The Truth About Sports Supplements (The Truth About Supplements) by Ottobre Mark

Author:Ottobre, Mark [Ottobre, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mark Ottobre
Published: 2010-12-28T16:00:00+00:00

Glutamine

Glutamine is not a miracle supplement and if you are one of those who want quick results, I sincerely doubt it’s for you. However, it does have all the necessary components to justify its regular use, including:

It is scientifically proven for its effective use

It is backed by solid real-world evidence and reviews

It’s a tried and tested supplement that has been on the market for decades

However it must be said, Glutamine is another overrated supplement. Again, I’m not saying I’m against it or saying that it doesn’t have any positive effects. It’s just misunderstood and overused by many.

What is Glutamine?

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in our bloodstream. In fact, sixty percent of the body’ amino acid pool is composed of glutamine. In the body, glutamine is stored in the muscles and lungs.

Glutamine is considered as a “conditionally essential amino acid” because, while it can be manufactured by the body, under physical stress (such as intense training) the demand for glutamine exceeds the body’s ability to synthesize it. This is why supplementing with glutamine during training is a perfect strategy.

In other words, strenuous and heavy exercise can deplete glutamine levels in the human body faster than what we are able to reproduce leading to decreased gains in protein synthesis and a lower muscle growth rate. That’s why glutamine supplementation provides the body with ample amounts of this vital amino acid.

“Glutamine promotes the assimilation of nutrients, regulates protein synthesis, stimulates growth-hormone production and enhances the immune system,”

Ronald Klatz, MD, president of the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine in Chicago

When and why we need glutamine?

If you are not training hard or unless you have a condition that would require extra glutamine supplementation (such as severe burns), supplementation with glutamine is fruitless. Remember, adequate amounts of glutamine are generally obtained through diet and the body is usually able to manufacture glutamine on its own.

Undeniably, if you are training intensely, supplementing with glutamine properly will aid in performance, muscle mass and physical function as glutamine fuels the immune system and promotes healing.

Backed by evidence-based trials

One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a single serving of glutamine taken after breakfast produced a 430 percent increase in growth hormone levels. Now we all know that growth hormone plays a major role in muscle growth and increases the use of fats as an energy source. Promotion of growth hormone is where many believe glutamine does its magic.

Similarly, if the body is continually under excess stress and strain and needs glutamine for normal function, it would breakdown muscle to get it. Several studies at Harvard University have concluded that people supplementing with glutamine retain more muscle. However this is not intended to be over blown and hyped as some supplement companies would have you believe. Supplement companies want you to believe that walking down the street will break down your muscle.

Another study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that after a marathon, runners had reduced levels of white blood cells. White blood cells do not multiply as they should when glutamine supplies are low.

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