L-glutamine ā is an amino acid that is important in the metabolism of sugars and fats, and aids in the transportation of potassium across the blood-brain barrier. The conversion of glutamic acid into glutamine helps to clear potentially toxic ammonia, thus detoxifying the brain. L-glutamine helps restore plasma glutamine levels depleted after periods of physical stress; helps support immune system health and digestive system health after periods of physical stress; helps to assist in muscle cell repair after exercise. Glutamine is an essential dietary component, especially for the support of intestinal mucosal growth and function (Klimberg et al., 1990). The small intestine is the principle organ of glucose utilization, extracting 20% to 30% of circulating glutamine in the post- absorptive state (Windmueller & Spaeth, 1974).
Glutamine is the principal fuel used by the intestinal mucosa (Windmueller & Spaeth, 1980) and glutamine deficiency due to prolonged stress and trauma is associated with gut mucosal atrophy (McAnena et al., 1991). Glutamine has been recognized as an important substrate for the enterocytes particularly in time of mucosal damage when the gut mucosal barrier may be susceptible to breakdown (Souba et al., 1990).
Depletion of glutamine at the site of Helicobacter pylori infection may be of significance in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated diseases such as peptic ulcer (Stark et al., 1997). Supplemental dietary glutamine reduces H. pyloriassociated pathology in vivo that is accompanied by beneficial changes in the immune response to H. pylori early in infection (Hagen et al., 2009). The addition of L-Glutamine to LitisTM (see page ) will provide optimal dosage of glutamine and improve clinical outcome in the treatment of PUD and IBD.
Supplement Facts
RECOMMENDED USES: Helps restore L-Glutamine levels when depleted through over exercise.
