L-Glutamine Protocol

L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your blood and muscle tissue. It acts as the primary fuel for the cells lining your intestines and your immune system.

Your body normally makes enough glutamine, but during intense exercise, illness, or injury, demand can exceed supply. Your gut cells use glutamine at very high rates - more than any other organ in your body.

Glutamine helps maintain the tight connections between gut cells that form your intestinal barrier, with research showing it can strengthen gut barrier function in various conditions.

A 2024 review of 10 studies with 352 people found that taking over 30 grams daily for under two weeks significantly improved gut barrier function.

Strengthens gut barrier function when taken at higher doses (over 30 grams daily) for short periods, with research showing significant improvements. Studies in people with irritable bowel syndrome after infections showed that 15 grams daily improved gut barrier function whilst reducing symptoms, normalising bowel movements, and improving stool consistency.

Speeds up muscle recovery after intense exercise, with a study showing faster strength recovery and less muscle soreness in people taking glutamine. Professional basketball players had significantly lower markers of muscle damage in their blood when supplementing compared to those taking placebo.

Boosts immune function and reduces infections in athletes during heavy training, with research in combat athletes showing that three weeks of supplementation after intensive training improved immune markers, enhanced wellbeing, and reduced infection rates. Glutamine may help restore normal immune function during periods of heavy training stress.

Improves gut health in people with inflammatory bowel conditions, with trial data in Crohn's disease patients showing significant improvements when glutamine was combined with whey protein.

Supports the rapid replacement of gut lining cells by serving as their preferred fuel source. During intense exercise in heat, taking 0.25 to 0.9 grams per kilogram bodyweight showed dose-dependent improvements in gut barrier function.