Who Supplements with Glutamine?

[Mrs.Fitness]

If you do, how much do you take? When do you take it? I posted this on the guys board and I am not sure how much I should take as a female?

I am looking to lower my bodyfat and keep my muscle. I do about 25-30 minutes cardio 3-4 times a week and work one bodypart a day. 3 days on one off.

Also, is this stuff considered a growth hormone and is so will I get thick and bulky?

I am confused...sorry! :)

[Iron-T]

first of all glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the human body. In times of physical stress ( such as intense workouts ) its' stores get depleted. This is where supplementation comes in. Glutamine is best taken after your workout and before going to bed . As far as dose...there is no difference in male or female ! This is not a steroid or some other wild substance ! Glutamine will strengthen your immune system and enhance recovery and protein synthesis. As little as 2.5 grams have been shown to be beneficial. The most recommneded dose is about 4-5 grams.

I am taking simple glutamine powder and mix it in my post-workout drink and have another serving before going to bed.

[the wind]

i have been taking glutamine for a month now 5 g with 5 g creatine in water in the morning and 5 g of each after my work out to help with muscle recovery ect seems to be working well. i never thought to take it before bed, Iron-T what is the benifit of taking it before bed?

[Iron-T]

@ 'the wind"
remember, that when you go to bed you will enter a 12 hour fast. To prevent muscle catabolism, glutamine may help prevent muscle protein breakdown and improve nitrogen retention, This is especially critical if you are on a diet. Try taking 5 grams glutamine on empty stomach before bed. You might notice that your muscles feel a little fuller the next morning.

[the wind]

IRON-T thanks i will try that, should i not take 5 g before my workout in the morning? substitute it at night or is 15g a day ok?

[Iron-T]

I think you'd get the most benefit post workout and before bed. There is nothing wrong with taking it before your workout...15 grams is a lot ..it's not harmful, but you don't need to take mega doses to benefit..more is not always better..

[Mrs.Fitness]

I do my workouts first thing in the morning. I do about 20-25 minutes of cardio and weight training. I hit one bodypart a day.

If I do cardio and weight training everyday...I do take two days off.....would it be more beneficial to take it after my workout and before bed?


I just got some and have not taken any yet because I am not sure when...-

[Mystical]

I have to admit that I take Glutamine frequently. It is a must. Glutamine supplementation will be most effective when taking about 10-15 grams total each day, with the most effective times first thing in the morning, before you go to bed, and directly after your workout. Try to divide the 10-15 grams of L-Glutamine during those times (or maybe just 2 of those times).

It is the most abundant free amino acid in muscle tissue, and it plays a principal role in protein metabolism, cell volumizing, and anti-catabolism. Catabolism is the breaking down of your muscles, which is something that you don't want to happen. Doing cardio or aerobic activity could have a catabolic effect on your muscles. Your body needs something to burn for energy when you jog, run, walk, ride a bike, jump rope...This is where L-Glutamine comes in. Since it is an "Anti-catabolic" it will allow you to maintain as much muscle as possible and prevents muscle cell breakdown.

I use and recommend the powder form because it will save you lots of money: and powder to me, in my opinon digestes faster than pills. Don't worry about the taste either, L-Glutamine is completely tasteless and odorless and can be mixed with anything including water.

I take it before I work-out OR what I do is mix in about 5G in with a Quart of water that I drink while working out. Might sound crazy, but I do it...After my work-outs, I take my BCAA and then by the time that I drive home, I eat my post-work out meal. I also take it at night. I def. take in about 15G a day of this powder. My fav: Prolab thus far. No taste and it is affordable.

[Mrs.Fitness]

I have been taking it for two weeks and I can see a little more definition in my muscles? Not sure if it is my cardio...weight training...or the glutamine...really I don't care I love it! I mix it with a small glass of juice post workout- 5 grams...and I take 5 grams before bed each night. I really like it a lot and since I am trying to reduce bodyfat (I'm in the Zone) this has really helped!

Thanks for all of your advice!!

[Belle]

If Glutamine increases GH whilst you rest... isn't it the case that also doing the workout itself will cause your body to make more Growth Hormone anyway as a natural negative feedback via the pituitary and that also all sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone raise also after a workout--also anabolic--which assist in muscle repair. It was proven in studies that sex hormones and growth hormones both increased post physical activity.

I also read some garb about glutamine in large doses causing neurons in the brain to die permanently. Any truth in that?

I have some here but when I read those two things I put it away and haven't had the gut's to take it yet.