L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is a protein amino acid found in the proteins of all life forms. L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, and plasma glutamine levels are the highest of all amino acids. L-glutamine is a semi-essential amino acid under normal conditions. If there is a significant increase in stress such as burns, cancer, surgery, trauma and/or intestinal dysfunction it becomes an essential amino acid due to the fact that the body is unable to manufacture sufficient amounts. L-glutamine is predominantly synthesized and stored in skeletal muscle.

L-glutamine is also known as 2-aminoglutaramic acid, levoglutamide, (S)-2, 5-diamino-5-oxopentaenoic acid and glutamic acid 5-amide. Its one letter abbreviation is Q, and it is also abbreviated as Gin. The liver is supposed to convert excess nitrogen into urea, which is then excreted in the urine. The nitrogen may attach itself to glutamic acid which then forms glutamine. Glutamine is unique among the ammo acids in that each molecule contains two nitrogen atoms; not one. Glutamine helps to clear ammonia from the tissues, especially brain tissue, and it can transfer health enhancing nitrogen from one place to another.

Function- When an amino acid is broken down, nitrogen is released (the body needs nitrogen when metabolized properly). The free nitrogen can form ammonia, which is toxic to brain tissues. Because glutamine can readily pass through the blood-brain barrier, it is very effective brain fuel. In the brain, glutamine is converted into glutamic acid which is essential in manufacturing the neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid). GABA is needed to decrease neuron activity and inhibit nerve cells from over firing. Together with niacinamide and inositol, it prevents anxiety and stress related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by occupying their receptor sites. GABA is vital to sustain proper brain function and mental activity.

L-glutamine appears to play a major role in protecting the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract and, in particular, the large intestine. During catabolic states, the integrity of the intestinal mucosa may be compromised with consequent increased intestinal permeability and translocation of Gram-negative bacteria from the large intestine into the body. The demand for L-glutamine by the intestine, as well as by immune enhancing cells such as lymphocytes, appears to be much greater than that supplied by skeletal muscle. L-glutamine helps maintain secretory IgA, which functions primarily by preventing the attachment of bacteria to mucosal cells.

L-glutamine enhances the immune system by proliferation of lymphocytes, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). It is also required for the maintenance of lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK). L-glutamine can enhance phagocytosis by monocytes and neutrophils. It may lead to an increased synthesis of glutathione in the intestine, which may also play a role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa by acting as a strong anti-oxidant.

L-glutamine is important in the regulation of acid-base balance (pH). L-glutamine allows the kidneys to excrete excess acid and protects the body against the harmful effects of acidosis. It preserves glutathione in the liver and protects that organ from the effects of acetaminophen overdose. L-glutamine decreases sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol, and is useful for recovering alcoholics. The anticatabolic/anabolic activity of L-glutamine can be explained by its effect in sparing skeletal muscle.

Deficiency- A deficiency of L-glutamine is commonly associated with arthritis, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, intestinal disorders, peptic ulcers, connective tissue diseases such as polymyositis and scleroderma, and tissue damage, radiation and cancer treatment. Low levels of L-glutamine may lead to decreased mental functioning, developmental disabilities, epilepsy, fatigue, impotence, depression, schizophrenia, and senility.

Sources- Many plant and animal substances contain glutamine, but it is easily destroyed by cooking. If supplemental dosages are required free form amino acids are used most efficiently.

Precautions- Supplemental glutamine must be kept absolutely dry or the powder will degrade into pyroglutamic acid and ammonia. Glutamine should not be taken by persons with cirrhosis of the liver, kidney problems, Reye's syndrome, or any type of disorder that can result in an accumulation of ammonia in the blood.

Requirements- There is no Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) listed. Individual needs may differ due to clinical conditions, biochemical individuality and absorption. All sources of nutrients should be consumed in their most natural state, in the form of a variety of foods or supplements when necessary. Free form amino acid supplements are immediately absorbed by the body and should be consumed with natural occurring cofactors for best results. Consulting with a physician that is properly trained in the natural healing sciences and amino acid therapy may be needed for optimum results.

Written by Jerome Rerucha D.C.

References-
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