Don’t let the common cold steal away your gains… We're here to talk about Glutamine depletion and the importance of supplementation!
WHAT IS GLUTAMINE
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is a non-essential [amino acid][1], meaning it can be produced by the body in quantity’s great enough for it’s regular function. Glutamine production occurs in the lungs, but is stored in skeletal muscle. Making up over 61% of total skeletal muscle.
Glutamine Benefits
- Fuel source for the immune system.
- Normal Digestion.
- Removal of excess ammonia.
- Nitrogen transport into skeletal muscle.
- Protein synthesis.
- Anti-catabolic function.
- Elevates growth hormone.
Overall effect of the later four functions aid the recovery of muscle cells and prevent a catabolic state.
Glutamine Depletion
Glutamine depletion occurs when the amount required by the body exceeds the quantity produced by the body. There are a number of stresses that can lead to such a state. These include:
- Illness.
- Common cold.
- Wound healing.
- Surgery.
- Excessive Burns.
- Intense physical exercise.
In this situation the body can not get enough from the bloodstream and reverts to the Glutamine stored by the muscles, in tern putting them in a catabolic state. Depleted levels of Glutamine also result in decreased strength, stamina and recovery. This is where Glutamine supplementation plays a role.
Glutamine Supplementation
20-30g daily for maximum blood plasma concentration On training days 5g pre and and post workout for maximum growth and recovery.