Amino acids
L-Glutamine
Gut · recovery
Most abundant amino acid; gut barrier, immune cell fuel, recovery. Common dose 5 g/day.
What L-Glutamine does
Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in plasma and the primary fuel for enterocytes (gut lining cells) and rapidly dividing immune cells. It's produced in skeletal muscle and consumed quickly during catabolic stress — burns, sepsis, post-surgery — which is why clinical glutamine supplementation has trial support for hospitalized patients. The 'leaky gut' marketing case for healthy adults outpaces the evidence: glutamine is conditionally essential, and well-fed people without acute illness rarely become deficient.
Food sources of L-Glutamine
Approximate L-Glutamine content per serving. Whole-food intake counts toward your daily total alongside any supplemental dose.
| Food | Serving | L-Glutamine |
|---|---|---|
| Beef (cooked) | 3 oz | 1.5 g |
| Eggs (whole) | 1 large | 0.5 g |
| Cottage cheese | 1/2 cup | 1.5 g |
| Tofu | 1/2 cup | 0.7 g |
| White rice (cooked) | 1 cup | 0.3 g |
| Cooked salmon | 3 oz | 1 g |
Signs of L-Glutamine deficiency
- ●No standard outpatient deficiency syndrome — body makes it
- ●Severely catabolic states (burns, sepsis, ICU) deplete plasma glutamine and benefit from clinical supplementation
Who needs more L-Glutamine
Groups and situations where L-Glutamine requirements rise or status commonly runs low:
- ●Burn injury, surgery, sepsis, ICU stays (clinical use)
- ●IBS, IBD with ongoing symptoms (modest evidence as an adjunct)
- ●Endurance athletes during heavy-volume blocks (URTI risk)
How L-Glutamine appears on labels
Supplement labels list L-Glutamine under several names depending on the chemical form used. Any of these on an ingredients panel counts toward your L-Glutamine intake:
- l-glutamine
- glutamine
Best supplements for L-Glutamine
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list L-Glutamine on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Deep dive
For mechanism of action, dosing protocols, evidence grade, and interaction warnings on L-Glutamine, see the full encyclopedia entry:
L-Glutamine encyclopedia entry →Research on L-Glutamine
Peer-reviewed studies in our research database that reference L-Glutamine. Each entry links to a detailed methodology review.
Frequently asked questions
What is the daily target for L-Glutamine?
What foods are highest in L-Glutamine?
What is the best form of L-Glutamine to supplement?
What are the signs of L-Glutamine deficiency?
Who is most at risk for low L-Glutamine?
Related amino acids
Track your full intake
Formulate's free web app aggregates L-Glutamine (and ~40 other nutrients) across every supplement in your stack — flagging underdoses, overlaps, and upper-limit overshoots in one view.
Track your intake free →Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Targets and upper limits are general adult reference values; individual needs vary by age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context.