L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid: the body can synthesise it, but demand may exceed production capacity during periods of intense physical or metabolic stress. It is found naturally in many protein-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, legumes) and is the most abundant free amino acid in the blood and skeletal muscle. It plays a central role in several physiological processes: it contributes to cellular energy metabolism, particularly in rapidly renewing cells such as the enterocytes lining the intestinal mucosa, and is involved in acid-base balance, nucleotide synthesis, and the production of certain neurotransmitters. It also supports immune function by serving as a preferred energy substrate for immune cells. During prolonged physical exertion, recovery periods, or situations where dietary intake struggles to meet demand, plasma L-glutamine levels can decline. Supplementation can therefore help maintain adequate supply and support the functions in which this amino acid plays a role.