Glutamine Thoughts

[BendtheBar]

Do you use glutamine? Do you feel it's effective or provides results.

I am constantly going round and round with another lifter about this supplement. He keeps forcing studies in my face that "prove" glutamine is useless. I use it in Xtend and BC + EAA, and get improved recovery and lessened DOMs.

That are your thoughts?

[big valsalva]

I want to jump on the glutamine bandwagon so bad. Truth be told though, I have a tub and there it sits. I hear guys at the gym say its the only supplement they won't train without. My issue is I've heard and read so many conflicting reports on proper timing. Empty stomach. First thing in the morning. Pre workout. Post workout with your protein shake. For the love of God, No! Don't take it with protein, it will compete for receptors! With food. Before bed. Wake up in the middle of the night to take it.

I want to be an advocate, but I've never been able to be consistent enough with my usage to determine if it does any good.

[big_swede]

Just started glutamine a week ago, maybe soreness goes away a bit quicker but i cant really tell.

[quicksilver0587]

Was that receptor thing a joke, Valsalva? Cuz if it is, then I'd recommend taking whatever that person has to say with a grain of salt because I can't imagine how that would work.

I took a look at Williams Llewelyn's supplementation book, and he advocated it to be a pretty useful supplement. Seeing as it is at work, I can't give you specifics, but I'll take a look at it when I go into work today and I'll let you know more later.

Me personally, I think it's dumb. It's never done anything for me at least. I'd rather spend my money on BCAA's.

[ElementalVirago]

I use it, but the jury is still out on whether or not it's been effective at ANYTHING. I don't believe that's it's relieved any DOMS (not noticeably, anyway, or nothing I could attribute to glutamine) or really any of the extra pump or ability to push thru the last reps like I've heard it's supposed to. I've been using this instead of creatine for the last month or so (because creatine so increases my water weight) but it's not really been an apples to apples substitute, IMO. Some people swear by it, others say it's just a waste of money. I guess like most supplements, it works for some yet not so much for others.

Plus, I just realized that there is glutamine in my ON Whey protein so I'm probably taking it separately for nothing. I won't be spending extra money on it again.

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by quicksilver0587

Was that receptor thing a joke, Valsalva? Cuz if it is, then I'd recommend taking whatever that person has to say with a grain of salt because I can't imagine how that would work.
I took a look at Williams Llewelyn's supplementation book, and he advocated it to be a pretty useful supplement. Seeing as it is at work, I can't give you specifics, but I'll take a look at it when I go into work today and I'll let you know more later.

Me personally, I think it's dumb. It's never done anything for me at least. I'd rather spend my money on BCAA's.

Actually no. I have seen that claim in a couple of places either in print, or online. I'm sorry for not being able to provide a source. I can look. I have to agree with you as to glutamine not doing anything for me. But like I've said, I haven't been consistent enough with my glutamine supplementation. There's too many people in my circle that swear by it for me to ignore it. Bottom line though, it IS a SUPPLEMENT. Experience tells me that food and rest also remedies DOMS and hastens recovery.

[BendtheBar]

I've seen a bunch of studies/anti-articles on glutamine that make some pretty unusual claims, primarily that it's junk. But when I use it I notice benefits.

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I've seen a bunch of studies/anti-articles on glutamine that make some pretty unusual claims, primarily that it's junk. But when I use it I notice benefits.

That's what I want. Damn the science, give me anecdotal evidence.

Maybe what I should do after my health improves is start a glutamine log. Can I get a company to donate supps?

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by big valsalva

That's what I want. Damn the science, give me anecdotal evidence.

Maybe what I should do after my health improves is start a glutamine log. Can I get a company to donate supps?

You missed the Xtend sale a couple days ago

As I always say, drug companies and supplement companies don't make money off of studies, they thrive or die on real world evidence.

Personally, I would rather listen to the opinion of you guys than a study any day.

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

You missed the Xtend sale a couple days ago

As I always say, drug companies and supplement companies don't make money off of studies, they thrive or die on real world evidence.

Personally, I would rather listen to the opinion of you guys then a study any day.

Didn't miss a thing. "Sale" implies "having to buy." My screen name should really be "cheapbastard." I'll run a log. If a company wants to pony up. I'll try the product. If not, then it will be just store brand L-Glutamine.