I visited my local health shop today, was specificly looking for some dextrose but picked up some more vits while i was there, then i saw the L-GLutamine. The stuff was £20 ($35?ish) for a decent amount of tablets!

So just how important is it? can it be replaced by good eating at the right time, or is it more like whey after a shake, just a much improved way of getting it than you can get from normal foods?

To be honest with the vitamins and whey and everything else, i'm about at the limit of what i want to pay, however i really don't like expending effort for anything other than the best possable results, so i'm willing to grab anything that i really need, for best results.

A ton of glutamine threads out there already.

In short, it boosts the immune system and prevents muscle breakdown. Also, its supposedly blunts sugar cravings.

ya i know what it does :), my question is to what extent does it do it. Can you get something close to the same effects by other means, or is it supliment or nothing, if so how much does it effect the end result.

alot of the whey i have looked at have L-Glutamine added.

Personally, I believe that L-Glutamine is extremely important or as important as whey protein. Simply put, it will help you get to your own personal fitness goals sooner. :tu:

Glutamine is particularly important when in a calorie deficit. Many people feel it is unecessary (or, at least not as vital) when you are bulking since you are already consuming enough calories to prevent catabolism (in theory).

Personally, I use it throughout all stages of my bodybuilding and will continue to do so unless money gets unexpectedly tight.