What is a benefit of glutamine supplementation after exercise?

Glutamine supplementation after exercise is known to enhance immunity, which is particularly important for athletes who often undergo intense training and may experience compromised immune function. The process of prolonged exercise, especially at high intensities, can lead to temporary immune suppression, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illness.

Glutamine plays a role in various physiological functions, including supporting the health of the gut mucosa and providing fuel for immune cells, particularly lymphocytes and macrophages. By supplementing with glutamine post-exercise, athletes may help replenish their levels of this amino acid, which is depleted during extended physical activity, thus promoting better immune response and health recovery.

While increased fat storage, decreased muscle soreness, and increased metabolic rate might be associated with different aspects of nutrition and supplementation, they do not directly reflect the primary benefits elucidated by glutamine's role in immune function after exercise.