Glutamine

[YSK]

So ive been on protein powder for 6+ months and im satisfied with results. One friend advised me to get some glutamine, now i read up on it and it improves protein synthesis, immune system and such other things. Ive also heard that it helps reduce cravings for sugar? is that true. Also do u recommend someone at my age of 15 and 210 pounds get some?
*edit*
Awww, just remembered the damn supplements section. Srry mods.

 

[Emma-Leigh]

So ive been on protein powder for 6+ months and im satisfied with results. One friend advised me to get some glutamine, now i read up on it and it improves protein synthesis, immune system and such other things. Ive also heard that it helps reduce cravings for sugar? is that true. Also do u recommend someone at my age of 15 and 210 pounds get some?
*edit*
Awww, just remembered the damn supplements section. Srry mods.

Not a problem. You can post this question here if you want.

My opinion on glutamine is that most people do not need it.

Nothing bad per say - it is just a waste of money for 90% of the population.

Unless you are doing a completely stupid diet (or you are doing rediculous amounts of training) then, seeing you will be taking in a higher than average level of animal proteins it is likely you will be getting adequate glutamine for your needs (Dairy, eggs, seafood and meats are all high in glutamine... Seeds like sunflower seeds and nuts like almonds and peanuts are also not too bad in terms of glutamine).


Also - in terms of the 'supplement', most glutamine taken orally will be taken up in the lining of your intestines (intestinal mucosa) and converted to other things before it even reaches your blood. So in order to get any substantial levels into your body you need to take pretty large doses... [the effect is less so if you specifically take good doses of pure l-glutamine (>10g per serve), but up to 75% can still be removed.... (on a side note - this is one of the reasons why glutamine may be helpful for those with irritable bowel or inflammatory bowel issues...)].

Also - You turn over glutamine in your blood REALLY rapidly so if you want high levels in your body for any period of time then you have to take really high doses every few hours... Completely un-ecomomical.

Some people may disagree with me on this - but it is just my opinion... So the only time I suggest people really think about taking it is if they are on an extremely hypocalorific diet, if they are under immense stress in terms of your immunity or if you are doing seriously long/hard training....

I would probably not recommend it to you. At this stage (at your age and weight) you want a good diet and a good training program. Anything else is a waste of money.