Glutamine

Also known as: L-Glutamine, Gln, L-Gln

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Amino acid used in ICU nutrition and burns care; limited evidence for healthy adults.

What it does

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, playing a key role in nitrogen transport, gut lining integrity, and immune cell fuel. The provided research touches on its relevance in...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose from provided studies
Found in

ALLMAX Creatine Monohydrate Powder, Smartvita Men's Total Synergy Multivitamins, Gold Standard 100% Whey and 8 more

What the Science Says

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, playing a key role in nitrogen transport, gut lining integrity, and immune cell fuel. The provided research touches on its relevance in critical illness nutrition — specifically, enteral glutamine may benefit burn patients with injuries covering more than 20% of body surface area. It also appears in metabolic studies as a marker in conditions like preeclampsia and hypertension, suggesting it plays a broad role in human metabolism.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to build muscle in healthy adults. No evidence from these studies it speeds gym recovery. Intravenous glutamine is no longer recommended for general ICU patients. Don't expect it to fix gut issues based on this data alone.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Enteral glutamine may support recovery in burn patients with injuries over 20% body surface area.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose from provided studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42094750

Glutamine plays a central role in nitrogen transport and ammonia clearance in the body.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose from provided studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42176851

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown from provided studies — no pharmacokinetic data for oral glutamine supplementation was included in the provided papers.

Red Flags to Watch For

Intravenous glutamine is no longer recommended for general ICU patients per 2026 critical care nutrition guidelines — routine use may be harmful in some clinical settings.
Most provided research involves metabolomics, animal models, or indirect mentions — not direct human supplementation trials.
High-dose glutamine antagonists (like DON) caused nausea, vomiting, and transient kidney stress in a Phase 1 trial — signals that glutamine pathway manipulation carries real risks.
Elevated serum glutamine was flagged as a potential risk factor for preeclampsia in pregnant women — caution in pregnancy without medical supervision.

Supplement

Misleading

Thorne L-Glutamine Powder

Supplement

Mostly Legit

View all product reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Glutamine do?

Amino acid used in ICU nutrition and burns care; limited evidence for healthy adults.

What is the effective dose of Glutamine?

No established dose from provided studies

Is Glutamine safe?

Intravenous glutamine is no longer recommended for general ICU patients per 2026 critical care nutrition guidelines — routine use may be harmful in some clinical settings.

What doesn't Glutamine do?

Not proven to build muscle in healthy adults.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25