Don’t Mix Glutamine and Nitric Oxide
December 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Did you know that the cells lining the blood vessels discharge a chemical named nitric oxide (NO), which amplifies tissue blood flow? NO is imperative for muscle blood flow, sexual function, fuel and hormone delivery to muscles, tissue oxygenation, general energy levels and muscle hypertrophy. Having low NO levels can result in erection problems. It can also decreased tissue health and fatigue when exercising. Your blood vessels make nitric oxide from oxygen and arginine.
Several fitness companies sell nitric oxide supplements that have these amino acids. Your body also creates NO from a non-essential amino acid named citrulline. The University of Pittsburgh Medical School study discovered that low arginine levels hinder NO production. On the other hand, citrulline can boost NO production during times exercise (arginine depletion). The amino acid glutamine hinders citrulline-stimulated NO production.
Weight trainers often consume huge amounts of glutamine to strengthen their immune functions. However, consuming too much glutamine could hamper with NO production, which could have erratic and possibly negative effects on a person’s flow of blood.
Source: Journal Parenteral Enteral Nurti-tion, 32: 377-383, 2008
