Many
people involved in bodybuilding know that proper nutrition and supplementation
are important for best results. Protein is one of the most talked-about subjects
at the gym as compared to creatine, fish oil, weight gainer and glutamine but
in this article, we'll discuss about glutamine.
Glutamine
is the most abundant amino acid found in the bloodstream of the human body. It
is considered a non-essential amino acid meaning you don't need to get it from
foods or supplements as it can be synthethized by your own body but depending
on certain situations, it can become a "conditionally essential amino acid"
notably under catabolic stress such as intense exercise. Under extreme physical
stress, you will be overusing your skeletal muscles and this is where most of
the glutamine in your body are stored.
When
this occurs, your demand for glutamine will surpass your body's capability to
produce it resulting in glutamine depletion. This is where eating foods high in
glutamine or taking glutamine supplements will help restore your glutamine levels.
Sources of glutamine include but not limited to poultry, beef, milk, cheese, yogurt,
raw spinach, cabbage. To resume, although glutamine is not directly responsible
for building muscle mass, it is good for bodybuilding as:
It
can prevent muscle breakdown and muscle catabolism.
It
can speed muscle recovery and reduce muscle soreness. Most whey protein powders
contain some glutamine but it's usually not enough, so add 5-10 grams of glutamine
in your post workout whey protein shake to increase protein synthesis and absorption
rate to a certain extent and induce anabolic activity.
It
can stimulate your metabolism by regulating blood glucose levels and can also
be converted to glucose or energy when needed.
It
can boost your immune, nervous and digestive system. Having a weak immune system
makes you prone to infections easier as well as slow recovery from injuries. Bodybuilding
is a discipline which puts you at risk of injuries so if by misfortune you get
injured, you can definitely heal faster if your glutamine intake is high enough.
It
can also inhibit cravings for alcohol and sugar so it can definitely detract bodybuilders
from getting away from their goals.
Glutamine
notably in the form of L-Glutamine is usually available in powder, tablet or capsule
form either as an individual supplement or part of a protein supplement.
After research, here are some of the best glutamine powder supplements on the
market.
(1) Maximum Human Performance, LLC, Glutamine-SR,
10.58 oz (300 g)
(2)
EVLution Nutrition, Glutamine 5000, Unflavored, 17.6 oz (500 g)
(3)
MusclePharm, Glutamine Essentials, Unflavored, 1.32 lbs (600 g)
(4)
Primaforce, Glutaform, 100% L-Glutamine, Unflavored, 1000 g
(5)
GAT, L-Glutamine, Unflavored, 17.6 oz (500 g)
(6)
Dymatize Nutrition, Glutamine Micronized, Unflavored, 17.64 oz (500 g)
(7)
Gaspari Nutrition, Glutamine, Unflavored, 10.58 oz (300 g)
(8) California Gold Nutrition, L-Glutamine Powder, AjiPure,
Gluten Free, 16 oz (454 g)
(9) ALLMAX NUTRITION GLUTAMINE 1000 GRAMS
(10)
OPTIMUM NUTRITION GLUTAMINE POWDER 1000 GRAMS
(11)
OPTIMUM NUTRITION GLUTAMINE POWDER 300 GRAMS
(12)
NutraBio 100% Pure L-Glutamine Powder - 500 Grams - HPLC Tested, Micronized, Unflavored,
No Additives or Fillers, GMP. Post
(13)
Nutrafx L- Glutamine Powder 300 g | Replenish Muscle Glutamine Levels | Powerful
Anti-Catabolism | Best Bodybuilding Supplement
(14)
L-Glutamine Powder | 300 Grams | 5000 mg L-Glutamine USP | Free of Common Allergens
| Seeking Health
(15)
NOW Foods L-Glutamine Pure Powder, 1-Pound
(16)
Hard Rhino L-Glutamine Powder, 500 Grams
(17)
Jarrow Formulas L-Glutamine Powder, Supports Muscle Tissue, 2 g per serving, 1000
g
(18)
BSN GLUTAMINE DNA - 60 servings
(19)
Pure L-Glutamine Made in the USA - 200 Servings - 1,000g, 2.2lb Bulk, Vegan, Non-GMO,
Gluten and Soy Free. Minimize Muscle Breakdown & Improve Protein Synthesis.
Nothing Artificial
(20)
KAGED MUSCLE GLUTAMINE 100 SERVINGS