Key takeaways
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L-glutamine is an amino acid sold as a separate supplement. The EU Register of nutrition and health claims has no authorised entry for glutamine. This guide reviews the cited research and the amounts and prices shown on product labels.
What glutamine is
Glutamine is an amino acid.
What glutamine products claim
Glutamine is commonly marketed for recovery, gut health and immune support. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis (Ramezani Ahmadi et al.) of clinical trials in athletes aged over 18 (47 studies in the systematic review, 25 trials in the meta-analysis) concluded that, generally, glutamine supplementation has no effect on the athletic immune system, aerobic performance and body composition.
Glutamine in food
Glutamine is an amino acid found in protein-containing foods. Glutamine products state the grams per serving on the label.
What the research says about exercise recovery
No EU-authorised claim covers glutamine and muscle soreness, strength recovery or performance.
The gut health and immunity angle
No EU-authorised health claim covers glutamine and gut function or the immune system. Compare any such statement on a product label with the EU Register.
Medical questions
- Questions about gut function or recovery from major illness or surgery are for a doctor or dietitian, not a sports-supplement label.
Related guides
See our guides to whey protein and how much protein per day for what is authorised there.
Amounts on product labels
Glutamine products state the grams per serving and the suggested number of servings per day on the label. Compare the grams per serving and the price per serving.
The bottom line
Glutamine is an amino acid. The Regulation (EU) 432/2012 list of authorised claims has no entry for glutamine, and no EU-authorised health claim covers glutamine supplements.
Source: Ramezani Ahmadi et al. 2019, Clinical Nutrition, EU Register of nutrition and health claims
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to take glutamine if I already drink whey protein?
No EU-authorised claim covers glutamine. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis (Ramezani Ahmadi et al.) of clinical trials in athletes concluded that, generally, glutamine supplementation has no effect on the athletic immune system, aerobic performance and body composition.
Does glutamine help with muscle recovery or soreness?
No EU-authorised claim covers glutamine and muscle soreness or recovery.
Is glutamine good for gut health and immunity?
No EU-authorised health claim covers glutamine and gut function or the immune system. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis (Ramezani Ahmadi et al.) of clinical trials in athletes concluded that, generally, glutamine supplementation has no effect on the athletic immune system.
What is glutamine exactly?
Glutamine is an amino acid.
Is it safe to take a glutamine supplement anyway?
Glutamine products state the grams per serving on the label. Compare the grams per serving and the price per serving.