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Who should avoid L-glutamine?

Understanding L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is a nonessential amino acid that plays a crucial role in supporting the immune and digestive systems. While the body can produce it and it is also obtained from protein-rich foods, supplementation has become popular for various health benefits, particularly in gut health and recovery from physical stress. However, not everyone should consider taking L-glutamine supplements.
Who Should Avoid L-Glutamine?
1. Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions:
Those with specific health issues should exercise caution. For instance, individuals suffering from sickle cell disease should avoid L-glutamine supplements unless prescribed by a healthcare professional. A specific formulation of glutamine, known as Endari, is FDA-approved for treating this condition, but general supplementation may not be advisable.
2. People with Liver or Kidney Disorders:
L-glutamine is metabolized in the liver and kidneys, so individuals with liver or kidney disease may face complications from supplementation. The additional burden on these organs could exacerbate existing conditions, leading to further health issues.
3. Those with a History of Seizures:
There is some evidence suggesting that high doses of L-glutamine may trigger seizures in susceptible individuals. Therefore, those with a history of seizure disorders should consult their healthcare provider before considering L-glutamine supplementation.
4. Pregnant or Nursing Women:
While L-glutamine is generally considered safe, there is limited research on its effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women in these categories should avoid supplementation unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
5. Individuals with Allergies or Sensitivities:
Some people may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to L-glutamine supplements. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal distress or skin reactions. Those with known allergies to amino acids or related compounds should be particularly cautious.
6. Critically Ill Patients:
Interestingly, while L-glutamine can be beneficial for recovery, critically ill patients or those who have experienced severe physical trauma may have altered glutamine metabolism. In such cases, supplementation should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.
Conclusion
While L-glutamine can offer various health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with specific medical conditions, pregnant or nursing women, and those with a history of seizures should consult healthcare professionals before starting any supplementation. As with any supplement, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, ensuring that personal health circumstances are taken into account.

Does L-glutamine reduce belly fat?

A meta-analysis of 47 studies and 25 trials linked L-glutamine supplementation to a small yet significant reduction in body weight among athletes. However, the review indicated that it had little to no impact on other parts of body composition, such as fat mass and lean body mass.

What are the negatives of taking L-glutamine?

When taken by mouth: Glutamine is likely safe when used in doses up to 40 grams daily. Side effects are generally mild and might include bloating, nausea, dizziness, heartburn, and stomach pain.

Can everyone take L-glutamine?

L-glutamine is extremely safe to take as it is one of the most common amino acids already in your body. When taken on an empty stomach, 1000 mg of L-glutamine can help suppress cravings for alcohol and sweet and starchy food.

How much L-glutamine should I take for weight loss?

Glutamine is found in both foods and supplements. It’s generally considered safe for short-term use, and a limited number of small studies in specific populations have shown that doses of around 30 grams per day may aid weight loss.

Do doctors recommend L-glutamine?

The short answer is: When your healthcare provider recommends it. Your provider may prescribe glutamine if you have sickle cell disease. They may recommend supplementing with glutamine or eating more foods with glutamine if your immune system needs a boost.

What happens to your body when you start taking L-glutamine?

Clinical studies show that taking glutamine supplements strengthens the immune system and reduce infections, particularly infections associated with surgery. Glutamine may help prevent or treat multiple organ dysfunction after shock or other injuries among people in the intensive care unit.

Who Cannot take glutamine?

People with kidney disease, liver disease, or Reye syndrome (a rare, sometimes fatal disease of childhood that is generally associated with aspirin use) should not take glutamine.

What should you not mix L-glutamine with?

GLUTAMINE POWDER CAN BE MIXED WITH WATER OR JUICE WITH A LOW LEVEL OF ACIDITY LIKE APPLE OR CARROT JUICE. TAKING GLUTAMINE WITH ACIDIC JUICES LIKE ORANGE OR GRAPEFRUIT JUICE OR WITH HOT LIQUIDS WILL DEGRADE THE GLUTAMATE AND DIMINISH ANY BENEFITS….

What does a leaky gut feel like?

Most people who think they may have a leaky gut have certain common gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, food sensitivities, bloating and indigestion. These types of symptoms are common and may have many possible explanations, and many of them may injure your intestinal lining.

How long does it take to heal a leaky gut with L-glutamine?

Overall, the timeline for L-Glutamine to show results in gut healing may vary depending on individual factors. However, research suggests that L-Glutamine may begin to show benefits within a few days to a few weeks of starting supplementation, with longer-term supplementation potentially offering greater benefits.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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