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L-Glutamine - Compendium of Knowledge
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Is it truly advantageous to use glutamine? Many people may not be certain about the answer to this question, hence this article was born. Its purpose is to eliminate all uncertainties concerning the appropriateness of glutamine use.
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What is Glutamine?
Glutamine is an amino acid that is produced within the body. It is created through the transformation of glutamic acid into glutamine. Although it is synthesized in many tissues, only the lungs, skeletal muscles, and adipose tissue are capable of releasing it into the bloodstream. It is a component of the majority of proteins derived from both plants and animals. In the human body, glutamine constitutes approximately 70% of the total amino acid pool. It can exist in three forms: L-glutamine, N-acetyl-L-glutamine (NAG), and glutamine peptide. Each of these forms possesses its own unique characteristics and applications.
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Glutamine and Burn Injuries
Glutamine plays a significant role in the case of burn injuries. Burn is tissue damage caused by high temperatures or chemical substances. Most of them are small burns requiring immediate assistance. The problem lies in burns that cover at least 20% of the body's surface area and are classified as severe. In such cases, comprehensive medical care is required. Glutamine stimulates the immune system, reduces the number of infectious complications, shortens treatment duration, and lowers the mortality rate. During a burn, the intestinal mucosa, kidneys, immune system, and liver require substantial amounts of glutamine. This demand cannot be met by releasing amino acids from the skeletal muscles. Therefore, the European Society for Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition recommends glutamine supplementation for burn victims. Studies conducted by Garrel and Zhou showed the positive impact of glutamine on wound healing and shortening the treatment duration. A comprehensive analysis of all published data on this topic by Windle also confirmed the positive effect of glutamine on burn injuries.
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Glutamic acid and the functioning of the digestive system
Lately, there has been much discussion about a condition known as leaky gut syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder contributing to the development of many other ailments, such as Hashimoto's disease, arthritis, and skin problems.
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Glutamic Acids
As a potential energy source for intestinal cells, it may play a unique role in their inflammatory conditions. It aids in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by the occurrence of insensitivity within the intestinal walls. Van der Hulst et al. in their studies demonstrated that supplementation with glutamic acids may have an impact on increasing intestinal integrity in patients who have experienced surgical injuries. In addition, it may have a beneficial effect in the prevention of gastric ulcer diseases. It provides cells of the gastric mucosa with energy and may contribute to improving their blood supply through the expansion of blood vessels. Improved blood supply to the gastric mucosa may have a positive impact on the healing processes of inflammation.
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Glutamine for Physical Activity Enthusiasts
The interest in glutamine among athletes stems from its anabolic properties towards skeletal muscles. This amino acid can undergo transformations into asparagine, arginine, and lysine, which are essential for the production of collagen proteins. In addition, the administration of glutamine leads to an increase in the concentration of proline and hydroxyproline, which are essential for these processes. Glutamine is involved in the synthesis of muscle proteins and in the elimination of ammonia from the body. The anabolic effect (influence on muscle mass gain) is associated with the release of growth hormone. Glutamine is also a factor of immense importance in maintaining internal balance, as it regulates body temperature, pH, blood pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and the volume of body fluids. Glutathione is produced from glutamine, which is the basic antioxidant. Physical activity is associated with an increased level of oxidative stress. Therefore, it is necessary to include antioxidants that fight free radicals and eliminate the problem. The beneficial effect of glutamine on the regulation of blood sugar levels is also important, as it ensures constant energy supply to the muscles. Glutamine influences the regeneration of glycogen reserves in the muscles, which allows for an increase in endurance and an extension of the possibilities of physical exertion. In addition to supporting muscle growth, glutamine inhibits the breakdown of muscle fibers. The practice of sport is associated with the occurrence of microdamage to muscle fibers. Glutamine limits this process and allows for faster regeneration.
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Summary
Glutamine exhibits numerous beneficial features on the human body. It serves as an energy source for lymphocytes, which strengthens the immune system of the body. Consequently, it improves the overall health status. It functions exceptionally well in cases of persistent stress and strenuous physical exercises. It also impacts the state of the digestive system, as health initiates in the gut.
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian
• 24.03.2026
mgr Bibliografia: Albrecht J. et al., Roles of glutamine in neurotransmission, „ Neuron Glia Biology” 2010, 6(4), 263–276. Bean A., Żywienie w sporcie. Kompletny przewodnik, Poznań 2013, 116–117. Boelens P.G. et al., Glutamine alimentation in catabolic state, „The Journal of Nutrition” 2001, 131(9), 25695–25775S. Ciborowska H, Rudnicka A, Dietetyka. Żywienie zdrowego i chorego człowieka, Warszawa 2010, 99. Ciok J., Żywienie w patogenezie i leczeniu nieswoistych zapalnych chorób jelit, „Nowa Medycyna” 1999, 10. Greenfield J. R. et al., Oral glutamine increases circulating glucagon-like peptide 1, glucagon, and insulin concentrations in lean, obese, and type 2 diabetic subjects., „The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” 2009, 89(1), 106–113. Jarosz M., Bułhak-Jachymczyk B., Normy żywienia człowieka, Warszawa 2014, 62. Mansour A. et al., Effect of glutamine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes, „Nutrition” 2015, 31(1), 119–126. Payne A., Barker H.M., Dietetyka i żywienie kliniczne, Wrocław 2017, 137. Parry-Billings M. et al., Plasma amino acid concentrations in overtraining syndrome: possible effects on the immune system, „Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise” 1992, 24(12), 1353–1358. Rapin J.R., Wiernsperger N., Possible Links between Intestinal Permeability and Food Processing: A Potential Therapeutic Niche for Glutamine, „ Clinics” 2010, 65(6), 635–643. Rowicka G., Czajka M., Znaczenie diety w profilaktyce i leczeniu choroby wrzodowej żołądka i dwunastnicy, „ Medycyna Rodzinna” 2011, 1, 15–18. Skrzyńska S., Interwencja żywieniowa u chorych z ciężkimi oparzeniami, „Współczesna Dietetyka” 2016, 8. Welbourne T.C., Increased plasma bicarbonate and growth hormone after an oral glutamine load, „The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” 1995, 61(5), 1058–1061.
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