Evidence supporting the use of: L-glutamine
For the health condition: Endurance (lack of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-glutamine is an amino acid that has been studied for its potential role in supporting endurance and recovery in athletes and individuals experiencing physical fatigue. The rationale for its use is based on the observation that glutamine levels can decrease after prolonged, intense exercise, which may impact immune function and muscle recovery. Some researchers have hypothesized that glutamine supplementation could help restore these levels, reduce muscle soreness, and support endurance capacity.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of L-glutamine specifically for improving endurance is limited and inconsistent. Several studies have found that glutamine supplementation does not significantly enhance endurance performance, reduce perceived fatigue, or improve time to exhaustion in healthy athletes. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while glutamine may help maintain immune function after strenuous exercise, it does not provide a clear benefit in terms of increasing endurance or exercise performance metrics.

In summary, while there is a theoretical basis and some preliminary research suggesting glutamine could play a role in recovery, the overall scientific evidence supporting its use for improving endurance performance is weak. Its primary benefit may relate more to immune support than to direct enhancement of endurance. As such, glutamine supplementation is not widely recommended as a performance enhancer for endurance athletes based on current evidence.

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