The Protein Works - Glutamine

What is Glutamine?

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body. Synthesised internally, not from the food we eat, it is not considered an essential amino acid. However, in special circumstances, such as illness or injury, it will exceed our body's requirements. For example, in times of illness, the significant amount of physiological stress causes a negative imbalance between muscle build-up and breakdown. As such, supplementation with glutamine should be considered. Before you doubt your need to use this conditionally essential amino acid, you should know that glutamine has more tricks up its sleeve.

What does Glutamine do?

Glutamine performs a number of roles, including supporting muscle growth and replenishing the cells of the immune and digestive systems. Without it, muscles would not grow back, our health would deteriorate and our digestive system would not be able to absorb the food we eat. Now you understand why it is the most abundant amino acid!

When we exercise, we put a significant amount of pressure on the aforementioned processes. By depleting our limited supply of glutamine, our risk of underrecovery increases. Poor recovery increases the risk of infection, which means we need to train less and take longer to reach our goal.

When is the best time to take Glutamine?

There are a number of ways to supplement glutamine, it all depends on the circumstances and purpose.

In the case of supporting muscle recovery, research has shown that 0.1-0.3 g per kg of body weight is able to reduce delayed muscle soreness. In other words, if you weigh 80 kg, taking 10 g of glutamine post-workout will negate the muscle soreness we feel after pushing ourselves in the gym.

In endurance athletes, taking 5 g after exercise will significantly reduce the occurrence of sickness. For gut health benefits, a supplement of 0.25-0.90 g per kg body weight 1 hour before running can reduce the occurrence of gut discomfort associated with endurance exercise. This supplement is not a one-trick-pony, you just need to use it intelligently.

Who should take Glutamine?

If you want to make sure you have enough of this amino acid in your system, supplementation via glutamine powder is a good option. Available in a variety of flavours specially developed in-house by Protein Works, you will be spoilt for choice.

*Disclaimer: Customer reviews are independent and based on personal experience. Individual results may vary. Products designed to be taken in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise plan. Nutritional information per serving based on unflavoured.