|
|
 |
Glorious Glutamine!
By
T'ai Erasmus, ISSA
|
|
Although glutamine is referred to as a non-essential
amino acid-to the athlete glutamine is essential.
A component of protein, glutamine is manufactured internally from glutamic
acid interacting with ammonia and B6. Glutamine is produced in your muscles,
and provided to your body in the quantity it requires. Your muscles supply
a large amount of glutamine to the immune system as well.
Glutamine is responsible for a large variety of metabolic
processes in the body including regulation of cell volume,
brain function, anabolic drive, fuel for the gut, enhanced
cellular replication of immune function, recovery and healing.
Without it your body operates sub-optimally, leading to impaired
immunity, crippled muscle hypertrophy and in severe cases,
the symptoms of overtraining.
|
| Studies
Show … |
|
In a study conducted on the effects of glutamine on post
exercise infections, glutamine was administered orally after
exhaustive exercise to middle-distance, marathon and ultra
marathon runners, and elite rowers. Those that took glutamine
had a reduction the number of infections. in these athletes
was lowest in the mid- It was discovered that of the athletes
consuming 5 grams of glutamine immediately post workout,
and then again two hours later, only 19% reported infections
over the next seven days, while 52% of those given a placebo
reported being sick.
It was established there was a 9% decrease in serum glutamine levels
immediately after training and an additional 12% decrease two hours thereafter
for a total of 21%. Individuals administered with oral glutamine, increased
their serum glutamine levels increase by 50% within 30 minutes of ingestion.
What does this mean for you? The correct use of glutamine combined with
a superior nutritional program will allow you to recover faster, train
harder, reduce catabolic muscle wasting, enhance your immune system,
and maximize your athletic efforts.
|
| Choosing
a Product ... |
Whatever your health goals may be, glutamine can give a boost
to your nutritional program. Individual requirements vary from
person to person, as your biochemistry is totally unique to
you. RDAs are unacceptable if you want optimum health and performance.
When choosing a glutamine supplement, consider the quality of the product,
do not be fooled by price. Supplement companies purchase raw material from
the same manufactures, but can buy different grades of raw material. Lower
quality raw material costs less. This makes for a great label, but a poor
product. You get what you pay for! Get to know your supplier, it's worth
it!
|
| References
Cited: |
|
Castell LM, Newsholme EA. The effects of
oral glutamine supplementation on athletes after prolonged,
exhaustive exercise. Nutri 1997; 13: 738-742.
Performance Nutrition: The Complete Guide,
ISSA, 1997; 1: 59
|
T'ai Erasmus is a certified
personal fitness trainer, and sports nutritional consultant
working in Vancouver. To book sessions or a consultation
he can be reached by calling 604-329-7867or by e-mail at
tai@taierasmus.com.
|
|
|
