Glutathione, L-Glutamine, or Glutamic Acid

These first three amino acid products often get confused, maybe because they appear to look alike or sound similar.

Glutathione

• Glutathione exists in the body in two forms, reduced and oxidized.
• Plus it also forms at least 8 different detox enzymes with each specific to certain tissues and cells.

• Glutathione forms a vital cell detox enzyme that works in tandem with SOD to neutralize toxic ROS (reactive oxygen radicals) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) radicals before they can damage cell DNA in a sequential cascading process.

• This valuable nutrient does not survive the digestive tract in one piece and therefore is essentially wasted taken orally. But it does supply the individual amino acids. ref
• At very high levels, some might enter. But any benefits might just be from the component ingredients after breakdown; cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Specialized formulas of glutathione have achieved blood level increases. And in blood glutathione does have value. But for intracellular functions, it might be that glutathione has to be built in the cell. Best to supply raw material for production, Vitamin C, NAC. Whey also has value to increase. Non-alcohol beer does too.
• Enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase breaks it apart in intestinal tract. 
• Intravenous, Intramuscular, or aerosol delivery methods are somewhat effective.
• Consuming the parts that go into making Glutathione is a better way to increase, i.e. N-Acetyl Cysteine and glycine. NOTE: Long term use may not be wise if thinning effects on intestinal lining is verified.
• Also try instead: Taking 500 mg of vitamin C increased Glutathione levels 50% in just 2 weeks. Exercise helps too. One study showed vitamin C lowered blood levels.
• Other nutrients involved: alpha lipoic acid, glutamine, methionine, SAM-e, B6, riboflavin, selenium, and whey protein.
• Glutathione protects red blood cells.
• Glutathione is active when it forms many vital phase II detoxification enzymes, glutathione peroxidase is main one, responsible for binding and eliminating toxic heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins such as solvents. (1-8)
• Glutathione Peroxidase also supports proper cellular division, mitochondrial antioxidant protection, and also gets involved in cancers ref and diabetes.
• A new supplement uses a process that wraps Glutathione in a wheat protein that the body recognizes and absorbs. This protects glutathione from destruction in the digestion process. While this does increase blood levels, it does not mean an increase in cellular levels. The large size of Glutathione dictates that is has to be built inside each cell according to a prominent Scientist working with this nutrient. Here is a good report on studies.
• Animal studies showing benefits used very large dosages. Enough maybe to supply the parts for the body to use in producing an increase in it's own Glutathione.
• Glutathione forms a vital cell detox enzyme that works in tandem with SOD to neutralize toxic ROS (reactive oxygen radicals) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) radicals before they can damage cell DNA in a sequential cascading process.
• Possible considerations (and theories) for supplements of Glutathione. article
• The bottom line from a leading researcher; the body needs to build glutathione inside cells from component parts. Getting it into the blood from very large amounts orally is still not getting it into the cells. Whey protein is known to naturally increase levels. Vitamin C and exercise may be best way to increase.

L-Glutamine

Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in the blood and tissues, has a role in these body processes:

• Protein synthesis
• Regulation of acid alkaline balance by producing ammonium in the Kidneys 
• Transports ammonia to body tissues
• Source of carbon in the citric acid cycle
• Body energy source after glucose
• Supplies Nitrogen for numerous body processes 

Glutamine is produced mainly by muscles, plus some in brain cells and also lungs. This makes it a non-essential amino acid. Through the above functions, Glutamine helps protect the cells lining the intestinal tract and thus has value in digestion. One way is to help maintain the gut barrier to kept out unwanted foreign invaders.

The chief use of Glutamine has been to assist in the recovery from illnesses and surgery. Another use for this amino acid is during intensive exercise when it changes to a conditional essential amino acid and more is needed from the diet and supplements than the body can produce. There is some research that Glutamine may increase HGH (human growth hormone) levels.

PRECAUTION for Glutamine 

There is an enigma between cancerous tumors and Glutamine. Glutamine promotes tumor growth, plus cancer cells trap and hold Glutamine so the body becomes deficient. In this case, the body begins to break down muscle protein to release glutamine for body functions. Thus, Scientists have attained positive results giving extra Glutamine to cancer patients to help maintain muscle mass and the regular Glutamine body support functions, even through this also somewhat promotes tumor growth. Since the body makes Glutamine anyway and cancer cells trap it, the thinking is that you cannot afford to withhold dietary Glutamine sources without severely jeopardizing vital body functions and vital muscle size. Muscle wasting is a profound result of cancer progression. There is ongoing research to discover the proper body support amount to limit adverse tumor promotion. Since this is controversial, the precautionary approach is in place for Glutamine until this issue is settled. ref  ref

WORKSHOP NOTES - Behind the Scenes look at Possible Adverse Effects from Glutamine.

The list of possible adverse effects from Glutamine treatment are the result of Healthcare Professionals reports using Glutamine in clinical settings where effects are noted. This is to show that dietary supplements at therapeutic amounts may have both benefits as well as some adverse effects that need to be watched. One potential effect from ammonia production is explained here. It is important to note that many of the observed effects may have other causes since patients on glutamine could be quite sick and taking numerous other drugs at the same time. This is from: Drugs.com. This info is directed towards Healthcare Professionals and usually not seen by patients. You will soon see why! Remember, many of these are from therapeutic amounts and often injected into the body.

"Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included chest pain (19%) and vascular disorder (11%).

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea (13% to 31%), vomiting (11% to 19%), abdominal pain (11% to 25%), tenesmus (6% to 33%), flatulence (22% to 25%), hemorrhoids (6% to 11%), dry mouth (6% to 11%), pancreatitis (6% to 11%), constipation (11%), aggravated Crohn's disease (11%), gastric ulcer (11%), and gastrointestinal fistula (11%).

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included back pain (6% to 11%), arthralgia (31% to 44%), and myalgia (11% to 13%).

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included rhinitis (7% to 19%), laryngitis (11%), and pharyngitis (11%).

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included depression (11% to 22%).

Other

Other side effects have included peripheral edema (11% to 81%), facial edema (44% to 50%), generalized edema (13%), enlarged abdomen (11%), pain (6% to 19%), vascular disorder (11%), female breast pain (6% to 11%), vaginal fungal infection (11%), increased sweating (13%) and ear or hearing symptoms (13%).

Immunologic

Immunologic side effects have included fever (6% to 22%), chills (11%), malaise (13%), flu-like disorder (6% to 11%), viral or bacterial infection (6% to 19%), sepsis (6% to 20%), and moniliasis (13%).

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included dehydration (11% to 19%), and thirst (11%).

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included rash (7% to 11%) and skin and appendage disorders (11% to 13%).

Local

Local side effects have included injection site pain and/or injection site reaction (11% to 31%).

Nervous system

Central nervous system side effects have included dizziness (6% to 13%), hypoesthesia (6% to 11%), insomnia (11%) and headache (6% to 11%).

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included pyelonephritis (11%) and renal calculus (11%).

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included abnormal hepatic function (11%)."  end of copy material.

SUMMARY

This listing of possible adverse effects is mentioned here to reveal an important aspect of supplements. Nutrients at regular dietary amounts can be handled properly by body systems. BUT, at very large treatment amounts there is a higher likelihood of upsetting body harmony by interfering with natural body processes. Often this interference is in another body part rather than the one under observation. Such as how taking calcium to protect bones may end up getting deposited in arteries and increase calcification and CVD risk. It is important to note that calcification occurs at all intakes of calcium which indicates that other processes are also at play such as vitamin K2.

Glutamine may have benefits in given situations, illness, surgery recovery and intense exercise, but may not be necessary in healthy individuals getting sufficient protein.

GLUTAMIC ACID

Here is a good reference and a study that explain the differences between Glutamic Acid and L-Glutamine, which are essentially the same base with one building a side chain of 2 added ammonia elements. Thus, they can be made from each other. Glutamic acid forms ions and salts (glutamates), such as MSG for monosodium glutamate used to enhance flavor in food, often resulting in adverse reactions in some people. 

Since Glutamic acid helps build L-Glutamine, it is associated with many beneficial roles, especially in brain functions. BUT, there is a potential dark side. It is classified as a neurotransmitter which may turn into a neurotoxin if over activated, especially if it gets outside brain cells. ref This increased excitement can lead to nerve structure damage. Thus there is a dilemma of whether or not to use MSG in foods or large amounts of supplemental Glutamine that can turn into glutamate inside brain cells. In fact, there is a lot of glutamate inside brain cells where it is relatively harmless.  

There are certain people who do have an allergic reaction to foods containing MSG with symptoms similar to a heart attack, pain and stiffness in neck and arms. The US Government has analyzed dietary MSG from foods and aspartame and says it does not present a problem in the amounts normally consumed. The neurotoxicity is another story. This could be one reason the American diet is not healthful. Too many foods that contain higher amounts of glutamine; wheat, corn, dairy, etc.

Of Interest: During the manufacturing of some protein powders, like whey, the process of hydrolyzation naturally produces some MSG. Hydrolyzed proteins are easlier to digest, often used during surgery recovery.