What is Glutamine?
The most common of amino acids found in the body, Glutamine, or L-Glutamine makes up over 61 percent of the skeletal muscle tissue. It is a fuel the digestive tract and immune system craves, and 19 percent of a Glutamine molecule is made up of nitrogen, making it the primary conductor of nitrogen to the muscles. It is especially found in high concentrations in the brain, muscles, gut lining, lungs, heart, kidney, and liver where it has multiple and critical functions.
The conversion of glutamic acid from food is how humans synthesize Glutamine although some is present in certain food groups. A healthy diet provides 5-8 grams per day. Beans, meat, fish, poultry and dairy products are all good sources of Glutamine.
However, Glutamine deficiency is common in today's busy post-modernist lifestyle and is among the primary tests conducted by medical practioners who utilize blood tests to ascertain the amino acid levels present in patients with symptoms of chronic illness, dysfunction in cognitive functioning and mood swings, making it an increasingly popular substance not just in the athletic world but in medical practice. During periods of stress, trauma or simply intensive sports training, Glutamine depletion occurs which manifests itself in the form of decreased strength, stamina and recovery - taking anywhere up to six days to return to normal levels.