Shopping's sign of superlative quality. Our understanding of the amino acid glutamine is turning topsy-turvy as scientists uncover ever more unique and powerful roles it plays in our bodies. These range from enhancing muscle growth and neutralizing excess body acid to losing weight and combating the effects of aging. Small wonder that scores of new studies about glutamine are making their way into scientific journals all over the world.
Amino acids are the building blocks that form body and dietary proteins.
Nonessential amino acids are made by the liver from general dietary protein intake and don't have to be consumed directly. During strenuous exercise the need for glutamine appears to increase beyond the level ordinarily made in the liver. Recent research findings illustrate the dramatic effect exertion has on the body's glutamine reserves. Some runners still had depressed glutamine levels even six days after recovering from the aerobic program, suggesting that they needed more glutamine than their diets could provide. These findings are especially important to athletes, as glutamine is essential to muscle growth.