How to use L-glutamine powder

L-glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid that restores energy to our bodies. Taken as a supplement, it can help to build muscle. However, it should not be used with creatine, another popular muscle building supplement as they can cancel each other out.

What is L-glutamate?

According to Men’s Total Fitness, L-glutamate is “the most abundant amino acid found in human muscle and plasma. Over 60% of the free-floating amino acid pool in skeletal muscle cells is made up of L glutamine.” It is also an amino acid that produces most of the nitrogen in the body, and positions it where it is needed. It is considered as a useful supplement for body-building. It is often used as a powder, and it is therefore frequently referred to as “Muscle Powder”. Other ways in which to ingest it include protein drinks, protein shakes, meal supplements, and meal replacement bars.

Interactions with creatine

Creatine is a naturally formed substance in our bodies that increases our energy when it is depleted. According to the UK source Muscle Talk (Muscletalk.co.uk), creatine “is manufactured in the liver, kidneys and pancreas and secreted into blood for transport to muscle (amongst other tissues).” L-Glutamate powder and creatine powder are the two most popular body-building products on the market today. However, it should be noted that while individuals have figured ‘if one is good, two are better”, and taken them together, this has recently been discovered to result in negative side-effects. In essence, this will result in the opposite effect than that desired. This is because they both rely on the same carriers to transport them to the muscles. When two substances are competing for the same limited carriers, one will win and one will lose. Which one wins may differ from each workout so that one day you may receive the effects of L-glutamate while the next day Creatine. Therefore, you end up without consistency in supplement concentration resulting in little to no muscle building.

How to take L-glutamate powder

For those looking to build muscle, it is generally recommended that 5.0g of powder be taken 1-3 times daily. It does not dissolve in water, so most individuals mix it into a protein shake. Most body-builders take L-glutamate after training and before bed. It has been found that combining it with a fast acting carbohydrate such as dextrose or Malodextrin will speed delivery of the L-gluten to the muscles. L-Glutamate has been researched and found safe with no toxicity observed, and there are no bans or restrictions related to using it.