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L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine Information
Maximize Your Potential with the "Wonder Nutrient": L-Glutamine
Imagine a nutrient that can improve human fat metabolism, increase the
ability of the human brain, strengthen the immune system and improve
muscle mass all at the same time. This is precisely what the amino acid
glutamine can do. The most recent animal and human studies have
demonstrated that L-Glutamine is significantly more effective in regulating
muscle protein than Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA).(1) Recent clinical
studies have demonstrated that L-Glutamine is at least four times more
effective in improving nitrogen balance than BCAA's in post-operative
patients.(5-8)
The addition of L-Glutamine in dosages of 500-1,000 mgs. B.I.D. (twice
daily) has caused an increase in friendly bacteria count (Bifido, and
Lacto-bacillis acidolphilis).(11-12) Leaky gut syndrome, which is one of the
major causes of food allergies resolves itself with L-Glutamine
administration.(13,25) Stressful conditions, including surgery,(14)
fasting,(15) glucocorticoid administration,(16) and exercise, (17) consistently
reduce intramuscular glutamine levels. Glutamine depletion is more severe
and lasts longer than any other amino acid lost from the muscle.(18) Stress
hormones (glucocorticoids, epinephrine, glucagon) cause a reduction in
intramuscular glutamine by stimulating both muscle glutamine synthesis as
well as creating the efflux or escape of this amino acid from skeletal muscle.
(19,20)
STRESS
Life can be demanding and stressful, and you can really run your body into
the ground. Americans are notorious for skipping meals because of hectic
work schedules or in hopes of losing weight. These factors stress the
auto-immune system by limiting the very nutrients that are needed to build
new white blood cells and repair damaged cells in the body.
Drinking large amounts of coffee, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol
stresses the body's ability to perform optimally. Alcohol, antibiotics and diets
high in animal-proteins and fats damage the mucosal lining of the small
intestine.(2,3) The micro-villi (hair like structures in the intestine) assist in
the movement and absorption of foods through the small intestine. When
damaged, they take on the appearance of grass that has been cut too close
to the ground. The shortened micro-villi cannot perform their function
correctly, which leads to malabsorption, leaky gut syndrome and increases
in pathogenic micro-organisms (unfriendly bacteria).(9,10)
GLUTAMINE TREATMENT
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body and is
primarily located in the lining of the small intestine.(24) Glutamine
contributes a significant role in muscle metabolism during sickness, stress
and exercise. The gastrointestinal tract cannot function without glutamine.
Glutamine is the primary treatment for ulcers, and disorders of the small and
large intestine such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which is
characterized by constipation, diarrhea or both.
Glutamine feeds the tissue of the small intestine enabling the villi to grow
and improve absorption of nutrients across the cell membrane more
efficiently. Glutamine works inside the liver to produce the super powerful
amino acid Glutathione, which is one of the main free radical fighters within
the body.(24) While the addition of anti-oxidants (Vitamins E, C and
Beta-Carotene) are important in the removal of free radicals from the body,
without Glutathione the fight would be lost and the body would suffer in many
ways.
IMPROVING YOUR BODY'S DEFENSES
Glutamine improves the immune system's ability to manufacture white blood
cells that in turn fight infection. Supplementing your body with nutrients such
as Glutamine assists the body in resisting outside assaults from
pathogenic micro-organisms (unfriendly bacteria).
Glutamine is the major component in making essential
neuro-transmitters.(21) Research has demonstrated improvements in
memory retention, cognitive ability, and problem solving when Glutamine
was supplemented in the diet. Glutamine enables the body to maintain
constant blood sugar levels.(22) This state of steady blood sugar balance is
necessary for optimal brain function since the brain utilizes glucose (blood
sugar) as a primary source of fuel in addition to oxygen.
When the brain has adequate glucose to draw on, muscle stores of glucose
are preserved. When an individual does not eat enough complex
carbohydrates to replace energy needs, the body will liberate, or breakdown,
stored sugars from the muscle to feed the brain. The net result is a tired,
weak and stressed individual.
THE SOLUTION FOR BETTER HEALTH
Eat a proper diet with adequate complex carbohydrates (breads, pasta, rice,
potatoes, fruits and vegetables). Remember to rotate foods to avoid single
food allergies.
Drink water that is chlorine, sodium and fluorine free - eight 8-ounce
glasses each day as a minimum.
Avoid eating more than 5% of your total daily fat intake in saturated fats
(animal fats). (25)
Exercise regularly - cardiovascular activity for a minimum of 20 minutes three
times per week combined with resistance training.
Get a balanced daily intake of anti-oxidant supplements (Beta-Carotene,
Vitamin E and Vitamin C) and L-Glutamine.(24,25)
L-GLUTAMINE: SAFE DOSAGE IN ADULTS
Glutamine safety studies have been done on healthy volunteers using
doses of up to 0.75 grams per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. Take
into consideration that body weight has not-been adjusted for percentage of
bodyfat, and the actual dose of L-Glutamine on fat free weight (muscle and
organ) is significantly higher.
Example: The average adult female has a bodyfat percentage of 28.5%. If
this individual weighs 160 lbs. (x) 28.5% = 45.6 pounds of fat, or 114.4
pounds of fat free weight. By using this formula this individual would
over-estimate her need for glutamine by 16 grams (39 gram dosage at 52
kgs (114.4 pounds) (x) 0.75 grams versus 55 gram dosage at 74.4 kgs (160
pounds) (x) 0.75 grams).
REFERENCES:
Tischler, ME et al. J Biol Chem 1982; 257:1613-21
Jepson, MM et al. Am J. Physiol 1988; 255
Maclennan, PA et al. FEBS, Letters 1987; 215:187-191
Max, SR et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990; 22:325-330
Stehle, P. et al. Lancet 1989; 231-233
Hammarquist, F. et al. Ann Surgery 1989; 209:455-61
Werneman, J. et al. Metabolism 1989;(suppl 1):63-66
Werneman, J. et al. Lancet 1990; 335:701-3
Cerra, FB et al. Ann Surgery 1984; 199:288-91
Bonau, RA et al. Surgery 1987; 101:400-7
Bonau, RA et al. JPEN 1984; 8:622-27
Vinnars, E. et al. Ann Surgery 1975; 163:665-70
Carli, F. et al. Clin Sci 1990; 78:6231-8
Askanazi, J. et al. Ann Surgery 1980; 192:78-85
Furst, P. et al. In Clinical Nutrition 1981; 10-17
Muhlbacher, F. et al. Am J Physiol 1984; 14
Rennie, MJ et al. Clin Sci 1981; 61:627-39
Vinnars, E. et al. JPEN 1990; 14:1258-9
Wernerman, J. et al. Clin Nutr 1987; 6(suppl):33
Rennie, MJ et al. Lancet 1986; ii:1008-12
Furst, P. Proc. 6th Congr. ESPEN, Milan 1984; 21-53
Bulus, N. et al. Metabolism 1989; 38(8, suppl 1):1-15
Stryer, L. Biochemistry (3rd edition) 1988
Shabert, J., MD et al. The Ultimate Nutrient: Glutamine, 1994
Cooper, K. Anti-Oxidant Revolution, 1994
Lowe, DK et al. Glutamine-Enriched Parenteral Nutrition Is Safe in Normal
Humans, Surg Forum 40 1989; 9-11
Ziegler, TR et al. Safety and Metabolic Effects of L-Glutamine Administration
in Hunians, JPEN 14 1990; 137S-146S
Emery, AEH et al. Antenatal Diagnosis and Amino Acid Composition of
Amniotic Fluid, Lancet I 1970: 1307-1308
Hawkins, RA Hyperammenomia Does Not Impair Brain Function in the
Absence of Net Glutamine Synthesis, Biochem J 277 1991: 697-703
Gant, C., MD Interview on Ammonia Clearance and Liver Dysfunction, April 5,
1995.
--by Mark J. Occhipinti, M.S., afpa@afpafitness.com, Exercise
Physiologist/Nutritional Consultant and President of American Fitness
Professionals and Associates, http://www.afpafitness.com
Maximize Your Potential with the "Wonder Nutrient": L-Glutamine
Imagine a nutrient that can improve human fat metabolism, increase the
ability of the human brain, strengthen the immune system and improve
muscle mass all at the same time. This is precisely what the amino acid
glutamine can do. The most recent animal and human studies have
demonstrated that L-Glutamine is significantly more effective in regulating
muscle protein than Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA).(1) Recent clinical
studies have demonstrated that L-Glutamine is at least four times more
effective in improving nitrogen balance than BCAA's in post-operative
patients.(5-8)
The addition of L-Glutamine in dosages of 500-1,000 mgs. B.I.D. (twice
daily) has caused an increase in friendly bacteria count (Bifido, and
Lacto-bacillis acidolphilis).(11-12) Leaky gut syndrome, which is one of the
major causes of food allergies resolves itself with L-Glutamine
administration.(13,25) Stressful conditions, including surgery,(14)
fasting,(15) glucocorticoid administration,(16) and exercise, (17) consistently
reduce intramuscular glutamine levels. Glutamine depletion is more severe
and lasts longer than any other amino acid lost from the muscle.(18) Stress
hormones (glucocorticoids, epinephrine, glucagon) cause a reduction in
intramuscular glutamine by stimulating both muscle glutamine synthesis as
well as creating the efflux or escape of this amino acid from skeletal muscle.
(19,20)
STRESS
Life can be demanding and stressful, and you can really run your body into
the ground. Americans are notorious for skipping meals because of hectic
work schedules or in hopes of losing weight. These factors stress the
auto-immune system by limiting the very nutrients that are needed to build
new white blood cells and repair damaged cells in the body.
Drinking large amounts of coffee, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol
stresses the body's ability to perform optimally. Alcohol, antibiotics and diets
high in animal-proteins and fats damage the mucosal lining of the small
intestine.(2,3) The micro-villi (hair like structures in the intestine) assist in
the movement and absorption of foods through the small intestine. When
damaged, they take on the appearance of grass that has been cut too close
to the ground. The shortened micro-villi cannot perform their function
correctly, which leads to malabsorption, leaky gut syndrome and increases
in pathogenic micro-organisms (unfriendly bacteria).(9,10)
GLUTAMINE TREATMENT
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body and is
primarily located in the lining of the small intestine.(24) Glutamine
contributes a significant role in muscle metabolism during sickness, stress
and exercise. The gastrointestinal tract cannot function without glutamine.
Glutamine is the primary treatment for ulcers, and disorders of the small and
large intestine such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which is
characterized by constipation, diarrhea or both.
Glutamine feeds the tissue of the small intestine enabling the villi to grow
and improve absorption of nutrients across the cell membrane more
efficiently. Glutamine works inside the liver to produce the super powerful
amino acid Glutathione, which is one of the main free radical fighters within
the body.(24) While the addition of anti-oxidants (Vitamins E, C and
Beta-Carotene) are important in the removal of free radicals from the body,
without Glutathione the fight would be lost and the body would suffer in many
ways.
IMPROVING YOUR BODY'S DEFENSES
Glutamine improves the immune system's ability to manufacture white blood
cells that in turn fight infection. Supplementing your body with nutrients such
as Glutamine assists the body in resisting outside assaults from
pathogenic micro-organisms (unfriendly bacteria).
Glutamine is the major component in making essential
neuro-transmitters.(21) Research has demonstrated improvements in
memory retention, cognitive ability, and problem solving when Glutamine
was supplemented in the diet. Glutamine enables the body to maintain
constant blood sugar levels.(22) This state of steady blood sugar balance is
necessary for optimal brain function since the brain utilizes glucose (blood
sugar) as a primary source of fuel in addition to oxygen.
When the brain has adequate glucose to draw on, muscle stores of glucose
are preserved. When an individual does not eat enough complex
carbohydrates to replace energy needs, the body will liberate, or breakdown,
stored sugars from the muscle to feed the brain. The net result is a tired,
weak and stressed individual.
THE SOLUTION FOR BETTER HEALTH
Eat a proper diet with adequate complex carbohydrates (breads, pasta, rice,
potatoes, fruits and vegetables). Remember to rotate foods to avoid single
food allergies.
Drink water that is chlorine, sodium and fluorine free - eight 8-ounce
glasses each day as a minimum.
Avoid eating more than 5% of your total daily fat intake in saturated fats
(animal fats). (25)
Exercise regularly - cardiovascular activity for a minimum of 20 minutes three
times per week combined with resistance training.
Get a balanced daily intake of anti-oxidant supplements (Beta-Carotene,
Vitamin E and Vitamin C) and L-Glutamine.(24,25)
L-GLUTAMINE: SAFE DOSAGE IN ADULTS
Glutamine safety studies have been done on healthy volunteers using
doses of up to 0.75 grams per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. Take
into consideration that body weight has not-been adjusted for percentage of
bodyfat, and the actual dose of L-Glutamine on fat free weight (muscle and
organ) is significantly higher.
Example: The average adult female has a bodyfat percentage of 28.5%. If
this individual weighs 160 lbs. (x) 28.5% = 45.6 pounds of fat, or 114.4
pounds of fat free weight. By using this formula this individual would
over-estimate her need for glutamine by 16 grams (39 gram dosage at 52
kgs (114.4 pounds) (x) 0.75 grams versus 55 gram dosage at 74.4 kgs (160
pounds) (x) 0.75 grams).
REFERENCES:
Tischler, ME et al. J Biol Chem 1982; 257:1613-21
Jepson, MM et al. Am J. Physiol 1988; 255
Maclennan, PA et al. FEBS, Letters 1987; 215:187-191
Max, SR et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990; 22:325-330
Stehle, P. et al. Lancet 1989; 231-233
Hammarquist, F. et al. Ann Surgery 1989; 209:455-61
Werneman, J. et al. Metabolism 1989;(suppl 1):63-66
Werneman, J. et al. Lancet 1990; 335:701-3
Cerra, FB et al. Ann Surgery 1984; 199:288-91
Bonau, RA et al. Surgery 1987; 101:400-7
Bonau, RA et al. JPEN 1984; 8:622-27
Vinnars, E. et al. Ann Surgery 1975; 163:665-70
Carli, F. et al. Clin Sci 1990; 78:6231-8
Askanazi, J. et al. Ann Surgery 1980; 192:78-85
Furst, P. et al. In Clinical Nutrition 1981; 10-17
Muhlbacher, F. et al. Am J Physiol 1984; 14
Rennie, MJ et al. Clin Sci 1981; 61:627-39
Vinnars, E. et al. JPEN 1990; 14:1258-9
Wernerman, J. et al. Clin Nutr 1987; 6(suppl):33
Rennie, MJ et al. Lancet 1986; ii:1008-12
Furst, P. Proc. 6th Congr. ESPEN, Milan 1984; 21-53
Bulus, N. et al. Metabolism 1989; 38(8, suppl 1):1-15
Stryer, L. Biochemistry (3rd edition) 1988
Shabert, J., MD et al. The Ultimate Nutrient: Glutamine, 1994
Cooper, K. Anti-Oxidant Revolution, 1994
Lowe, DK et al. Glutamine-Enriched Parenteral Nutrition Is Safe in Normal
Humans, Surg Forum 40 1989; 9-11
Ziegler, TR et al. Safety and Metabolic Effects of L-Glutamine Administration
in Hunians, JPEN 14 1990; 137S-146S
Emery, AEH et al. Antenatal Diagnosis and Amino Acid Composition of
Amniotic Fluid, Lancet I 1970: 1307-1308
Hawkins, RA Hyperammenomia Does Not Impair Brain Function in the
Absence of Net Glutamine Synthesis, Biochem J 277 1991: 697-703
Gant, C., MD Interview on Ammonia Clearance and Liver Dysfunction, April 5,
1995.
--by Mark J. Occhipinti, M.S., afpa@afpafitness.com, Exercise
Physiologist/Nutritional Consultant and President of American Fitness
Professionals and Associates, http://www.afpafitness.com
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