Description of L-Glutamine and its Biological FunctionsL-Glutamine or simply glutamine is one of the most prevalent amino acids in the body. It is synthesized by the body, but in times of stress, needs may exceed the available supply. Glutamine may be formed by the biosynthesis of glutamate and ammonia, a process that rids the body of excess ammonia. Almost every cell in the body uses glutamine, but it is especially important in rapidly dividing cells, such as the intestinal lining, blood and hair cells. Although this suggests that supplementation may be contra-indicated in the case of cancer, it has been shown to be beneficial in treating some cancers, probably because the cancer cells can already get sufficient glutamine to grow, but the excess glutamine enhances the immune system. Body builders commonly use glutamine supplements to improve muscle growth. It is also particularly beneficial to those with intestinal problems. Its positive effect on the immune system makes it attractive to anyone under stress or with weakened immunity. For diabetics: Diabetics, however, need to exercise caution, since they have an abnormal glutamine metabolism. A much higher percentage of their glutamine is broken down for the production of glucose by the liver and the kidneys, a process called glutamine gluconeogenesis. This increased production of glucose from glutamine (and also from alanine, an amino acid in the same family) is probably related to the diabetes-related excess levels of the serum glucose-raising pancreatic hormone called glucagon. True, this excessive breakdown of glutamine into glucose in diabetes occurs without any supplementation, since the muscle and the fatty tissue release so much glutamine in response to the endocrine pathology. The article also distinguishes between the flavor enhancer MSG and glutamate but the distinction seems moot since "MSG does, however, raise glutamate levels" and "when the use of glutamate is called for in clinical settings, MSG infusions are used." There may be problems when excess glutamate builds up in brain cells, but glutamate is not glutamine -- the body synthesizes glutamine from glutamate and ammonia, thus ridding the body of excess ammonia. But excess glutamine will not interfere with that process, since it is the glutamate that is required. There are no known side-effects from glutamine supplementation in healthy persons, though certain illnesses that interfere with the functioning of the amino acid, such as diabetes, cancer or neurological diseases, may be exacerbated by exess glutamine. Regular supplementation may be helpful to healthy persons under stress and bodybuilders. Occasional supplementation is recommended for treating diarrhea or when increased immune function is needed to fight off colds, flu, etc. |
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