Supplements with glutamine increase carbohydrate metabolism during and after training

The body uses carbohydrates as its main fuel during exercise when the intensity exceeds 65% of maximum effort. Carbohydrates come from food (blood sugar), muscle and liver glycogen and gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis, which occurs in the liver and to a lesser extent in the kidneys, converts amino acids (building blocks of proteins), lactates and pyruvates into new blood sugar. This process gradually becomes more and more important as the muscles and liver use stored glycogen and carbohydrates from the last meal. Glutamine is the main amino acid during and after exercise as it contributes significantly to immune, nervous, gastrointestinal and metabolic function. Researchers at the University of Iowa found that glutamine supplements improved carbohydrate metabolism in dogs during and after exercise. Glutamine supplements promoted blood glucose production and utilization during and after exercise. Glutamine had a significant effect on carbohydrate metabolism, which may justify its use as a training supplement. Some studies showed improvements in immune system function and prevention of over-exercise. (J Appl Physiol,99:1858-1865,2005).