Glutamine, one of the twenty special amino acids that have been encoded by the standard genetic code, is also one of the most common amino acids that occur naturally in the human body. It makes up more than sixty percent of the skeletal muscle tissue, and is fuel for both the digestive tract and the immune system, while also playing a pivotal role in responsibly conducting nitrogen to muscles around the body. High concentrations of Glutamine are especially available in the brain, the gut lining, the lungs, the heart, the kidney, the liver, and the muscles. In short, no human body can survive without this vital amino acid; in fact most bodybuilders and athletes use it as a supplement to enhance their performance or to strengthen themselves physically. Glutamine can be found in protein powders (mostly favored by the likes of athletes, weightlifters, and bodybuilders); and is also rich in other high-protein foods including fish, red meat, beans, poultry and dairy products.

While the human body does not take well to anything taken in excess, however useful it might be, studies regarding the side effects of excess Glutamine use have even churned out inconclusive results. Still, it's safe to say that it's never a good idea to take high doses, and it has been proved that excess use might lead to an an upset stomach, if nothing else.

It is now widely believed that since Glutamine occurs naturally in the human body, supplementing a diet with the amino acid comes free of any major health risks or adverse side effects, as long as it's done in low doses. In fact, it is mostly encouraged; Glutamine deficiency is so common in our day, that medical practitioners check for Glutamine deficiency as one of the primary tests when searching for clues in patients with symptoms of chronic illnesses or dysfunction in cognitive functioning and mood swings.

Nevertheless, it's important to understand that anybody thinking of starting a regimen including Glutamine supplements should consult a physician or nutritionist first; especially those suffering from either Type I or Type II diabetes since they are usually advised to exercise extreme caution with respect to Glutamine powders or supplements. This is mainly because surplus amounts of Glutamine in the human body are broken down by the liver and the kidneys for the production of glucose.

Aside from being used as a diet supplement by bodybuilders and athletes, Glutamine has been deemed effective in treating muscle cramps or pain in the elderly. It can also speed up the Krebs Cycle and aid in weight loss while retaining muscle mass. However, the principle use of Glutamine is still the replenishment of the body's stores of amino acids; which is why supplementation is considered particularly healthy after strenuous exercise or long workouts. Furthermore, people suffering from any kind of physical trauma, immune deficiencies, or cancer also tend to find Glutamine very helpful.

Thus, as the article suggests, Glumatine use (in a controlled manner) has many favorable effects, yet most often comes free of any adverse side effects; which is why it's become such a popular fixture on the market for health supplements.