe possible material restrictions. 
Take up dry. 
Dispose of properly. 
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of L-GLUTAMINE:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 
Foam 
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of L-GLUTAMINE:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection. 
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A 
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of L-GLUTAMINE:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed. 
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of L-GLUTAMINE:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available