When was the last time you read an article discrediting the effects of glutamine?
Maybe this will be your first one? Unfortunately, the majority of bodybuilding and
muscle magazines still have this supplement on their "Top 5 Lists." I
am not here to convince you to never buy another tub of glutamine again, but if
stay with me, I will do my best to debunk some of the common myths that have led
you to believe that this expensive supplement is necessary.
But I Thought Glutamine Was A "No Brainer" Supplement?
Creatine is a 'no brainer' supplement, protein powder is a 'no brainer' supplement,
multi vitamins and fish oils are 'no brainer' supplements. Sorry, Glutamine, you
did not make the team - despite the fact it gets its own message boards, chat rooms,
magazine articles and its own section in the supplement store. I don't need to remind
you that the supplement industry is a billion-dollar industry. Since I used to be
a skinny guy myself, I know how badly you want to build the perfect body - or at
least one that gets you more dates and more respect at the gym!
Since I have already wasted thousands of dollars on certain, not all, supplements
myself, I feel an obligation to tell you the other side of the story. To reveal
the glutamine research that NOBODY wants you to read.
But this is obvious - nobody
makes money disproving the credibility of a hot selling supplement!
So here is where I will make my stand.
Glutamine has no muscle-building effects
whatsoever. Now before we get too deep, remember that I am not a PH.D
student or a research geek. I will pass along the information and let you decide
for yourself, and, in the process, do my best to make this fun and interesting.
Glutamine 101
Here is a quick introduction for you skinny guys who have never heard of glutamine.
Glutamine makes up 2/3's of the amino acids in our body, which could make a strong
case for it being the most important. Understand that glutamine is also a non-essential
amino acid which means your body produces it by itself. This does not mean you do
not need it - only that external consumption is not mandatory. The most interesting
fact about glutamine is that during times of stress (which is not clearly defined),
our amino acid pool is depleted which can prevent muscle growth since glutamine
makes up the greatest percentage of amino acids. Hence, the theory for supplementing
with glutamine if you weight train.
Glutamine Claims
I cut and pasted these right out of random chat room just to show you I am more
in tune with the word on the street:
"...glutamine helps with weight training and prevents muscle soreness..."
"...you need glutamine to repair your muscles."
"...supplemental glutamine can help prevent your body from losing muscle."
"...glutamine is not worthless. I train with bodybuilders every day and they
recommend it."
"Glutamine is the most important supplement for bodybuilders..."
"It boosts immune function which helps you recover from colds much quicker.."
"Taking large amounts of glutamine before a workout contributes to huge pumps..."
"Glutamine assists in situations of trauma which contributes to faster recovery..."