Glutamine is an amino acid that serves mainly to improve bowel functions and ensure proper functioning of the immune system, in addition to being very important for normal functioning of various tissues of the body.
Between the main functions of glutamine They are:
- Participation in the manufacture of RNA and DNA;
- Maintenance of the internal balance of the organism;
- Nitrogen transfer between organs;
- Cell growth and differentiation;
- Ammonia detoxification;
- Regulation in the production and degradation of body proteins;
- Provides energy to the cells of the gut and immune system;
- Provides energy to collagen-producing cells, increasing their production;
- Improvement of intestinal permeability and integrity;
- Increases resistance to infections.
Glutamine is stored in large quantities in the proteins that form the muscles, being widely used by the body in cases of infections, surgeries, trauma, burns, and prolonged and intense exercises.
In these situations, the glutamine of the muscles is released to be used by the body as a source of energy, to repair tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin), cell growth, among other functions.
As a result, glutamine stores fall dramatically and need to be replenished through a extra power supply, since kidneys, liver, intestine and immune system need larger amounts of this nutrient.
Without a adequate replacement of glutamine, athletes who engage in prolonged and strenuous physical activity, such as marathons and half marathons, are at greater risk of acquiring infections and the absorption of nutrients intestinal tract impaired.
This is because glutamine is used as power supply by cells of the immune system and intestine, in addition to ensuring adequate permeability of the intestinal mucosa.
What are the side effects of glutamine?
The use of high doses of glutamine (more than 40 g per day) may cause the following Side effects:
- Irregular distribution of other amino acids in body tissues;
- Alteration in the absorption of amino acids by the intestine, which can impair the assimilation of essential amino acids for the body;
- Kidney overload;
- Constipation;
- Decreased production of glutamine by the body, which adapts to the increased intake of glutamine and fails to produce or reduces its own glutamine.
The use of glutamine is contraindicated for patients with problems in the liver or kidneys, because it can make the picture worse.
Glutamine supplementation should be indicated by a nutrologist doctor or by a professional nutritionist, according to the individual needs of the person, taking into account their food and the physical activity that they practice.
The use of glutamine without an indication can be detrimental to health.
