GLUTAMINE INTRODUCTION TO GLUTAMINE Glutamine is actually classified as a non essential amino acid. L-Glutamine is the most abundant free-form amino acid found in muscle tissue.. Like other amino acids, L-Glutamine plays a vital role in protein metabolism and muscle recovery. Not only is Glutamine used by our muscles but also by the kidneys, liver, brain and may other parts in our body. It is for this reason why it is not so understood that it is a non essential amino acid. The reason it has this title though is that it can be made by the body by combining other amino acids. Levels of Glutamine can run very low while training and after training which may result in depleted levels in our muscles and therefore causing a catabolic state thus leading to muscle breakdown WHAT WILL IT DO If like most bodybuilders you are using numerous supplements to try and aid your effort in chiselling the perefect body, adding glutanmine to your regime will certainly not be a waste of time nor money. By supplementing with Glutamine, bodybuilders and other athletes should be able to prevent the body from going into a catabolic state,  help promote cell volumization and therefore increaseing size and strength. BENEFITS OF SUPPLEMENTATION Increased Muscle Mass Increased Recovery Decreased Muscle Breakdown Cell Volumization WHAT AMOUNT SHOULD BE USED Supplementing with glutamine may not only be able to prevent catabolism but it also has a similar effect to htat of creatine, namely cell volumisation. It has been concluded by studies that glutamine supplementaion is only effective when the body receives small ammounts over different periods throughout the day as oppossed to one large dose. This is due to the fact that it is metabolized by the gut when detected.  The best way to supplemetn is by taking it 2-3 times a day at doses of between 1.5 to 2 grams. It has also been discovered that as wth creatine, a loading phase whereby approximately 10-15 grams a day for one week followed by 5-6 grams a day there after maybe more benneficial. SIDE EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTATION So far there really havent been any reports of side effects, at least not from any medical studies. The reason being is that Glutamine is a natural amino acis which is produced by our boides. Supplementation only increases the amount that is available. Currently there has been no reports or journals to suggest that supplementing with glutamine suppresses the body's natural ability to produce or manufacture its own glutamine from other aminos. All this means is that cycling is not needed and can be used continuously, however some people find it better and more convenient to cycle. All it comes down to is preference. If You have any Comments, Suggestions or Tips please drop me a line