L-glutamine can be produced naturally in your body. In fact, it is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and other body fluids (1, 2). However, there are times when the glutamine needs of your body are greater than its ability to produce it (3). Also, glutamine is an important molecule for the immune system and intestinal health (4).
One study used advanced lab techniques to determine how much L-glutamine is found in various foods (5) like egg, beef, skim milk, tofu, white rice and corn.
Important for the immune system
One of the most important functions of glutamine is its role in the immune system.
L-glutamine is a critical fuel source for immune cells, including white blood cells and certain intestinal cells (5). Additionally, the function of the immune system can be compromised when insufficient amounts of glutamine are available (6, 7).
Studies have also reported that glutamine supplements may improve health, decrease infections and lead to shorter hospital stays after surgery (8, 9). Other studies have shown that glutamine supplements may also improve immune function in animals infected with bacteria or viruses (7, 10).
Plays a role in intestinal health
Glutamine’s immune system benefits are related to its role in intestinal health. It is an important energy source for intestinal and immune cells (4, 11). It also helps maintain the barrier between the inside of your intestines and the rest of your body, thereby protecting against a leaky gut (12, 13). Due to the major role of the intestines in the immune system, glutamine may benefit your overall immune health by supporting the intestinal cells (7, 13).
May help irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
L-glutamine appears (14) to have a role in maintaining proper barriers within the intestine. Tissues in the intestine also use this amino acid as a fuel source to function well.
Some research supports glutamine supplements for IBS, but additional, larger studies are needed to confirm any benefits. One study from 2019 found that taking 15 grams of glutamine supplements per day for 8 weeks improved symptoms in people who had developed diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) following an intestinal infection (15). A 2021 study examined pairing a low FODMAP diet (a common diet for treating IBS) with 15 grams of a glutamine supplement per day for 6 weeks.
Researchers found that the group that took the supplement while following the diet had reduced IBS severity compared with the group that just followed the diet (16).
Another study from 2022 found that participants who took 15 grams of glutamine per day for 6 weeks had reduced frequency of abdominal pain and lower dissatisfaction with bowel habits compared with the group that took iso whey protein, another popular supplement (17).
L-Glutamine
One study used advanced lab techniques to determine how much L-glutamine is found in various foods (5) like egg, beef, skim milk, tofu, white rice and corn.
Important for the immune system
One of the most important functions of glutamine is its role in the immune system.
L-glutamine is a critical fuel source for immune cells, including white blood cells and certain intestinal cells (5). Additionally, the function of the immune system can be compromised when insufficient amounts of glutamine are available (6, 7).
Studies have also reported that glutamine supplements may improve health, decrease infections and lead to shorter hospital stays after surgery (8, 9). Other studies have shown that glutamine supplements may also improve immune function in animals infected with bacteria or viruses (7, 10).
Plays a role in intestinal health
Glutamine’s immune system benefits are related to its role in intestinal health. It is an important energy source for intestinal and immune cells (4, 11). It also helps maintain the barrier between the inside of your intestines and the rest of your body, thereby protecting against a leaky gut (12, 13). Due to the major role of the intestines in the immune system, glutamine may benefit your overall immune health by supporting the intestinal cells (7, 13).
May help irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
L-glutamine appears (14) to have a role in maintaining proper barriers within the intestine. Tissues in the intestine also use this amino acid as a fuel source to function well.
Some research supports glutamine supplements for IBS, but additional, larger studies are needed to confirm any benefits. One study from 2019 found that taking 15 grams of glutamine supplements per day for 8 weeks improved symptoms in people who had developed diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) following an intestinal infection (15). A 2021 study examined pairing a low FODMAP diet (a common diet for treating IBS) with 15 grams of a glutamine supplement per day for 6 weeks.
Researchers found that the group that took the supplement while following the diet had reduced IBS severity compared with the group that just followed the diet (16).
Another study from 2022 found that participants who took 15 grams of glutamine per day for 6 weeks had reduced frequency of abdominal pain and lower dissatisfaction with bowel habits compared with the group that took iso whey protein, another popular supplement (17).