An interesting study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that supplementing with glutamine can increase human growth hormone levels (HGH).
An oral was administered to nine healthy subjects to determine the effects on plasma glutamine, bicarbonate, and circulating growth hormone concentrations. A small dose of just two grams was mixed with a cola drink and given to each subject. Forearms venous blood samples were obtained at zero time and then every 30 minutes for 90 minutes and compared to the controls obtained one week earlier.
Eight out of the nine subjects responded to the oral glutamine load with an increase in plasma glutamine at 30 and 60 minutes before returning back to the normal control value at 90 minutes. Ninety minutes after the glutamine administration load, both plasma bicarbonate concentration and circulating plasma growth hormone concentration were elevated. These findings demonstrate that even such a small dose of glutamine is capable of elevating plasma growth hormone concentrations.
So what does this mean to you? Growth hormone provokes the uptake of glucose and amino acids, activation of muscle protein synthesis, and the utilization of body fat for energy. In other words - it helps build lean muscle.
If you can afford it, mix a standard 5 gram serving with your
post workout shake to help accelerate your results.
Reference:
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 61, 1058-1061
Glutamine Helps Increase Growth Hormone Levels
