Dr. Squat - Dr. Fred Hatfield

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your muscle cells. It is released from the muscle during times of stress (such as intense weight training workouts) and dieting. This amino acid not only has been shown to be a great anti-catabolic agent (protects the muscle from the catabolic effects of the hormone cortisol), but also a contributor to muscle cell volume, and immune system enhancing properties.  It acts in the following ways:  

• Increases protein synthesis for enhanced muscle growth and recovery
• Accelerates glycogen synthesis after a workout
• Sparing effect on the glycogen stored in the muscle cells
• Provides faster recuperation from weight training workouts
• Decreases muscle protein catabolism, which is especially important during dieting
• Improves nitrogen retention in muscle tissue.
  

Directions:

Due to its anti-catabolic properties and the fact that it accelerates glycogen synthesis after a workout, glutamine is best taken immediately following intense workouts.  It is easily tolerated by mixing it with your PowerPro protein shake. On days that you don't work out, take it with your last protein shake of the day. While there is much debate among experts as far as dosage is concerned, 3-5 grams is a sufficient dosage to start with and as your stomach gets used to it you can increase it to as much as 10-15 grams divided into 3 servings per day (1 in the morning, 1 after the workout and another one before bed).   Reserve the highest dosage schedule for periods of extremely hard training such as pre-contest training.    

*Take note of L-Glutamine’s effectiveness over time, and adjust dosage accordingly.

By looking at the effects that L-Glutamine provides you with, along with the fact that it is very inexpensive, we wonder why more athletes don't use it. This is especially important during dieting, as a way to protect the muscle from being cannibalized by the effects of cortisol. These statements have not been reviewed by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent disease.