L-Glutamine

[bex]

L-Glutamine: Absolute Manna for Bodybuilders

Glutamine is without a doubt one of the most provocative supplements to hit the market in years. Bodybuilders should accept the fact that there is no turning back in this Glutamine-is-an absolute-must equation; the evidence to support the use of Glutamine as part of the nutritional bodybuilding matrix is compelling and overwhelming.

Let’s break it down as simply as possible: Glutamine is the most prevalent amino acid in skeletal muscle; vast quantities are secreted during catabolic and stressful activities such as bodybuilding. The body responds to the release of Glutamine to muscle tissue in several positive ways: enhancing immune-system responsiveness, improving the efficiency of the gastrointestinal tract, upgrading the production of glycogen in the liver and stimulating ammonia excretion in the kidney.

Although Glutamine is currently categorised as a non-essential amino acid, the vast body of evidence that supports its efficacy as an anabolic agent is creating a movement to label it as a "conditionally essential" amino acid in severe catabolic states. This perspective has received support from recent studies that have displayed tropic effects of Glutamine-supplemented diets on the growth of specific tissues and on total body nitrogen balance. Besides acting as a catalyst for anabolism, a recent study has determined that Glutamine is also capable of promoting glycogen synthesis. This fact takes on importance when you consider that glycogen is the primary fuel for weight training; glycogen is also a necessity for complete muscle recovery, as it functions as a source of energy for muscle protein repair.

Now, its time to examine this recent study, which compared a Glutamine infusion taken following a 90-minute exercise session to infusions of glycine, saline (salt) and alanine. For reasons that were not quite clear, the glycine/alanine infusion reduced muscle glycogen by 18 percent, while the Glutamine infusion increased muscle glycogen by 16 percent. During the two-hour post-exercise interval, the infusion of Glutamine increased muscle glycogen more that the other two infusions. Researchers postulate that Glutamine may lead directly to muscle glycogen replenishment after weight training or other strenuous exercise. It’s a no-brainer that amino acids are essential for encouraging muscle protein synthesis. But the latest research indicates that particular amino acids actually draw water into the cell; this triggers an anabolic response. Of all amino acids that have been analysed for cellular hydration effects, Glutamine comes through as top dog. Its little wonder, then, that Glutamine is a principal amino acid stored in muscle.

Not surprisingly, as Glutamine leaves the muscle, the catabolic process rears its ugly head. Why? Its basic--as Glutamine exits the cells, the cells expel water and become dehydrated; hence, the catabolic state kicks into gear. The potential of Glutamine to swell cells is best seen in liver cells, which distend up to 12 percent in two minutes under the influence of physiological concentrations of Glutamine. As long as the concentrations of Glutamine are maintained at a high level in the cell, anabolic processes and cell hydration also remain elevated.

In addition to all of the important anabolic and anti-catabolic benefits we've already mentioned, recent research has revealed yet another important contribution Glutamine can make in enhancing our bodybuilding efforts—Increased growth hormone levels. One recent study revealed that just a 2-gram oral dose of L-Glutamine caused an increase in growth hormone levels by over 430%. This extremely significant elevation in natural growth hormone levels may help to promote increased anabolism, decreased catabolism, increased energy levels and greatly decreased bodyfat. Many researchers now consider this potent nutrient to be the bodybuilder’s single most important amino acid. Can you as a bodybuilder afford to ignore the benefits of Glutamine? Why risk losing your competitive edge--in or out of the gym. Some experts believe that in order to get an effective dose of Glutamine, you must ingest at least 6-8 grams in one sitting.

Most of your protein powders; drinks will be fortified with Glutamine. But the usual serving is about 2 grams. So, I would recommend that you find a wholesaler that sells Glutamine in powder form. But some of the nutrition companies are jumping on the Glutamine bandwagon and are putting effective doses of Glutamine in with their protein powder shakes and meal replacement drinks.

[Naturally Anabolic]

Thanks for the info bro!

[Deadend]

bump for bexsome, your on fire dude.

[LittleMeth]

Good post! Your like a never ending wave of anabolic information.