L-Glutamine HCL is one of several different forms of glutamine, a common amino acid. Glutamine is considered nonessential except under certain circumstances.
As a nonessential amino acid, the human body does not necessarily need glutamine to be ingested directly because it can be synthesized from other sources. The one exception to this rule may be in relation to serious injury or trauma, when the synthesis of glutamine may not be enough to aid in proper healing.
When L-Glutamine HCL is taken as a supplement it has several benefits ranging from good digestive health to better and more complete recovery from wounds and internal injuries.
The HCL designation in L-Glutamine HCL simply means that the glutamine is also linked with hydrogen chloride, also known as hydrochloric acid. Glutamine can be effective on its own but adding hydrochloric acid seems to increase its efficacy. HCL is a common component in human gastric acid and is essential to proper digestion.
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The Benefits of L-Glutamine HCL the Supplementation Taking supplements containing L-Glutamine HCL appear to have some real benefits in most people. Among the most documented is that it helps in protein synthesis - just like any other amino acid. Therefore various forms of glutamine are oft... more
Taking supplements containing L-Glutamine HCL appear to have some real benefits in most people. Among the most documented is that it helps in protein synthesis - just like any other amino acid. Therefore various forms of glutamine are often one of the foundational ingredients for bodybuilding supplements.
Along the same lines, L-Glutamine HCL's ability to help promote recovery from trauma or internal injury also seems to help athletes recover more quickly after strenuous exercise. Muscles tend to rebuild faster and somewhat stronger.
Other benefits of L-Glutamine HCL supplementation include:
For bodybuilders specifically, glutamine is also a great energy source at the cellular level. Combining glutamine with the right amounts of glucose can provide a significant energy boost which helps athletes continue through lengthy workouts.
According to WebMD, glutamine is fully embraced within the medical community for a variety of reasons. One of the most important is that it seems to help reduce the side effects caused by certain medical treatments like chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and some types of surgeries.
The fact that glutamine is well known to promote proper healing means it's commonly used in hospitals with trauma patients and those uffering from many critical illnesses. It has proved helpful in treating stomach ulcers, Crohn's disease, and even colitis.
Most of the clinically proven uses of L-Glutamine HCL relate to wound healing and recovery from disease and invasive medical procedures. However, there are other uses that are theoretical only, without clinical evidence as proof.
For example, L-Glutamine HCL is a sometimes promoted as a partial treatment for ADHD. Since there is considerable debate in the medical community as to the validity of an ADHD diagnosis, there is an equal amount of disagreement over whether L-Glutamine HCL supplementation is beneficial in this case.
Similar disagreement exists over using glutamine to prevent things like weight loss, sickle cell anemia, depression and its related disorders, and withdrawal symptoms for those in an addiction treatment program.
The Journal of Nutrition states that the FDA designates L-Glutamine HCL as being possibly safe for most people. Furthermore, the Journal lists a number of medical studies which seem to verify the FDA designation as well as provide evidence of the efficacy of glutamine supplementation.
However, very definite side effects have been noted in some people including stomach upset, nausea, and headache. These side effects are minor and will go away when supplementation is ceased.
Serious side effects are a possibility in some cases. Experts recommend that the following types of individuals avoid glutamine supplements entirely:
The most common form of L-Glutamine HCL is as an ingredient in bodybuilding formulas, especially those designated as pre-workout products. Often times, supplement makers will go out of their way to promote its inclusion because of glutamine's ability to help aid in muscle recovery.
You'll also find L-Glutamine HCL as an ingredient in a handful of supplements promoting general health. For individuals needing L-Glutamine HCL supplements for medical purposes, it can be found in a concentrated powder form at health food stores, general nutrition websites, and even from pharmaceutical companies.
You don't need a prescription to purchase glutamine in powder form, but it's recommended you don't exceed daily dosage guidelines without first consulting your doctor. If you experience unpleasant side effects you should discontinue use immediately.
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Nausea |
Headaches |
Stomach Upset |
Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions |
L-Glutamine HCl |
Amino Acid(s) |
Circulation |
Crohn's Disease |
Digestion |
Digestive Health |
Energy |
Healing |
Kidney Function |
Muscle Builder |
Muscle Recovery |
Muscle Repair |
Recovery |
Stomach Ulcers |
Wound Healing |
Colitis |
Internal Injury Repair |
Protein Synthesis |
Reduces Side Effects Of Certain Medical Treatments |