Studies

Effects of L-Glutamine on muscular damage

This study investigated whether oral L-glutamine supplementation could attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in professional basketball players during a high-intensity competition period. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 12 participants received either 6 g/day of glutamine or a placebo for 20 days. The results showed that the glutamine-supplemented group had significantly lower blood levels of muscle damage markers, including creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb), and aspartate transaminase (AST), compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, glutamine intake was associated with lower levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), helping to maintain a better balance between catabolic and anabolic hormones. The researchers concluded that glutamine supplementation is a practical strategy for improving recovery in sports characterized by eccentric actions.