10/04/2026
Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, but supplementation is generally only needed during specific times of physical stress, illness, or injury. While your body produces glutamine naturally and you get it from food, glutamine stores can be depleted during catabolic (tissue-breaking) situations.
Benefits for recovery from stress and injury
Wound healing:
Supplemental glutamine may help speed the healing of wounds and burns and reduce infections in severely ill or injured patients.
Shorter hospital stays:
Some research shows that glutamine supplementation can shorten hospital stays and reduce infections in patients who have undergone surgery.
Reduced exercise-induced muscle damage:
Studies show glutamine can help reduce markers of muscle damage and improve strength recovery after intense, eccentric exercise.
Benefits for gastrointestinal and immune health.
Improved gut barrier function:
Glutamine is a primary fuel source for the intestinal cells (enterocytes) and helps maintain the tight junctions that seal the intestinal lining. This can prevent "leaky gut" and the passage of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
Support for immune cells:
Immune cells, such as white blood cells, rely on glutamine as a vital energy source. In times of illness or injury, when glutamine levels may drop, supplementation can help fuel immune cells.
Reduced inflammation:
Glutamine can help reduce intestinal inflammation, which is beneficial for individuals with gut issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other potential health benefited individuals
Cognitive support:
Glutamine is a precursor for important neurotransmitters and may help support brain function. Some research suggests it could play a role in managing mood disorders, but more research is needed.
