Glutamine Side Effects

Introduction: Glutamine Side Effects

So you have decided to start using glutamine as a nutritional supplement, but you want to be prepared for any potential side effects that may come your way.  This article will help you be fully informed of the potential side effects before you begin taking glutamine.

Taste

Glutamine is great for your health, but the taste can leave something to be desired for.  This can be easily corrected by mixing the supplement with a protein shake or any other fitness-positive beverage, without compromising the positive effects of the glutamine.

Mental Effects

Glutamine contains chemicals which can affect brain function and exacerbate psychological problems.  These may include:

• Seizures.  Some ammonia is produced by glutamine, which can impact the brain negatively and trigger seizures in those predisposed to it.
• Manic episodes.  If you suffer from bipolar disorder, your mood may be affected by glutamine’s chemical effects on your brain.

Make sure the physician treating you for these conditions is aware that you intend to take glutamine and approves of its use.

Cancer

People with cancer may be negatively affected by glutamine.  Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Glutamine is a fuel for cancer cells.
• Glutamine does not itself cause cancer, meaning that those without cancer are not put at increased risk of cancer by consuming glutamine.
• No evidence has yet been offered to prove that glutamine actually worsens the health of people with cancer, but it remains a possibility and should be treated cautiously just to be safe rather than sorry.
• If you have cancer, consult your physician before beginning a glutamine consumption program to determine whether there will be any dangerous effects of the glutamine.
• Get checked regularly for cancer if you don’t have it, to ensure that you are not unknowingly fueling a cancer that has not yet been diagnosed.

Summary

Glutamine can have many positive effects on your health.  The above side effects are very much the exception rather than the rule to its consumption, and it’s important to remember that consuming glutamine only adds to the naturally occurring glutamine which already exists in your body.  If you have any concerns about the use of glutamine, or experience any negative side effects once you begin using it, just remember that a visit to your physician can solve most problems.