L-Glutamine & Your Brain

Be honest now. When you hear 'L-Glutamine,' what's the first thing you think about? That it's a niche supplement primarily used by athletes, right?

Clearly, L-Glutamine powder and supplements have long been advertised in the wellness industry because they can help to build fit and lean bodies. But here's something interesting: L-Glutamine is perhaps one of the most important but underrated nutrients... for everyone.*

In fact, L-Glutamine has been making waves in the cognitive health industry for quite some time now. And science supports many of its three brains (head, heart, and gut) benefits, with ongoing research continuing to reveal the many advantages of this nutrient.*

No wonder more and more people look for it in nootropics to help support their cognitive function and overall wellness.*

But what exactly makes this 'non-essential' amino acid so essential for overall cognitive health? Because when we talk about Glutamine and its value for your head-brain, it's fascinating to see how interconnected everything is.

Wait a minute. You just said 'non-essential amino acid.' Do I really need it?

Let's get something straight first. The term 'non-essential' is somewhat misleading. It doesn't mean it's unimportant. In the context of amino acids, it just means that your body can produce L-Glutamine from sources other than food. But just because your body can make it doesn't necessarily mean you don't need it from other sources like food (or a nootropic).

L-Glutamine may provide energy for your brain system.*

Now, let's tackle the first significant L-Glutamine benefit for cognitive health: the glutamine-glutamate cycle.¹ This process can help balance the production of neurotransmitters. Their job? To transmit messages between nerve cells (neurons) in your Head [1st Brain]. (The head-brain is part of your three-brains network: head-brain responsible for Logic & Intellect, the heart-brain that influences Emotions & Feelings and the gut-brain that governs Instinct & Intuition).*

Research showed that the balance of the glutamine-glutamate cycle can be paramount to an optimized and healthy head-brain. But it's a 'costly' process. It can take a tremendous amount of energy. In fact, the glutamine-glutamate cycle accounts for a whopping 80% of cerebral Glucose consumption.*

(!) So, your nervous system relies on Glutamine as a key energy source. If the brain is not getting enough Glucose, it may compensate by increasing Glutamine metabolism for energy.*

This is why Glutamine is often referred to as 'brain food' and used as a pick-me-up. And it may also be the reason why those with a more substantial L-Glutamine intake usually report more energy, less fatigue and better mood.*²

Feeling the mental load? Here's how L-Glutamine might help

There is growing evidence that L-Glutamine and GABA may play a significant role in mental load, tension, and anxiousness.*³

Over time, constant tension may lead to health concerns. For example, being under constant tension and pressure may also negatively impact your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to bacterial attacks and other health challenges and inhibiting your body's ability to repair itself and absorb nutrients.*

However, L-Glutamine is known as the 'calming amino acid' for its effectiveness in reducing mental load, uneasiness, and tension.*⁴

The blood-brain barrier may owe a lot to Glutamine.

Beyond neurotransmitters and the glutamine-glutamate cycle, L-Glutamine may also be a key nutrient in supporting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) health. Think of this barrier as the brain's 'security system,' Mother Nature's design to ensure harmful substances stay out.*

According to research, Glutamine may play a role in fortifying this barrier, supporting its integrity.⁵ This may be a huge deal. Because a weakened BBB can become more easily permeable. That means certain toxins and pathogens may slip through, affecting your cognitive health.*

Cognitive function and mental health intertwine with Glutamine in fascinating ways, particularly in seniors.*

L-Glutamine deficiency can be a real problem. Here's how you can deal with it.

Since Glutamine may be one of the most important energy suppliers for your brain, deficiency is typically linked with sleep problems, agitation, and lack of focus. This can happen in young adults, adults, and even seniors.*

→ The good part? As we have said before, your body can make some L-Glutamine on its own. The bad? You may still need more. This is where proper nutrition and a quality nootropic can play a significant role.

While it's great to get Glutamine from these natural sources, sometimes we might need a bit more, especially if we're very active or recovering from an injury. Plus, animal proteins often provide amino acids our bodies can absorb more easily than plant proteins. So, vegans might not get as much Glutamine as they need from their diet.*

That's where HCF® A20® may come in handy. A20® offers a form of L-Glutamine that your body may use efficiently. Plus, it's super convenient for those who might find it challenging to get enough Glutamine from their food.*