Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, being involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Over 61% of skeletal muscle tissue is glutamine. Glutamine is converted to glucose when more glucose is required for energy and aids in immune function. Glutamine assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body, provides fuel for a healthy digestive tract, and is the basis of the building blocks for synthesizing RNA and DNA. Studies have shown glutamine to be helpful in the treatment of serious illnesses, injuries, trauma, burns, and cancer treatment-related side effects and wound healing for postoperative patients. Glutamine transports ammonia, the toxic metabolic byproduct of protein breakdown, to the liver, where it is converted into less toxic urea and then excreted by the kidneys.
The measurement of glutamine, along with 23 other amino acids, is included in the Amino Acids in Plasma and the Amino Acids in Urine tests.
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Glutamine (Gln/Q) is an amino acid that plays a critical role in many biological processes in the body. Some of its prominent biological roles include:
Protein synthesis: Glutamine is a precursor for protein synthesis, essential for tissue growth and repair throughout the body.
Energy production: Glutamine is also a significant energy source for many cells in the body, particularly those in the gut and immune system.
Nitrogen transport: Glutamine transports nitrogen between different organs and tissues in the body, and it plays a vital role in maintaining nitrogen balance.
Immune function: Glutamine is a crucial nutrient for immune cells. It helps support the immune system by providing energy and maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier.
Acid-base balance: Glutamine maintains the body's acid-base balance, critical for proper physiological function.
Glutamine plays a vital role in many critical biological processes in the body and is essential for overall health and well-being.
Glutamine is marketed as a supplement for muscle growth in weightlifting and bodybuilding. Glutamine supplements might help gut function, immune function, and other processes, especially in times of stress when the body uses more glutamine. People take glutamine for sickle cell disease, in burns, to improve recovery after surgery and injuries, and for complications of HIV/AIDS. It is also used for diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, obesity, lung cancer, and many other conditions.
