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Gut Health

L-Glutamine

The gut-healing amino acid for intestinal barrier integrity

Evidence Grade: B — Good clinical evidence Gut Health
B
Evidence Grade B: Good clinical evidence Based on the volume and quality of published human clinical trials.

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream and a critical fuel source for rapidly dividing cells — particularly intestinal epithelial cells, immune cells, and kidney tubule cells. During illness, trauma, or intense exercise, glutamine becomes conditionally essential as demand exceeds supply. Its primary supplemental use is supporting gut barrier integrity (preventing and healing leaky gut) and supporting immune function during physiological stress.

Key Benefits

  • Intestinal barrier integrity ('leaky gut')
  • Post-exercise immune suppression prevention
  • Muscle recovery (reduced catabolism)
  • IBS and IBD symptom relief
  • Wound healing
  • Alcohol withdrawal support (preliminary)

Best Form

L-Glutamine powder (most economical); fermented L-glutamine for purity

Dosage

5–20 g/day (gut healing); 2–5 g post-exercise

⚠ Safety Notes

Generally safe. May exacerbate mania in bipolar disorder. People with liver disease or epilepsy should use caution (glutamine is a precursor to excitatory glutamate and inhibitory GABA). Not for use in glutamine-responsive tumours without oncologist approval.

This page is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.