L-Glutamine
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L-Glutamine. Most abundant amino acid; primary fuel for enterocytes and immune cells.
How it works. Primary nitrogen donor; enterocyte and lymphocyte fuel.
What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces IBS-D severity in post-infectious (moderate).
How much to take. Typical dose: 5 g 1–3×/day for gut; up to 30 g in clinical settings.
Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.
Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc.
Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.
Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.
Community. Experiences from people who have tried L-Glutamine. Anecdotes are not medical advice.
L-Glutamine. Most abundant amino acid; primary fuel for enterocytes and immune cells.
What it is
Most abundant amino acid; primary fuel for enterocytes and immune cells.
Food sources
Goals
How it works
Primary nitrogen donor; enterocyte and lymphocyte fuel.
Pathways
- Glutaminolysis
- Glutathione synthesis
Effects
- +Intestinal barrier integrity supports
- +Immune cell function supports
What the research supports
Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.
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Side effects & interactions
Common side effects
- L-Glutamine is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
- Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
- Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
Serious
- Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing
Medication interactions
May lower seizure threshold theoretically.
Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.
Combines with
Pairs well
- Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
- ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.
Forms
Key studies
9 studies cited in total.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Glutamine and "Reduces IBS-D severity in post-infectious". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Glutamine and "Reduces mucositis in chemotherapy". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Glutamine and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Discussion
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