INNOVATIVE 
RECOVERY 
Max Muscle takes glutamine supplementation to the next level with Gluta-Matrix, a four-source blend-of the 'workhorse' amino acid. 
By Phillip W. Harvey, PhO, RO, FACN 
If you're a bodybuilder, if you suffer from pain or muscular cramps or if you lift weights and exercise on a regular basis, then you might want to consider adding one very important supplement to your diet: 

glutamine. 
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and is the major amino acid in skeletal muscles, constituting approximately 60 percent. 
Commonly referred to as the most effective anti-catabolic amino acid, glutamine is primarily synthesized in skeletal muscl~s and released into the blood stream. It then travels to tissues that require it - primarily the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, immune system and other tissues. Most people, especially those mentioned above, don't get enough glutamine because their bodies just aren't producing the proper amounts to meet the demands of their activity level. Stress, overtraining and a poor diet also contribute to inadequate production of glutamine. 
Studies show the magnitude of glutamine depletion following strenuous exercise is greater than all other amino acids and persists for a longer period of time. Glutamine is so critical post-exercise that if inadequate amounts are not consumed progressive muscle breakdown will occur as the body tries to meet its glutamine requirements. 
While some sports nutrition experts say you can never get enough glutamine, some studies are looking into whether or not there are problems associated with excessive consumption. So far, those studies have been inconclusive. Regardless, a daily supplementation is recommended for fitness 
, enthusiasts, people who suffer from physical trauma or have immune deficiencies. BENEFITS OF GLUTAMINE 
Glutamine is considered a "workhorse" amino acid and is extremely versatile as it participates in many reactions in the body. Once produced, glutamine is metabolized in the mitochondria, the "powerhouse" organelles of the cells, providing metabolic fuel to skeletal muscle cells. In fact, during periods of intense exercise and stress, 
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glutamine improves protein metabolism, stimulates protein synthesis and maintains nitrogen balance and retention. 
Recently, glutamine has been shown to promote carbohydrate storage as glycogen during post-exercise recovery, which is an important process for endurance exercise. Additional benefits include maintaining the acid-base balance during strenuous exercise, reducing 

the build-up of lactic acid in muscles and protecting the body against acidosis, or, build-up of acid in the bloodstream. (The build-up of lactic acid and changes in muscle pH is associated with muscle fatigue, pain and soreness.) Glutamine also supports the natural production of human growth hormone, which is important in muscle gains and recovery. 
Glutamine is also a major fuel for cells of the gastrointestinal tract 

(GI), particularly during fasting. Amazingly, the cells of the GI tract renew every 72 hours. Glutamine is critical in the support of the health and function of these rapidly renewing cells and helps promote better absorption of nutrients while protecting against invading bacteria. 
Since the GI 
tract 	is 	also 
the site of immune function approximately 60 percent of the body's immune system is found in the gut, protecting us from invading bacteria and other pathogens glutamine plays an important role in boosting the immune system by providing metabolic fuel and supporting specific immune cells of the gut (e.g., macrophages and lymphocytes). Strenuous exercise depletes glutamine levels and has been shown to result in postexercise immunosuppression resulting in an increased incidence in upper respiratory infections. Glutamine supplementation may enhance immune function and decrease these types of infections in athletes. 

using the first. Max Muscle Sports Nutrition recently developed a more advanced glutamine supplement that includes all four: Gluta-Matrix. 
	Because 	everyone's 	bodies 
absorb glutamine differently, the combination of glutamine forms affords the greatest chance of delivery for maximum absorption. Here is a breakdown of each form of glutamine and its functions including some pros and cons of each: 
	
There are four different forms of glutamine that are important for meeting glutamine requirements. Most supplement products use one of these, with the majority 
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Because everyone's bodies absorb gluta

:$mine differently, 1 the combination ; of glutamine 

: sources affords { the greatest 
; chance of delivery for maximum absorption and results. 
Glutamine - Glutamine is the original free form amino acid compound, which easily crosses the gut to reach the blood stream. Glutamine has great benefits in the free-form, but there may be some limitations with its solubility, stability and the total amount actually absorbed in the body. Absorption can vary based on the health of the gastrointestinal tract and physiological needs and stresses. This form is primarily absorbed in the small intestines where specific binding receptors are located. Each receptor can bind with one glutamine molecule. Therefore, the amount of glutamine absorbed is directly proportional to the number of receptors available. 
Glutamine Peptides - This compound represents the binding of glutamine to amino acids to form peptides. Glutamine peptides provide a more stable and soluble form of glutamine that can be 
delivered more rapidly due to its peptide nature. Glutamine peptides are absorbed intact and may work to support the immune system, inhibit muscle breakdown and protect the intestinal lining. Due to the increased solubility and stability nature of glutamine peptides, they can be delivered more rapidly and efficiently to the skeletal muscle cells and other target tissues. Research has demonstrated that 
lutamine peptides are advanced forms of the amino acid in the science of glutamine delivery. 

Acetyl-L-Glutamine Acetyl-L-Glutamine is a new 

and unique form of delivery in that the acetyl group is useful for replenishing brain neurotransmitters after a hard workout. This form has also been used overseas as an anti-ulcer agent. By attaching the acetyl group to glutamine, it allows glutamine to be more stable and soluble in a solution as compared to glutamine in the free form. Acetyl-L-glutamine would 

also be a preferred form for anyone intolerant to freeform glutamine or glutamine 
peptides. Limited studies have shown that acetyl-L -glutamine is almost completely hydrolyzed during digestion indicating near complete absorption. 
	Glutamine 	Ethyl 	Esters 
- Glutamine Ethyl Ester, which is also new, is well known in the pharmaceutical real m for its su peri or delivery system. It is believed to provide a state-of-the-art utilization form for maximum absorption and uptake by skeletal muscles. 
In general, all oral forms of glutamine as described above are well tolerated and significant side effects are rare in the scientific literature. There are also no known documented interactions with foods, herbs, other dietary supplements or clinical laboratory tests. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult with their physician prior to use. MS&F