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Glutamine And Building Muscle

The Potent Powerhouse That Can Make or Break Your Diet

The term protein is derived from the Greek word proteios which means holding the first place, and was so named because it is an organic compound of utmost importance to life.

Proteins on complete breakdown yield L-amino acids which have been further classified on the basis of their structure, polarity, metabolic fate and nutrition.

Under nutritional classification, they are divided into essential and non-essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are those that can be synthesized by the body to meet up with the biologic needs.

When consumed in the right quantity and quality, they are primarily responsible for building lean muscle mass in the body. The importance of protein in a fat loss and muscle building diet cannot be stressed enough.

Glutamine, the amino acid that is present in highest concentration in the blood stream, is a non-essential amino acid but considered a "conditionally essential amino acid" because although it can be manufactured in the body, under extreme physical stress the demand for glutamine exceeds the body's ability to make it.

It is synthesized mainly in the liver, brain and muscle and is freely diffusible in the tissues and therefore easily transported. It constitutes over 60% of total intramuscular amino acid.

Glutamine has a central role to play in maintaining a healthy immune system and the energy levels of key cells such as enterocytes. Apart from these, glutamine is required for synthesis of proteins, as a substrate for DNA synthesis, a precursor for rapidly dividing immune cells thereby aiding in immunity, maintenance of the acid base balance in the kidneys by production of ammonia, as a supplement for muscle growth in weight lifting, body building and endurance activities etc.

L-Glutamine is largely used as a muscle building supplement as it plays a vital role in several aspects that may benefit athletes and body builders.

When training, body builders use up a large proportion of body glutamine stores. As stated before, glutamine acts as a cellular fuel in the working of the immune system, hence during periods of depletion it is directed for the functioning of the immune system which may lead to muscle breakdown due to inadequate supply.

Also using up glutamine during work outs leads to the deterioration of the immune system which makes body builders very susceptible to infections.

Glutamine supplementation not only helps in the synthesis of proteins but also helps decrease the protein breakdown. It also exerts a positive effect on the immune system, which in turn can affect various parameters of over training syndrome.

It also acts as a substrate and as a regulator of glucose synthesis. This is important as it acts as a vital supply of fuel for both muscle tissues and other tissues such as brain, thus helping in improving the cognitive functions during training and attenuating some aspects of over training.

Dietary sources of L-Glutamine include animal products such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs and milk and milk products. Plant sources include cabbage, spinach and parsley. Small amount of free L-Glutamine are also found in vegetable juices and fermented foods.

But glutamine obtained from these sources is sufficient only for the average individual. Since body builders and weight trainers tend to push their bodies to its peak endurance level and sometimes even beyond, they need to take about 10-15gm of L-glutamine supplement daily, which is taking it 2-3 times in a day with each serving of about 5gms.

Augmenting your exercise regime with the correct diet and muscle building supplements such as glutamine could be the key to achieving your goal of a fit and muscular body, sooner rather than later!

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