Coach's Corner
Tips from Leo Totten

Glutamine
01.2001

I usually don't delve into nutritional advise because, as Clint Eastwood said in one of his movies, "a man has got to know his limitations!" I don't claim to be an expert in nutrition, that is why I leave that advise up to our guys Jerry Connelly, Tom Incledon and Dave Clayton.

In spite of that, I am going to offer some advise anyway. Anytime I read something that makes a lot of sense, I try to pass along the information for you to pick and choose what you think will be applicable to you and to make you a better athlete or coach. (Of course, you can't believe everything you read, but this source is a very reliable one.)

There is a book out by Dr. Edmund R. Burke and Daniel Gastelu called Avery's Sports Nutrition Almanac that I have found to be an invaluable tool. Again, I don't claim to be an expert, but here is what these guys have to say about GLUTAMINE as a nutritional supplement that might apply to our weightlifters.

Glutamine is an amino acid that has the ability to increase nitrogen retention and preserve skeletal muscle mass. It is anticatabolic and can be considered an anabolic amino acid. During stress, such as in weightlifting, major changes occur in glutamine levels. The concentration of glutamine in the muscle decreases and the immune system shows an increase in the demand for it. As a consequence of this imbalance, strenuous exercise can lead to overtraining syndrome. Some of the symptoms are decreased performance, depressed mood and increased incidence of infections. Glutamine in the diet may play a role in counteracting these reactions.

The suggested dosage of supplemental glutamine is between 8 and 20 grams per day depending on factors such as diet, health, and intensity and frequency of training. It is suggested to take 3 to 6 grams of supplemental glutamine two to four times per day. This amount seems to elicit the positive effects of the supplementation without stimulating the excretion of glutamine.

If you need more information about glutamine, contact Jerry, Tom or Dave. It could really be worth your while if you are serious about doing everything you can to be the best lifter that you can be.

--- Just a side note, speaking of Tom Incledon…check the winter 2000 issue of "Muscle and Fitness Hers." Tom and Lori have published an article on how "Squatting may be one of the single best exercises you can do." I believe we will start to see more of the fitness arena looking to folks like us to teach them proper squatting technique. So, keep your eyes open when your in the gym…you might just want to share your knowledge with those less informed.