By Alissa B Daschbach MA BS BA MH

L-Glutamine plays a central role in the function of a healthy brain by recycling neurotransmitters that contribute to learning, decision-making, and memory. Low levels of L-Glutamine in the brain have been linked to low energy levels, depression, and symptoms related to the aging brain. BrainPower uses L-Glutamine to bring an essential amino acid into its premium ingredients list, building a nootropic formula that promotes healthy brain function.

Diverse Functions of L-Glutamine in the Human Body

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the human body and is responsible for many functions, including protecting brain cells from DNA damage and responding to stress such as sickness, injury, or surgery. Glutamine is especially abundant in the nervous system where it participates in a number of neurological pathways. Glutamine is the precursor molecule for glutamine and GABA, essential neurotransmitters that regulate mental processes in the brain. Moreover, the entire body uses glutamine, including the gastrointestinal system, lungs, liver, and even fat tissue.

L-Glutamine has several health benefits besides for cognitive health. Because it is such an essential amino acid, L-Glutamine plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of health in our bodies. L-Glutamine helps to maintain levels of cellular energy, decreases muscle degeneration, and is used by athletes to maintain weight and gain muscles. Gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, respond well to glutamine. Other health benefits of L-Glutamine include glucose stabilization in diabetics, relieves symptoms of depression, and support the effectiveness of the immune system in fighting illnesses.

Nootropic Activity of Glutamine

The nootropic potential of glutamine has been the subject of much research, especially in the field of geriatric brain diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  In fact, glutamine not only exerts a broad neuroprotective effect throughout the brain but also encourages neuroplasticity, weight gain, and glucose regulation. The amino acid shows great promise in people with Alzheimer’s disease due to its ability to improve the brain’s cells response to stress.

The nootropic benefits of L-Glutamine include:

• Enhances cognition
• Neuroprotectant
• Relieves symptoms of depression
• Combats brain atrophy
• Supports brain health
• Reduces toxic buildup of ammonia in the brain

Supplementing with glutamine has been shown to improve concentration, focus, memory, and learning. L-Glutamine enhances brain functions due to its ability to fuel two important neurotransmitters, glutamic acid and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Both of which contribute to the brain’s ability to manage stress and produce essential proteins, thus providing relief from anxiety and stress and to treat symptoms of depression. L-Glutamine also prevents inflammation.

The human brain tends to shrink with age. Blood flow to the brain may also be decreased. Furthermore, aging can cause the neurons to degenerate and levels of important neurotransmitters fall. All of these changes contribute to older people struggling with memory, decision-making, and other important executive brain functions. Glutamine is a precursor to the essential neurotransmitter glutamate which is present in 80% of all of our cells. Glutamate is intimately involved with the management and regulation of metabolic, learning, and memory processes. Supplementing with L-Glutamine as you age helps to increase the levels of glutamine in your blood which ultimately leads to increased production of glutamate.

L-Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in the human body, is responsible for a multitude of important physiological processes in the brain, and moreover, the entire body. The body normally produces enough glutamine for its needs, yet stress and age can greatly deplete the body’s stores of this ubiquitous amino acid. Supplementing with L-Glutamine can greatly benefit those people who are under stress or dealing with the changes brought on by aging. Regular supplementation with L-Glutamine can support the health of your brain, enhance cognitive abilities, improve your memory, and protect your brain from neurodegeneration.

Cautions and Contraindications

L-Glutamine is a very safe supplement and usually does not cause side effects. Mild side effects that have been reported are:

• Stomach upset
• Gas
• Bloating
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Heartburn

Because L-Glutamine is metabolized by the liver, people who have severe liver disease should avoid taking it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid L-Glutamine due to lack of adequate research.

As with all supplements, talk to your physician before you take L-Glutamine or any supplement containing L-Glutamine to be sure it is safe and does not interact with any medications you are currently taking.

References

Albrecht J., et. al. (2010). Roles of glutamine in neurotransmission. Neuron Glia Biology, 6(4), 263-76.Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22018046/

Chen, J., et., al. (2016). The impact of glutamine supplementation on the symptoms of ataxia-telangiectasia: a preclinical assessment. Molecular Neurodegeneration, 11. Retrieved from PubMed Central: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991002/

Chen J., & Herrup K. (2012). Glutamine acts as a neuroprotectant against DNA damage, beta-amyloid and H2O2-induced stress. PLoS One, 7(3). Retrieved from PubMed: :https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22413000/

Jing H., Cheng Y., Li S.,  & Zhang G. [Effects of glutamate and glutamine on learning and memory of rats]. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu, 29(1), 40-42. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15386529/