What is a beneficial effect of glutamine supplementation?

Glutamine supplementation can be particularly beneficial for enhancing fluid and electrolyte uptake. This effect is largely attributed to glutamine's role in maintaining intestinal integrity and promoting optimal hydration status. When the intestinal cells are healthy, they can effectively absorb more nutrients and fluids, leading to improved hydration and overall electrolyte balance. This is particularly important for athletes who need to maintain hydration during prolonged periods of exercise, where dehydration could impair performance and recovery.

In addition to this benefit, glutamine also plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including nitrogen transport and balancing muscle protein synthesis and breakdown. However, while aspects like increased muscle mass, decreased appetite, and improved aerobic endurance are important to athletes, they are not the primary or most well-documented effects associated with glutamine supplementation compared to its ability to assist in fluid and electrolyte uptake.