Additional Information

Glutamine is one of the most largely available amino acids within the body. it is the most abundant in the blood stream, makes up nearly 60% of skeletal muscle tissue and 90% of glutamine synthesized by the body is done by the muscular system. Glutamine is one of the few amino acids that are considered essential amino acids when there is an imbalance between the body's ability to synthesize it and the physical stress placed on the body.

Bodily Functions Glutamine Assists

Glutamine, when converted into glutamic acid, is essential for proper brain function. In glutamic acid form, it is able to adjust the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain. Glutamine is also needed as a building block for protein production and is utilized as fuel for certain immune system cells. Like several other amino acids, it also aids in the removal of ammonia from the brain, and in the metabolic process of ammonia.

Symptoms Of Deficiency:

• Glutamine deficiency is very rare but can occur in those who suffer from extensive burns, severe physical trauma, cirrhosis, starvation and in weight loss related AIDS and cancer.

Foods High In Glutamine

Glutamine can be found in meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, dairy products and vegetables.

Ailments That Glutamine Helps Against:

• Beneficial in treating alcoholism
• Contributes in dietary treatment of behavior problems in children.
• Helps remove excess ammonia
• May contribute in treatment of depression
• May help heal peptic ulcers

Side Effects And Toxicity

Patients who suffer from liver or kidney problems should refrain from supplementing with glutamine. High doses of glutamic acid have been associated with headaches and nerve disorders.