Contents
- What Is Glutamine Supplement?
- 7 Best Glutamine Supplements
- Natural Alternatives To Glutamine Supplements
- How to Choose The Best Glutamine Supplements?
- How Do Glutamine Supplements Work?
- Potential Side Effects Of Glutamine Supplements
- Are Glutamine Supplements Safe?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Glutamine is an amino acid that is essential for your muscles, immune system, and gut health. Your body produces Glutamine naturally, and it is also found in fish, meat, and dairy. In situations such as intense workouts, illness, or high stress, your body may not produce enough Glutamine. Taking a Glutamine supplement may provide you with extra support to help you stay strong and healthy.
Glutamine supplements could help your muscles recover faster after exercise. It may support protein production, which reduces soreness and gets you ready for your next workout.
While these are generally safe, taking too much could cause bloating or stomach upset.
This article will discuss the 7 best Glutamine supplements for your specific health needs. We will explore their health benefits, how they work, and their potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Glutamine Supplement?
A Glutamine supplement provides you health benefits of the L-glutamine amino acid your body needs. Glutamine is mostly stored in your muscles and helps with muscle repair and growth. It could also support your immune system by providing fuel for your immune cells, especially when you’re stressed or recovering from illness. Thus, Glutamine Supplements may help keep your gut healthy by supporting the lining of your digestive system. So, if you’re recovering from an intense workout session or dealing with gut issues, they could help with muscle recovery, immune health, and gut function.
7 Best Glutamine Supplements
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Revive Glutamine
Revive Glutamine could help you recover faster, boost your immunity, and support your gut health. It is said to be made with l-Glutamine, which may support your recovery and repair.
The makers state that Revive Glutamine may help reduce muscle soreness so that you might get back to your workouts quicker. It could also strengthen your immune system and help block harmful bacteria and toxins from your body.
Revive Glutamine claims to support healthy gut function by reducing inflammation and promoting better intestinal health. It is claimed to be vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and soy-free, helping you support your recovery.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- You get 10g of L-Glutamine per serving.
- It may help reduce muscle soreness.
- It could boost your immune system.
- It might support your gut health by improving intestinal permeability.
- It’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and soy-free
Cons
- It might not be suitable for you if you’re sensitive to amino acids.
- Personal results may vary.
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Kaged Glutamine
Kaged Glutamine is a 100% plant-based formula that claims to help you recover faster, build muscle, and fight fatigue after workouts. It may support muscle recovery by boosting muscle protein synthesis and reducing muscle breakdown so that you might get back to your routine with less soreness.
As per the official website, Kaged Glutamine offers 5g of fermented L-glutamine, which may support your gut and immune health by promoting a healthy gut microbiome and supporting healthy intestinal function.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It’s 100% plant-based, making it suitable if you have dietary restrictions.
- It could help speed up your muscle recovery by reducing muscle breakdown.
- It may fight post-workout fatigue.
- It could support your gut and intestinal health.
- It comes in an unflavored powder flavor that you can easily add to the muscle-building or recovery stack.
Cons
- It might not be as effective if you already get enough Glutamine through your diet.
- Results could take some time to show, depending on your workout routine and body.
- You could find the powder form less convenient compared to ready-to-drink options.
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Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
According to the official website, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine may help you recover faster, reduce muscle soreness, and stay hydrated.
Each serving of Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine is said to provide 8,000 mg of vegan-friendly, fermented branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the 2:1:1 ratio. It also contains 5,000 mg of L-Glutamine for recovery, 1,500 mg of vitamin C for immune health, and 1,000 mg of coconut water powder for hydration.
The makers state that Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine has no animal-derived amino acids, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or unnecessary additives. It is said to be naturally flavored and sweetened with stevia, which makes it suitable for a healthy lifestyle.
To use Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine, you can mix one level scoop of Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine with 10-12 ounces of water or your preferred beverage until fully dissolved. You should consume it 30-45 minutes before, during, or immediately after your workout. If needed, you can take one to two additional scoops throughout the day, but make sure not to exceed three servings in total.
Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine could also be taken as a pre-workout formula, which may help provide your body with essential amino acids and micronutrients, boosting your performance. It may also help prevent muscle fatigue and maintain hydration, especially if you’re exercising in hot or humid conditions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Contains 8,000 mg of BCAAs in the optimal 2:1:1 ratio, supporting muscle recovery and growth.
- It could help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery.
- Includes 1,500 mg of vitamin C that might support immune health and protect you from oxidative stress.
- It is naturally sweetened with stevia, making it a healthier option for your fitness routine.
- Third-party tested for purity, ensuring high quality and potency in every batch.
Cons
- It could be less effective if you’re already getting enough BCAAs or Glutamine from your diet.
- It may be slightly more expensive compared to some other Glutamine supplements on the market.
- You might experience digestive discomfort due to the high dose of BCAAs or Glutamine.
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Bulk Supplements N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder
According to the official website, Bulk Supplements N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder may support your cognitive function and muscle recovery. Each serving could give you 750 mg of N-Acetyl L-Glutamine per serving, which can help boost your immune system and possibly help your body fight off infections.
The makers state that N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder may also help with muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and improve your performance. It is said to help increase your energy and fight off fatigue, giving you more overall vitality.
As per the official website, Bulk Supplements N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder could also support your brain health, improving mental clarity and cognitive function. With its anti-inflammatory properties, N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder might help reduce inflammation in your body.
Bulk Supplements N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder is said to be free of added sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and additives. Manufactured to cGMP standards and third-party tested, Bulk Supplements N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder is available in sizes of 250 grams (8.8 oz) or 100 grams (3.5 oz).
The official website mentions that Bulk Supplements N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder is available for $25.96 in a one-time purchase option, and there’s also a subscribe-and-save option that gives you 10% off.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The N-acetyl form of Glutamine may be easier for your body to absorb, helping it work better.
- The powder form lets you adjust the dosage to suit your needs.
- The 250-gram size of Bulk Supplements N-Acetyl L-Glutamine Powder offers good value, especially if you take multiple servings each day.
- It has undergone third-party testing to make sure the product is pure and works as promised.
Cons
- The powder might not dissolve easily in all beverages, which could lead to clumps or uneven texture.
- Since it’s unflavored, it may be harder for you to mix it into your routine if you prefer flavored options.
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NutraBio Pure L-Glutamine Powder
NutraBio’s L-Glutamine is a pure, plant-based supplement that may help with muscle recovery and support your immune system. It could reduce muscle breakdown and speed up recovery after exercise, making it easier for your muscles to grow. The product is claimed to be made with natural ingredients and has no artificial additives or fillers. It’s made in the USA and follows strict quality standards. You can choose between 500-gram or 1000-gram sizes. NutraBio’s L-Glutamine could help mprove your fitness and health, with an option to subscribe for regular deliveries at a discount. The makers state that each serving of NutraBio Pure L-Glutamine Powder might give you 5 grams of L-Glutamine to support your recovery. You can mix one scoop (5g) of NutraBio Pure L-Glutamine Powder with your drink 2-3 times a day for consumption.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It contains L-Glutamine with no additional fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients.
- It may help preserve muscle tissue during intense workouts and periods of stress, which could be especially helpful if you’re aiming for muscle gain or fat loss.
- It may help increase your overall energy levels, reducing feelings of fatigue after training.
- The l-Glutamine is naturally fermented from vegetable sources, making it a suitable option if you follow vegan or plant-based diets.
Cons
- If you are new to Glutamine, it may take time to notice significant benefits.
- Because of its pure, high-quality formula, NutraBio Pure L-Glutamine may be more expensive than other available formulas.
- Consuming the formula in excess amounts to achieve desired results quickly may lead to overuse.
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Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine Capsules
According to the official website, Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine Capsules may help boost your muscle recovery and support immune health post-exercise. Two Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine Capsules are said to provide 1,000 milligrams of l-Glutamine, which could help repair your muscles after intense workouts and reduce muscle breakdown so you can recover faster and perform better in your next session.
Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine Capsules might help replenish your Glutamine stores and potentially reduce muscle soreness, allowing for better performance in workouts. However, it is said to use gelatin, which makes it unsuitable for you if you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet. As per the official website, one bottle of Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine Capsules for 120 servings is priced at $20.99.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 1000mg dose of L-Glutamine with two capsules may help aid in muscle recovery, potentially reducing soreness after workouts.
- It may help support your immune system, especially during intense exercise, helping your body stay strong and healthy.
- The capsule format is quick and easy to take, suitable for you if you have a busy lifestyle and don’t want to mix powders.
- It is said to contain no added sugars or unnecessary fillers.
- It could help prevent fatigue during longer or more intense workouts by supporting your body’s hydration.
Cons
- You’ll need to take two capsules for each serving, which might be inconvenient if you prefer fewer pills or a single large dose.
- If you engage in a high training volume, the 1000mg per serving may not be enough for optimal recovery.
- It only focuses on l-Glutamine, so it may not offer the extra benefits that other formulas, like BCAAs or creatine, might provide.
- If you’re sensitive to gelatin, you might experience mild digestive discomfort from the capsules.
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THORNE L-Glutamine
THORNE L-Glutamine claims to support muscle recovery, gut health, and immune support by providing 500 mg of L-Glutamine in each serving. It may help repair your muscle cells after exercise. This may help reduce soreness and speed up recovery.
According to the official website, THORNE L-Glutamine may help maintain your gut lining, which could prevent digestive problems and support better gut health. It could also help restore Glutamine levels that might get low after intense exercise, especially during long or tough workouts.
The makers state that THORNE L-Glutamine might help strengthen your immune health and speed up recovery from injuries by supporting wound healing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is said to be third-party tested and certified to ensure accurate labeling and the absence of heavy metals, pesticides, or microorganisms.
- It may help improve gastrointestinal health and enhance gut permeability.
- It could aid in restoring depleted plasma Glutamine levels after intense physical activity or periods of stress.
- It is said to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
- It is made from natural flavors and colors, with a hypromellose (cellulose-based) capsule that aligns with clean-label standards.
- It might help maintain immune function and promote wound healing and recovery.
Cons
- Each capsule provides 500 mg of Glutamine, which might not be enough if you have higher needs from intense exercise or stress.
- While the hypromellose capsule is plant-based, it may not meet the expectations of strict vegans without specific certification.
- As it’s in capsule form, you won’t have the option of mixing it into flavored drinks or customizing it with other products.
Natural Alternatives To Glutamine Supplements
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Bone broth
Bone broth is a natural source of amino acids that may support gut health and immune function. When bones and connective tissues are cooked, they release collagen, gelatin, and other important amino acids like glycine and proline. These compounds could help repair tissues, especially in the digestive system. The amino acids in bone broth fuel the cells of the intestines, helping to strengthen the gut lining and improve digestion. The gelatin in bone broth could also support your joint health and reduce inflammation.
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Chicken
Chicken is known as a rich source of protein, and its amino acid profile may contribute to the synthesis of proteins in your body, helping maintain muscle tissue and overall cell function. The amino acids in chicken could help your body build and repair tissues and support the immune system by helping produce white blood cells. Eating chicken may help your body recover after exercise or injury and can keep your muscles strong.
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Fish
Fish, especially salmon and tuna, are packed with protein and essential amino acids. They also provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. These omega-3s could help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery after exercise.
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Eggs
Eggs are a complete protein source and provide all the 9 essential amino acids your body needs. They may help with muscle growth and repair and also support gut health. Leucine in eggs could help your muscles recover and grow stronger. Eggs also contain antioxidants that may help protect your cells from damage.
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Cabbage
Cabbage, particularly when fermented into products like sauerkraut, offers amino acids that support gut health and tissue repair. Fermented cabbage contains probiotics, which may restore the good bacteria in the gut and improve digestion. These probiotics could also promote better nutrient absorption and help keep your immune system strong.
How to Choose The Best Glutamine Supplements?
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Understand Your Needs
Understanding your health needs is essential when choosing the best Glutamine supplement, as it helps align your choice with your goals and lifestyle. If your focus is on muscle recovery, choose pure L-Glutamine, which aids in reducing soreness and repairing tissues after intense workouts.
To boost your immunity, especially during times of physical or mental stress, you should choose Glutamine products without unnecessary additives. If you’re looking to improve your gut health, such as managing leaky gut or IBS, a clean, additive-free Glutamine formula could be more effective.
Remember that your lifestyle also plays a role in your supplement choice. As a vegan or vegetarian, you should look for plant-based products clearly labeled to meet your dietary needs. If you have food allergies, like soy, gluten, or dairy, make sure to check the labels for allergens.
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Check the Ingredients
When selecting a Glutamine supplement, you should carefully check the ingredients to make sure you’re getting a high-quality product. Look specifically for L-glutamine, which is the most bioavailable and effective form of Glutamine. This means your body can absorb and utilize it to maximize benefits like muscle recovery, immune support, and gut health.
You should avoid products that contain unnecessary fillers, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, as these additives can dilute the purity of the Glutamine formula and may not align with your health goals.
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Choose The Right Form
You should consider the form that matches your needs and lifestyle, as it helps you easily combine the Glutamine formula into your daily routine. Choosing Glutamine products in powder form allows for easy mixing into water, smoothies, or protein shakes. It gives you the option to customize your intake or combine the supplement into your daily drinks. When you choose powder, it offers you a higher serving size per scoop, making it a suitable choice for consistent use. If you want a more convenient option, you may consider Glutamine capsules, as they come with precise dosing, eliminating the requirement for measuring or mixing.
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Look For Purity And Quality
It’s important to focus on Glutamine products’ purity and quality to make sure they are safe and effective. Always look for products that are third-party tested, as this means they’ve been independently checked for purity, strength, and lack of harmful contaminants. This testing gives you confidence that the product has the ingredients it claims, in the right amounts. Also, you should check for certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), which show the product was made in a facility that adheres to precise quality standards.
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Dosage Recommendations
To choose the best Glutamine Supplements that are safe and effective, make sure to follow the recommended dosage. Stick to the dosage suggested by the brand, as taking more could lead to waste or even side effects. You could get the best results without risking overuse by following the maker’s instructions.
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Read Reviews And Research
You should evaluate the reviews and research to make an informed decision regarding Glutamine purchase. Checking customer reviews provides you with valuable insights into a product’s effectiveness, taste, and overall satisfaction. You can learn how well the formula works, whether it mixes well, and if it has any undesirable aftertastes or side effects by checking the available reviews. You should consider brands with a strong reputation in the health and fitness community. Trusted brands often have a record of delivering high-quality supplements, transparency in labeling, and excellent customer service. This research will help ensure you choose a reliable product that aligns with your expectations and needs.
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Consider Your Budget
It’s important to consider your budget while ensuring you’re getting good value for your money. You can compare the price per serving across different brands to find the most cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. While a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality, very cheap products may cut corners on purity, quality control, or ingredient sourcing. Low-priced Glutamine supplements might include fillers, artificial additives, or lower-quality Glutamine, which can reduce their effectiveness.
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Avoid Unnecessary Claims
When choosing a Glutamine supplement, it’s important to avoid unnecessary claims that seem too good to be true. Be cautious of marketing phrases like “miraculous muscle growth” or “instant recovery,” as these exaggerated claims are often misleading. Supplements, including Glutamine, can support muscle recovery and improve performance, but they do not produce instant or dramatic results on their own. Healthy gains and recovery come from a combination of proper training, nutrition, and supplementation over time. Claims promising fast or unrealistic results should raise concerns, as they may not be scientifically backed. You should consider Glutamine products that focus on realistic, evidence-based benefits to ensure you’re making a sound investment in your health.
How Do Glutamine Supplements Work?
Glutamine supplements may work by providing your body with extra Glutamine to help with muscle recovery, immune support, and gut health. It may act as a building block for proteins, support your immune system, and help with gut health. After intense exercise, your body’s natural Glutamine levels can become depleted. This is because Glutamine is used to support various vital processes, such as protein synthesis in muscles, repairing tissues, and maintaining the gut lining. When your body is under stress, it may not be able to produce enough Glutamine to meet these demands. Taking a Glutamine supplement might help restore your Glutamine levels, which may support muscle recovery, reduce muscle breakdown, and help repair damaged tissues.
Potential Side Effects Of Glutamine Supplements
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Digestive Issues
Taking Glutamine can sometimes cause acidity, bloating, or an upset stomach. These side effects occur because high doses of Glutamine can affect the gut’s ability to process nutrients properly, leading to discomfort. Symptoms might include feeling full quickly, stomach cramps, or irregular bowel movements.
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Headaches
You may experience headaches, which could happen due to changes in fluid balance or increased brain activity, as Glutamine plays a role in neurotransmitter function. You could have dull or throbbing pain, which may last for several hours.
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Dizziness
Dizziness may occur with Glutamine supplementation, especially when your body is adjusting to the increased levels of Glutamine. This side effect can be due to dehydration or changes in blood pressure, leading to feelings of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. It can happen suddenly, and you might feel faint or have trouble maintaining balance.
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Nausea
Taking Glutamine supplements may trigger nausea, particularly if taken on an empty stomach or in high doses. This could be linked to your body’s reaction to an increased Glutamine concentration in the gut, leading to a queasy feeling. You may experience feeling uneasy in your stomach, gagging, or vomiting in some cases.
Are Glutamine Supplements Safe?
Glutamine supplements are generally safe when you take them in the recommended amounts. Since Glutamine is known to be a naturally occurring amino acid in your body, it can help support muscle recovery, immune health, and gut function. However, it’s important to stick to the recommended dosage. In a study, people who took 28 grams of Glutamine every day for 14 days reported no harmful effects. Thus, taking about 20-30 grams of Glutamine for a short period is said to be safe for healthy adults. Glutamine may not cause serious side effects. However, taking too much might lead to mild issues like stomach discomfort, bloating, or nausea. If you have kidney or liver problems, you should check with your healthcare provider before using Glutamine, as your body might have difficulty processing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Glutamine Help With Weight Loss?
Glutamine might support weight loss indirectly by aiding muscle recovery and reducing exercise-related soreness. However, it may not direct impact weight loss, so it’s best to combine them with a balanced diet and exercise. - Do Glutamine Supplements Have An Expiration Date?
Glutamine products do have an expiration date. You should check the label for this date, as using expired products can lead to reduced efficacy and potential safety concerns. Make sure to prioritize your health. - Can Glutamine Supplements Improve Workout Performance?
Glutamine may improve your performance by supporting your recovery. It may help you recover faster and reduce your downtime between workouts.
Conclusion
Taking Glutamine supplements may help you with muscle recovery, immune support, and gut health. Whether you prefer capsules or powder, we’ve listed the 7 best Glutamine supplements in this article that you could consider, especially if you’re recovering from illness, surgery, or performing intense physical activity.
While Glutamine is usually safe, taking too much or using it for long periods without talking to a doctor might cause digestive issues or other problems. Make sure to follow the maker’s recommended dosage and choose a product that is suitable for your health needs.
If you’d rather get Glutamine from food, you could find it in meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and vegetables like cabbage and spinach. A healthy diet with these foods may help you get Glutamine without needing to consider taking a supplement.
- The information in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
- It is not recommended to disregard/delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of what you read or accessed through this guide.
- The results may vary from individual to individual.
- Consult your doctor for any underlying medical conditions or if you are on any prescribed medicines before trying any product.
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2005 and is currently practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center.
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