The synthesis of glutamine protects the brain from ammonia toxicity. Glutamine is an important source of energy for the nervous system. If the brain does not receive enough glucose, it compensates by utilizing glutamine metabolism for energy. Glutamine users commonly report higher energy, less fatigue and better mood. The synthesis of L-Glutamine protects the body, and the brain in particular, from ammonia toxicity.
Ammonia toxicity is a natural by-product of normal protein synthesis.
In fact, the synthesis of glutamine from glutamate is the key pathway for detoxifying ammonia. Excess ammonia is a crucial factor in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, since ammonia interferes with the oxidative metabolism of neurons and thus reduces the production of ATP the body's energy molecule. In addition, ammonia gives rise to very harmful nitrogen-based free radicals. So Glutamine effectively reduces both ammonia and nitrogen based free radical cell damage. L-Glutathione is a tripeptide that is one of the body's master antioxidant enzymes.