Is using glutamine powder safe?

Question

is glutamine a safe supplement to use (15 grams a day) for a 17 year old?

also does it have side effects?

drug/herb interactions?

is it safe to take? i was thinking of taking creatine but it sounds like way too many risks of dehydration and kidney stones. as well has having to constantly be drinking water which i dont have the time for. does glutamine require this type of maintenence?

Answer 1

Glutamine is extremely safe - your body requires very large quantities of it, and it is particularly important for recovery and for reducing muscle tissue breakdown during heavy exercise.

It doesn't need the extra water intake that creatine does either, and you don't have to load with it in the same way as creatine.

On its own, you will only have a problem with glutamine if you already have some sort of kidney problem - the breakdown products have to be got rid of, and if your kidneys are already suspect then it may cause problems.

Glutamine, as well as improving muscle growth, also supports the immune system especially if it is depressed by heavy exercise.

Side effects/drug interactions? Glutamine increases levels of glutamic acid in the brain slightly, which affects mood and energy levels. As with any supplement that affects brain function, it should probably not be taken if you have some physical problem with the brain (epilepsy, depression, bipolar disorder) of if you are on anything that affects the brain such as antidepressants or tranquillisers.

15 grams per day is probably excessive and wasteful. The sources I can find seem to indicate you need 10 grams per day at most.