What is the recommended dosage for L-Glutamine?

General: 5-15 g/day; Ibs D Support: 5 g three times daily (15 g/day total); Post Exercise Gut: 0.25-0.9 g/kg before intense exercise; Gut Barrier Support: 0.5 g/kg/day (approximately 30-40 g/day for adults)

What are the side effects of L-Glutamine?

Potential side effects include: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort at high doses, Headache, Dizziness at very high doses, Potential glutamate excitotoxicity concerns in neurological conditions (theoretical).

What is L-glutamine and how does it work for gut health?

L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and serves as the primary fuel source for enterocytes, the cells lining the small intestine. Research suggests it may help maintain intestinal barrier integrity, reduce gut permeability, and support mucosal repair after injury or stress. During periods of illness, surgery, or intense physical stress, the body's demand for glutamine may exceed its production capacity.

What is the recommended dosage of L-glutamine for gut health?

For gut health purposes, clinical studies have used L-glutamine at 5-30 g per day, with most studies using 10-20 g daily divided into 2-3 doses. Lower doses of 5 g per day may be sufficient for general gut support, while higher doses have been used in clinical settings for intestinal permeability and post-surgical recovery. It is typically dissolved in water and taken between meals.

Are there side effects or interactions with L-glutamine?

L-glutamine is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. High doses may cause headaches, nausea, or abdominal discomfort in some individuals. People with liver disease, kidney disease, or Reye syndrome should avoid glutamine supplementation, as impaired metabolism could lead to ammonia accumulation. Glutamine may interact with certain anti-seizure medications and chemotherapy drugs.

L-Glutamine

amino_acid

Also known as: Glutamine, L-Gln, Gln

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About

L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and serves as the primary fuel source for enterocytes (intestinal epithelial cells) and colonocytes. Research suggests it may help maintain intestinal tight junction integrity via claudin-1 and occludin expression, supporting gut barrier function. It also supports mucosal immune cell proliferation and secretory IgA production, which may help maintain healthy intestinal defenses.

How It Works

Primary fuel source for enterocytes (intestinal epithelial cells) and colonocytes providing 30-35% of total cellular energy; maintains intestinal tight junction integrity via upregulation of claudin-1 and occludin expression; supports mucosal immune cell proliferation; enhances secretory IgA production for mucosal defense.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
Crohn's Disease	C	3	200	View →
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)	C	2	150	View →
Increased Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut)	D	2	80	View →

Side Effects

Mild gastrointestinal discomfort at high doses
Headache
Dizziness at very high doses
Potential glutamate excitotoxicity concerns in neurological conditions (theoretical)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Lactulose (glutamine may reduce the efficacy of lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy)
Anti-seizure medications (glutamine converts to glutamate; theoretical concern)
Chemotherapy agents (glutamine may protect cancer cells; discuss with oncologist)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Quick Facts

Dosage: General: 5-15 g/day; Ibs_D_Support: 5 g three times daily (15 g/day total); Post_Exercise_Gut: 0.25-0.9 g/kg before intense exercise; Gut_Barrier_Support: 0.5 g/kg/day (approximately 30-40 g/day for adults)
Forms: powder capsule tablet
Natural Sources: Bone broth, Beef, Chicken, Fish, Eggs, Dairy (milk, yogurt, ricotta cheese), Cabbage, Beets
Upper Limit: Generally well-tolerated up to 0.5 g/kg/day; caution above 40 g/day
Best Time: Between meals or before exercise; divide doses throughout the day

Evidence Summary

Crohn's Disease C

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) C

Increased Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) D

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.