By Sarah Gearhart
See the issue: April 2007

Ever feel like your muscles are having a break down after a hardcore workout? That’s because they are. To repair the muscle damage that results from working out and promote protein synthesis, your muscles use their glutamine stores, which are nonessential amino acids that are a byproduct of the synthesis of other amino acids.

Of all the amino acids, glutamine is the most versatile. According to David Pearson, Ph.D., CSCS*D, FNSCA, director of the Strength Research Laboratory at Ball State University and a former member of the board of directors of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, “besides aiding muscle growth and maintaining a healthy immune system, glutamine is a cell volumizer, meaning that it helps the muscle hold water, which is also necessary for growth and repair.”

Although glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body, it can still be depleted when released post workout. This inhibits protein synthesis, making for a rough, sore muscle recovery. You can counter this possibility by taking a glutamine supplement. Your best options include:

EAS® L-Glutamine
eas.com
$29.95 for 400-gram container

MET-Rx® Hardcore L-Glutamine
metrx.com
$22.49 for 300-gram container

Perfect® L-Glutamine
naturesbest.com
$30 for 300-gram container

Twinlab® Glutamine Fuel Powder
twinlab.com
$23.95 for four-ounce container

Complete L-Glutamine PowerTM
issresearch.com
$32.25 for 400-gram container

Prolab® Glutamine Powder
prolab.com
$29.99 for 300-gram container

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