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Glutamine
L-Glutamine
is a non-essential amino acid that is present in the body in large amounts. At
some times it forms 60 percent of your total amino acid pool. Because it
passes through the blood-brain barrier rather easily it's often called
brain-food.
It
may aid memory recall and concentration. In the brain it converts to glutamic
acid, which is essential for brain functioning and increase GABA
(gamma-amino-butyric-acid, another popular supplemented amino) needed or
mental activities. It is used in synthesis of muscle-tissue.
We
all know we need nitrogen to get big, but too much nitrogen in the body could
cause ammonia in the brain. Glutamine helps to get rid of it by attaching
itself to the nitrogen and forming glutamic acid, then escorts it out of the
body. Glutamine is also one of the main building blocks in the genetic coding.
It
is found in several strands of DNA and RNA, more than other amino's. And most
important perhaps is that it balances the acid/alkaline level, so it reduces
lactic acid.
It
decreases the cravings for sweets which can be of use on a diet, and a
metabolite of glutamine called Monosodium Glutamine (MSG), a salt, is used as
a flavor enhancer. It has no real flavor of its own, but it can enhance the
flavor of other products such as meat, fish and vegetables.
Glutamine
has the downside of being more readily used as fuel for energy than some
simple carbs. It is one of the preferred fuels of the intestines for example
and a good source of energy throughout the body. So chances are more glutamine
will not even be used for what you supplement it for. The body just doesn't
use what it already has.
So,
is glutamine a bad supplement? No. It's one of the best supplements currently
on the market, but there is no way in hell you need to supplement with
L-glutamine in a bulking phase. You should have plenty.
I
asked some sources who could know (and don't have a vested interest in the
stuff) and they said, and I quote: "In the presence of good health,
supplementation is not necessary." That, my friends, is fact.
No
company, other than commercial supplement companies, carry a glutamine
product. But we all know they'll produce anything if they smell money, just
look at vanadyl
So,
why bother? Well, In a dieting phase you will be lowering your carbs, and if
you are cutting up for competition your carb intake will be so low you are in
danger of using hard earned muscle-protein as fuel for your body. And what did
I say is the preferred fuel of most tissues: glutamine.
So
supplementing with extra Glutamine makes sense if you want to spare that
hard-earned muscle. In fact in this instance it becomes necessary. I use the
stuff myself. 15-25 grams can be supplemented and burned without touching the
rest of the body's amino acid supply.
Some
people suggest using 2 doses, but I can tell you as a competitor that you will
get more benefit by using more. I prefer 5 doses of 5-7 grams, but that is a
personal opinion, not a guideline. Keep in mind that it is expensive.
This
is a supplement paradox: it is absolutely useless and a waste of money one
moment, but a critical tool in success the next. Never dismiss the power of
glutamine, despite the bad wrap I gave it. It can be worth your buck.
I
just think it's more important to convince you of its overuse than of its
merits, there are enough companies that will sell you on that.
Use
To Bodybuilders The
preservation of muscle mass and the supplying of an alternate energy source in
glucose deprivated conditions (diets and such).
Dosage
Don't go overboard. 5-10
grams can illicit an effect, but bodybuilders on low-carb diets for shows
could go as high as 30-35.
Overdosing
Only dangerous in people
with liver or kidney trouble.
Medical
Uses Sources Large amounts in all
high-protein foods.
Deficiency
Unknown, glutamine is the
most manufactured protein in the body.
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