GLUTAMINE

Glutamine is an amino acid found in the proteins of all organisms. It is classified as a semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid because the body can synthesize all the glutamine it requires. Notwithstanding, there are times when the body cannot produce sufficient amounts of glutamine. Glutamine is considered by many in the medical profession as one of the most important amino acids when the body is subjected to metabolic stress situations such as trauma (including pre and post-surgical trauma), cancer, sepsis, and burns. Under these conditions, glutamine becomes much more vital to the welfare of the body, and consequently it is recommended to intake adequate amounts of glutamine when physiological demands are created by these situations.

Glutamine is used by the body in many different reactions. It helps regulate the body's acid-base balance. The amino acid enables the kidneys to protect the body against acidosis. This is accomplished by the production of ammonia, which binds hydrogen ions to produce ammonium cations that are excreted in the urine along with chloride anions. Glutamine aids in protecting the body against ammonia toxicity.

The average person consumes approximately 5 to 10 grams of glutamine daily. Most glutamine that people ingest comes from animal and plant proteins.

Dosage and Administration

Glutamine supplements can be purchased in capsule, tablet, or powder form. A suggested dosage for individuals with cancer, AIDS, trauma, burns, infections, and other stress-related conditions may range from 4 to 21 grams daily. Those with stomatitis caused by chemotherapy or radiation have taken doses of 2 to 4 grams twice daily or 2 grams four times daily. Those who use glutamine as a possible ergogenic aid use between 1.5 to 4.5 grams daily taken between meals.

Note: Only take glutamine under the supervision of your physician.