L-
glutamine (also known as glutamine) is a non-essential amino acid. This means that it does not need to be obtained from dietary sources, since the human body can make L-glutamine on its own. L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the human body and is also found in a wide variety of foods. It is also used in
dietary supplements and is claimed to be useful for a variety of different conditions, such as
depression,
anxiety,
insomnia, and various nutritional disorders.
(Click Benefits of L-Glutamine for more information on what L-glutamine is used for, including additional L-glutamine uses.)
How Does L-Glutamine Work?
L-glutamine is an amino acid. It is important for building proteins and other amino acids. For most people, the body can make more than enough of its own L-glutamine, although L-glutamine is also found in protein-rich foods. In addition to its use as a building block for making proteins, L-glutamine also has several other functions in the body. It serves as a fuel for various different types of cells in the body, including several types of immune cells.
In times of severe physical stress, L-glutamine is very important for maintaining sufficient immune function and intestinal function and is essential for wound healing. In such situations, the body may not be able to produce enough L-glutamine to meet the body's needs. In such situations, L-glutamine supplementation (usually given by IV) can be helpful.
Is L-Glutamine Effective?
L-
glutamine supplementation by IV may be useful for preventing problems in people who are critically ill (such as after severe physical trauma) and may aid in recovery after certain types of surgery. Oral L-glutamine supplementation may be useful for helping people with
HIV or
AIDS gain weight and may decrease the risk of mouth sores in people undergoing chemotherapy. It is not known if L-glutamine is effective for most other uses.
L-Glutamine Dosing Information
There are no clear guidelines for a safe and effective L-glutamine dose for most uses. Because L-glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for L-glutamine. Be sure to follow the specific instructions on your particular L-glutamine product.
Most people generally tolerate L-glutamine well, but many people find the grittiness of L-glutamine powder to be rather unpleasant. Although there are several theoretical side effects that are possible with L-glutamine, most studies have indicated that L-glutamine is unlikely to cause significant side effects.
(Click Side Effects of L-Glutamine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
L-Glutamine Drug Interactions
Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to L-
glutamine. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking L-glutamine if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click L-Glutamine Safety for more information, including any available L-glutamine warnings and precautions.)
What If I Take an L-Glutamine Overdose?
It is not known exactly what to expect from an L-glutamine overdose. The body can break down L-glutamine into ammonia, which can cause problems at high levels. If you think you may have taken too much L-glutamine, seek medical attention immediately.
L-Glutamine: Storage Methods
Refer to the label of your individual L-glutamine product for information on how to best store L-glutamine. Keep L-glutamine and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
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