Glutamine plays a crucial role in your immune, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems. In fact, supplementing with glutamine may be even more beneficial for immune function and gut health than enhancing muscle recovery. Some evidence suggests that glutamine utilization of immune and gastrointestinal cells is higher than glucose. This indicates that glutamine is the preferred fuel source for these cells, which is quite different from any other system in the body. The majority of other cells primarily use glucose as opposed to glutamine.

Glutamine is considered to be essential for a number of immune functions such as:

• lymphocyte proliferation
• cytokine production
• neutrophil activity
• macrophages phagocytosis

All of these functions are important for identifying and removing foreign pathogens, which help prevent illness. Therefore, individuals with suppressed immune systems would likely benefit the most from glutamine supplementation. In terms of gut health, glutamine is also a primary fuel source for several cells that reside in the gastrointestinal lining.

Glutamine is necessary for the conservation of gut villi, which are responsible for inhibiting bacteria from entering the body. Moreover, glutamine is involved in enterocyte proliferation, regulation of tight junction proteins, suppression of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, and is a powerful antioxidant that protects healthy cells from oxidative stress.

In summary, supplementing with glutamine may improve recovery, promote gut health, and support immune system function.