. Yet despite this label it still gets overshadowed by creatine, whey protein, and lately, nitric acid.

One of 22 Glutamine is one of the 22 amino acids that make up protein in the human body. Until scientists started taking a close look, amino acids were considered either essential or nonessential. Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body and must be consumed in the diet. Nonessential amino acids are those that can be manufactured from other amino acids. Glutamine doesnt fit neatly into one of these categories. In fact the term conditionally essential is used, as while the body can manufacture it from other amino acids, there are times when demands outstrip supplies. For bodybuilders, glutamines primary role is combating the various stresses brought on by overtraining.

Overtraining is one of the biggest problems facing bodybuilders. The condition occurs when intense training is followed by inadequate rest periods. Instead of new muscle tissue being rebuilt, existing muscle tissue may be utilized as a fuel source. Glutamine can combat this by keeping the body in whats called positive nitrogen balance. Essentially for protein to be turned into muscle tissue, nitrogen levels must be high. If they drop, muscle wasting can occur.

Intense exercise also causes the release of such catabolic hormones as corticosteroids. These compounds contribute to the depletion of muscle glutamine levels by increasing the release of glutamine from muscle cells. These catabolic steroids can cause glutamine levels to drop even after exercise has stopped. The result is that the muscle becomes severely glutamine depleted.

Supplementing with glutamine has been shown to keep the body in positive nitrogen balance as well as fight the muscle wasting effects of corticosteroid release.

Immunity system booster

Another benefit of glutamine is its role as an immunity system booster. Most bodybuilders will admit that they catch colds and flues a lot easier when they train hard but dont rest properly. Glutamine can help prevent this because it serves as a precursor to many of the immunity systems anti-viral and anti-bacterial cells. In fact hospital patients, particularly burn victims, are routinely given glutamine to help fight off infection.

Is it safe?

Like creatine, there have been few side effects attributed to glutamine usage. A few users report gastric, upset but this is usually caused by taking the full 10 to 20 gram dosage all at once. It makes far more sense to spread the daily dosage over smaller but more numerous dosages.

Given its relatively low cost, safety, proven anticatabolic properties, immunity boosting abilities, and great track record in combating overtraining, bodybuilders would be wise to experiment with glutamine.

The previous information has been created by experts to help you increase your knowledge base about bodybuilding supplements. Be knowledgeable. Be informed. Make the right choice!