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Glutamine Supplements for Athletes

Athletes who take glutamine supplements do so in order to prevent muscle breakdown and to improve immune system functioning. Several clinical studies have found that oral glutamine can decrease the incidence of illness and infection in endurance athletes or athletes involved extreme training regimens. Research has also found that glutamine supplements can help maintain muscle mass by preventing protein breakdown and improving glycogen synthesis thereby increasing muscle glycogen stores.

Glutamine is a classified as a nutritional supplement and is not banned by any sport organizations. It can be found in most health food stores in the form of gels or tablets and is often an ingredient in many commercial protein powders. Due to the limited research there are no established guidelines for doses, but About.com’s Guide to Bodybuilding recommends starting at 3 to 5 grams per day.