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Colds and flu infections are in high season during winter. To strengthen the immune system, many people reach for Vitamin C or zinc tablets. However, amino acids—and especially the amino acid glutamine—are much more important for strong defenses. We explain the role amino acids play during flu season here. The specific role of glutamine is discussed in this blog post.
Our immune system is a complex system made up of a variety of different cells. Lymphocytes like B and T cells play an important role in acquired immunity, ensuring that every pathogen is specifically neutralized by the correct antibody. During an acute infection, e.g., with a virus, these cells multiply rapidly and produce antibodies as well as hormone-like substances called cytokines.
Glutamine: Component and Fuel for Defense Cells
The most important building block of all these defense mechanisms is protein. The amino acid glutamine plays a special role because it is not only involved in forming immune cells, but also serves as their energy source. Unlike most other body cells, lymphocytes and other immune cells prefer glutamine over glucose (i.e., sugar) as fuel. During an acute infection, our body therefore consumes 10 times more glutamine.
Increased Protein Requirement
To form defense substances and cells, the immune system needs free amino acids from the blood. Glutamine makes up about 25% of this amino acid pool. But this supply is quickly depleted, as billions of immune cells and antibodies are produced within a short time. During an acute infection, our protein requirement increases by 30-40%. Fortunately, our muscles serve as a huge glutamine reservoir. Glutamine accounts for 40-60% of skeletal muscle content. It’s good to know that we are thus well-prepared for emergencies.
Do Supplements Help During Infections?
Ideally, one wouldn’t let it get that far and would cover the increased protein and glutamine needs through diet. However, since acute infections often come with loss of appetite, this is not always easy. Our protein products as well as L-glutamine powder help meet increased demands and can thus prevent muscle breakdown. To reduce flu symptoms and activate the immune system, some experts recommend taking 5 g L-glutamine in the morning and evening, or 10-20 g per day, at the first signs of a cold. With us, you can choose between our L-glutamine powder or capsules.
Glutamine can also help prevent infections and is popular especially among athletes. For example, one study showed that taking glutamine reduced infection susceptibility in runners after intense training.
Sources
L. M. Castell et al. Does glutamine have a role in reducing infections in athletes? European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology 1996; 73:488-90
