L-glutamine

What is L-glutamine?

L-glutamine is an amino acid that the body can make itself. It is therefore classed as non-essential and is found in many protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, eggs and pulses. Glutamine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the body. For food supplements it is mostly produced by fermentation.

No health claims for glutamine are authorised in the EU. This page therefore covers its forms and how to choose.

Powder, micronised or capsules?

• Unflavoured powder: the cheapest form per gram, almost tasteless and easy to stir into shakes.
• Micronised: milled extra fine, so it dissolves more easily.
• Flavoured: as a ready-to-mix drink powder.
• Capsules: practical, but with small amounts per capsule.
• Combinations: glutamine together with BCAA.

Our range

• Powder: Skill Nutrition Glutamine Powder, Apex Formulas Glutamine, Mutant Core Series Glutamine, Olimp L-Glutamine Powder, 5% Nutrition L-Glutamine 5000, Dorian Yates The Glutamine, MuscleTech Platinum 100% Glutamine, NOW Foods L-Glutamine Powder, KIKI Health, Nutrend Glutamine and Revive Glutamine.
• Micronised and fast-dissolving: Applied Nutrition L-Glutamine Micronized, Trec Nutrition L-Glutamine Micronized T6 and Glutamine High Speed, OstroVit Glutamine Micronized.
• Flavoured: Olimp Glutamine Xplode and OstroVit Glutamine in green apple.
• Capsules: Jarrow Formulas L-Glutamine with 750 mg, NOW Foods L-Glutamine with 500 mg and 1000 mg, Nutrend Glutamine Compressed Caps.
• With BCAA: OstroVit BCAA + Glutamine.

What to look for

• Purity: an unflavoured powder should list only L-glutamine as its ingredient.
• Production: fermented glutamine is usually suitable for a vegan diet too – check the labelling.
• Amount per serving: powders provide several grams, capsules much less.
• Dose: follow the directions on the label.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between glutamine and L-glutamine?

In shops they mean the same thing. L-glutamine refers to the naturally occurring form of the amino acid.

Can I add glutamine to my protein shake?

Yes, unflavoured glutamine powder mixes well with protein powder or other drinks.

Glutamine powder or capsules?

Powder is cheaper per gram and easy to adjust, while capsules are handy on the go.