Best Glutamine Supplements for Energy and Muscle Growth
If you haven’t heard of glutamine, you might be interested to know that it can be used to assist in recovery after exercise and muscle repair. In order for your body to synthesize or create muscle tissue, you must obtain adequate protein from the diet. Glutamine is an amino acid, or “building block” that makes up longer protein chains. Getting enough amino acids such as glutamine in your diet can help the body make enough protein to support muscle repair.
The scientific name for glutamine is L-Glutamine. This amino acid is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body. It can be found in a variety of sources including meat, eggs, dairy products, and to a lesser extent, whole grains and vegetables.
Our Five Best Recommended Glutamine Supplements
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Why do People Take Glutamine Supplements?
Even after eating a normal, varied diet, some people still aren’t getting enough protein to adequately rebuild muscle tissue. Especially in times of high-stress, or increased exercise, this important nutrient may be lacking.
In is important to note that any supplement, including L-glutamine, is not a magic bullet for creating six-pack abs or mountainous biceps in a few weeks. Supplements are used to support and enhance a prudent, balanced diet and a consistent workout program. As with anything, results should not be expected overnight.
Disclaimer: Dietary supplements are NOT regulated by the FDA for strength, composition or purity. Taking supplements of any kind is always done at your own risk.
Benefits
Glutamine isn’t necessarily known for its muscle-building capabilities. While studies have shown that people do gain some muscle mass while taking glutamine, it’s not a cause and effect relationship. Glutamine is better known for its ability to provide the body with energy and to aid recover from soreness following exercise. Exercise supplements are just that, they supplement your fitness and nutrition regimen to help increase muscle growth.
So what makes glutamine a popular additive to protein powders and exercise supplements?
- Prevents muscle from being broken down for fuel
- Muscle breakdown occurs when people exercise intensely and eat a poor diet
- Replenishes glutamine levels that are used up during exercise
- Gives you the energy to help you through high-intensity workouts
- Promotes intestinal and digestive system health
- A healthy digestive tract insures you are able to absorb all of the nutrients in your diet
Protein is an essential nutrient that we can’t live without. Adding protein powders to the diet can help people supplement the protein they are able to obtain from food and create in their bodies. Active, muscular bodies will have a higher protein requirement as more muscle tissue is maintained and rebuilt constantly in their bodies. These are the individuals that benefit the most with extra protein supplementation.
Side Effects
As with all supplements, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. How much is too much? Pay close attention to the serving sizes and recommendations on the nutrition fact panel found on your supplement. Too much protein can be hard on the digestive system and won’t actually be metabolized and used by your body anyway.
It is never okay to neglect your diet and substitute real food for glutamine or any other supplement. All of the nutrients the body requires for optimal health must be found in a variety of healthy foods. A well balanced, prudent diet is always the best way to reach your fitness goals. L-glutamine is simply an extra tool that might help you reach those goals a little faster.
1. Cellucor
L-Glutamine by Cellucor is one of the most popular brands found on the market. Perhaps the 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon is partially due to its variety of flavors. There are 14 flavors, 10 different serving sizes, and 6 different types of supplements.
This particular product is gluten-free in the following flavors: Cinnamon Swirl, Vanilla, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Marshmallow, and Strawberry.
Approximate cost per serving (72 servings)- $.25
2. Vintage Build
Old School Lab’s Vintage Build is a highly rated powder supplement that is actually a 3 in 1 performer. In this supplement, you are consuming BCAA’s (branched chain amino acid) and Creatine monohydrate along with L-Glutamine.
BCAA’s and Creatine monohydrate are compounds that promote energy replenishment and healthy muscle recovery. Combined with the L-Glutamine in this supplement this brand delivers benefits from multiple facets.
For those that are looking for pure L-Glutamine, you might want to look elsewhere for a cheaper and less diverse product. However, Vintage Build is enjoyed as a recovery drink as well as promoting muscle synthesis.
Approximate cost per serving (30 servings)- $1.33
3. Hard Rhino
Like most products on our list so far, Hard Rhino glutamine is flavorless, GMO-free, gluten-free, and manufactured from plants.
Hard Rhino has a couple of different sizes available for your choosing, with the 2.2 pound bag being the priciest. Even then, this weight is still cheaper than other brands of similar or heavier weights. You get 5g worth of glutamine per serving, and there are 200 servings total.
Approximate cost per serving (200 servings)- $.12
4. Kaged Muscle
Kaged Muscle is one of the more affordable brands on our list for a tub that comes in a small size. This is convenient for people who want to try the product before investing in a larger tub. There is a larger size of a little over a pound that is similarly affordable. Kaged is pure glutamine and each serving contains around 5g.
This brand’s powder is purely plant-based and GMO-free. Furthermore, the type of glutamine used in Kaged Muscle is a fermented variety of glutamine, which is preferred by some users. This brand is also flavorless.
Approximate cost per serving (100 servings)- $.20
5. Raw Barrels
Raw Barrels glutamine is pretty similar to Kaged Muscle and comes in a 300g tub. In each of the 60 servings, here is 5g worth of plant-based, GMO-free glutamine. This brand is also flavorless, making it a very versatile supplement you can add to a variety of foods.
Raw Barrels also has a pill version of the supplement, but most customers seemed to be happier with the powdered version. It dissolves easily in most drinks from water to coffee, so you won’t be noticing much difference.
Approximate cost per serving (60 servings)- $.41
