L-Glutamine: The Pros and Cons

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in skeletal muscle. It is found in a variety of protein sources, as well as supplements, and is one of the primary amino acids found in whey proteins, which are probably one of its most easily assimilated sources.

In bodybuilding, L-Glutamine is most popular for its ability to buffer lactic acid and help the body with muscle recovery. Lactic acid is one of the culprits of “the burn” that you feel during exercise. So, being able to reduce that excruciating pain can be very useful to the bodybuilder in that he/she can perform more exercise, or more intense exercise, without being forced to stop as a result of the burn. And, of course, if one is able to reduce the time that it takes for the muscles to recover from a workout, then healing/growth will come quicker, also.

Recent studies, however, have shown that lactic acid may not be the “bad guy” that its reputation implies. It has been found that in endurance athletes, especially cyclists and runners, that lactic acid may be utilized by the body as an alternate energy source, actually helping the athlete to continue despite the excruciating pain that results from such a heavy build-up of lactic acid in the muscles.

L-Glutamine also has muscle-cell volumizing properties that can be very useful to the bodybuilder in that any increase in muscle size is almost always welcome. The volumizing effects of L-Glutamine are not nearly as dramatic as those of creatine monohydrate, but are significant enough to be mentioned in this article.

So, should one use supplemental L-Glutamine in their nutritional regimen? That certainly depends upon the specific goals of the athlete, and whether or not the athlete will be obtaining enough from natural sources. As with any supplement on the market, the perceived need is what drives the consumer to purchase it. So, I recommend that each individual consider his/her goals and determine the need for supplemental L-Glutamine from there.

I opt to use L-Glutamine in my arsenal of supplements due to its muscle recovery properties. My workouts are so intense that I do perceive a need for added L-Glutamine to assist my body in its attempts to heal itself. I take 5 grams of L-Glutamine before bed each evening, and upon waking each morning, and believe that it is very effective in helping me to recover and, subsequently, grow.

You can purchase L-Glutamine, and a wide variety of other sports supplements, at:
The Power Zone    8576 Santa Monica Blvd.    West Hollywood, Ca. 90069
tel: 310-289-1125