Glutamine...
Let’s have a quick chat about Glutamine.
You probably know that:
Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in human blood and muscle tissue.
The small intestine can consume up to 30–35% of available glutamine.
(These are the points that are always brought up when chatting about Glutamine.)
So first up, it’s most likely you DO NOT need to supplement with Glutamine, if:
✅ You’re having no gut issues.
✅ You’re not training that intensely.
✅ Life is cruisey (low stress).
In fact, if any one of the criteria mentioned above is happening (e.g. life gets hectic), you’re probably still not going to need to supplement with Glutamine.
But if you find that two, or even three of criteria are happening at the same time, consider supplementing.
So let’s chat about when and why you might need a top up of Glutamine.
1. Glutamine & Your Gut
It helps repair and maintain your intestinal barrier — crucial for reducing bloating, leaky gut and inflammation.
A healthy gut lining helps with nutrient absorption while preventing *bad* bacteria entering your body.
(Did you know there is a term Leaky Gut Syndrome?)
2. Glutamine & Heavy Training
If you’re pushing your limits with high intensity training or high-volume cardio, your body chews through glutamine fast.
This can leave your immune system struggling and slow down recovery.
A glutamine top-up might help your body bounce back quicker, protect lean muscle, and keep you from getting rundown.
3. Glutamine & Stress or Illness
Big stress?
Cold or flu?
Post-surgery recovery?
All of these can drain your glutamine stores.
That’s because your immune cells burn through glutamine like fuel when fighting inflammation or infection.
Supplementing during these times could give your system the backup it needs.
Should You Supplement?
If life is calm, training is light, and your gut is thriving - I wouldn’t bother.
But when stress, sickness, or intense training pile up, your body might burn through its stores faster than it can rebuild.
That’s when a high-quality glutamine supplement can give your gut, muscles, and immune system the backup they need.
My takeaway is:
Have glutamine ready to go at home BUT only use it when you need it.
Chat soon,
Grant