L-GLUTAMINE

Glutamine plays an important role in amino acid, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. As an energy source for rapidly dividing cells such as immune cells and intestinal epithelium, glutamine is important for the immune system and the proper construction and regeneration of the intestinal wall. Glutamine is also important for the intestinal barrier function: Glutamine supports the formation of so-called tight junctions (zonula occludens), specific proteins that hold intestinal epithelial cells together and ensure that particles from the gastrointestinal tract cannot escape uncontrolled past the intestinal mucosa and enter the body . Glutamine is therefore often used to combat leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability).

Glutamine is involved in the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), neurotransmitters (including GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid), glycogen and hormones. Glutamine is also important for acid-base balance (glutamine increases renal acid excretion and increases the buffering capacity of blood plasma), muscle building and detoxification of ammonia in the brain. There is also evidence that glutamine supplementation contributes to weight loss in people who are (severely) overweight. In endurance athletes, glutamine counteracts immunosuppression and leaky gut. Glutamine supplementation with meals improves glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. Glutamine also protects the stomach lining and the amino acid promotes ulcer healing.

Glutamine (along with the amino acids cysteine and glycine) is a building block for the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Under stressful conditions, more glutamine is required to sustain intracellular glutathione synthesis to keep cells adequately protected from oxidative stress.