Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid. Majority of all unbound (free) amino acids in skeletal muscles are glutamine. In normal conditions, the body produces more than adequate level of glutamine of on its own, but strenuous workouts and stress conditions drain more from the body than it is ability of producing.
In the body, it is responsible for the positive nitrogen balance, which is essential for the recovery of muscle tissue micro-injuries caused by physical exertion. Studies have revealed that Glutamine can help minimise breakdown of muscle and can improve protein metabolism. This is especially useful for those dieting and wanting to preserve muscle.
Glutamine plays a very important role in protein synthesis, muscle recovery and physical resilience. If the body is not provided with sufficient glutamine, or if it cannot produce as much as it needs, the internal organs and the immune system take it from the muscles which consequently fall into a catabolic state.
In particular, when intense workouts and exercises with weights are concerned, its level in the body can be reduced substantially, resulting in a decrease of muscle tissue and poor recovery.
