Often called the "king of amino acids", glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in your muscles. While your body can produce it, intense physical stress from training, illness, or a calorie-restricted diet can deplete your natural stores. That's why supplementing with it has become a staple for athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

What is glutamine and why does it matter?

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning your body can produce it on its own.^[1] However, during periods of high stress, like after a hard workout, your body uses more glutamine than it can produce, leading to a state of depletion.

This is where supplementing comes in. By providing your body with a readily available source of glutamine, you can help support several vital functions.

Key benefits of glutamine supplementation

• Accelerated muscle recovery: Glutamine helps repair muscle tissue after a strenuous workout, which can reduce muscle soreness and get you back in the gym faster.^[1][2]
• Immune system support: It serves as a primary fuel source for your immune cells. Maintaining optimal glutamine levels is important for a strong immune system, especially after high-intensity training, which can temporarily suppress it.^[1][2]
• Improved gut health: Glutamine is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining, which is essential for nutrient absorption and overall well-being.^[3][4][6]

Find your perfect fit

To help you get the most out of this powerful amino acid, USN offers a range of high-quality glutamine products tailored to your needs. These can be broken down into two categories: products that contain only glutamine and products that include it as part of a comprehensive blend.

Glutamine only

These products provide a pure, focused dose of L-Glutamine for those who want to target recovery and immune support directly.

• USN Pure Glutamine powder: A versatile, unflavoured powder that can be easily mixed into your post-workout shake or water.
• USN Pure Glutamine capsules: A convenient, tasteless option for those on the go who prefer a precise capsule format.
• USN Pure Glutamine 9000: Another pure powder option that can be easily mixed into your post-workout shake or water.

Products with glutamine

These supplements include glutamine as one of several key ingredients to provide a broader range of benefits, from muscle growth to energy.

• USN Fast Grow Aminos: An all-in-one supplement designed to support muscle growth and recovery with a blend of amino acids, including glutamine.
• USN BCAA 12:1:1: A potent blend of branched-chain amino acids with added glutamine to help you bounce back faster from intense workouts.
• USN Amino Energy: A supplement formulated to boost energy and focus while supporting muscle recovery with a blend of amino acids.
• USN All9 Amino: A comprehensive product that provides all nine essential amino acids, including glutamine, for complete muscle support.
• USN Hardcore All9 Amino: A more advanced version of the All9 Amino, designed for hardcore athletes who need maximum support for performance and recovery.

How to use glutamine

The most common and effective time to take glutamine is right after your workout to kickstart the recovery process. You can also take it before bed to support overnight recovery or on rest days to help maintain your body's levels.^[5]

The bottom line

Glutamine is an important component for anyone serious about their training and overall health. By incorporating it into your supplement stack, you can help enhance recovery, support your immune system, and ensure your body is well-prepared for optimal performance.

References:

1.       National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (n.d.). The role of glutamine in the human body. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6266414/

2.       National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (n.d.). Glutamine and the immune system. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8234492/

3.       Kim, M.H. and Kim, H. (2017). The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(5), p. 1051. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5454963/

4.       Søndergaard, E. et al. (2016). Effects of a glutamine-rich supplement on intestinal permeability in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 51(12), pp. 1474-1481. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27749689/

5.       Bortz, D. et al. (2023). Glutamine as an Immunomodulatory and Metabolic Agent. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(9), p. 8175. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10175630/

6.       Phillips, G., A. et al. (1996). Glutamine supplementation in patients with Crohn's disease. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8775515/