Glutamine Supplements

Glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid, meaning it is an organic compound that combines with others to form proteins.

The body uses amino acids to help it break down food, to grow, to repair body tissue (for example, skin wounds), and other functions.

Our bodies also use amino acids as a source of energy.

Glutamine specifically may help the gut to function, as well as the immune system.

It is vital for various essential bodily processes, especially in times of stress. In addition, it is important for getting nitrogen and carbon to some of the body’s cells, and for producing glucose.

You can directly consume glutamine. A small amount may be found in high-protein foods like meat, eggs, tofu, and corn.

People take glutamine for nutrition.

You can buy glutamine as a capsule or as a powder. It is made using a fermentation process from the bacteria that produce glutamine.

How does glutamine work?

Our muscles are where glutamine is produced.

If our bodies need more glutamine than our muscles can make, such as when we are stressed, then muscle wasting may occur.

Production of glutamine often slows down with age as well, meaning that older people often decide to take the supplement.

When we do not have a balanced diet, the acid-base ratio becomes imbalanced, and cells and tissues are destroyed.

When and how should you take glutamine?

People will sometimes take glutamine supplements to support amino acid or protein intake or when they are older.

Adults can take up to 40 grams of glutamine daily, by mouth. Children can typically take up to 15 or 20 grams, depending on what the glutamine is for.

You will want to take glutamine tablets on an empty stomach, either an hour before eating or two hours after.

What sorts of glutamine products are there?

We provide glutamine tablets and powder.

Glutamine tablets

The tablets contain 500mg of glutamine each, and are manufactured as a protein supplement. There are no other ingredients apart from glycerine and bulking and glazing agents.

We recommend taking one tablet daily.

Glutamine powder

The Precision Engineered 100% Pure L-Glutamine Powder is aimed at supporting cell and tissue structures.

For the powder, you should stir a heaped teaspoon (4.5g) into a cup of water or your favourite drink once or twice daily.

A good time to drink some powder is an hour before working out. It is important that you do not exceed the recommended amount and that you also get enough water during the day – at least six glasses, ideally more.

Supplements containing glutamine

Holland & Barrett also sell some other supplements that include glutamine. For example, we stock Solgar N-Acetyl Cysteine 600mg Free Form 60 Vegi Capsules.

These contain a combination of three amino acids; cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.

Note, glutamic acid is not actually glutamine, but it is very closely related.

This formulation is sugar, salt, and starch free and is designed to be easily absorbed.

To use as a food supplement, adults can take one capsule daily, with juice or water and a carbohydrate-heavy meal.