Quick answer
L-glutamine is most often taken as a powder. Pure Encapsulations’ L-Glutamine powder, for example, suggests 2 to 3 heaping scoops daily (about 3 g each), divided between meals and mixed with water or juice. Doses in gut research vary widely. People with liver or kidney disease should check with a provider first.
Key takeaways
L-glutamine is an amino acid that serves as a main fuel for the cells lining the gut, and it is most often taken as a powder.
Labels usually suggest taking it between meals, and the guide explains why some people ease in gradually.
Most of the research on glutamine and the gut barrier comes from lab and animal studies, and people with liver or kidney concerns should check with a clinician first.
If you have questions about whether L-glutamine fits your plan, a short call is a simple place to start.
L-glutamine is an amino acid that the cells lining the gut use for fuel, and it is a common part of gut lining protocols. This page covers label dosing, timing, and what the research looked at. It is educational information. Our What is leaky gut? and How to support leaky gut naturally pages explain the bigger picture.
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Label dosing
The Pure Encapsulations L-Glutamine product sheet suggests 2 to 3 heaping scoops daily, in divided doses between meals, mixed with water or juice. Each heaping scoop provides about 3 g of L-glutamine. Capsules are also available, but it takes many capsules to reach powder amounts.
Timing
Labels usually suggest between meals. Glutamine powder mixes easily into cool water and has little taste. Avoid mixing it into hot drinks.
Start-low
Many people start with 1 scoop a day and work up over a week or two. This is a general description of how the label is often paced, so please follow the plan your own clinician gives you.
What the research says
Lab and animal research describes how glutamine supports the tight junctions that hold gut lining cells together (Rao 2012). In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in adults with IBS that began after a gut infection, participants took 5 g of glutamine three times daily for 8 weeks (Zhou 2019). That was one specific group, and results may not apply to others.
Cautions and who should check with a provider
Check with your provider first if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a history of seizures or bipolar disorder. Ask first if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have cancer or are in cancer care. If you take medications, talk with your provider or pharmacist before starting.
Questions to bring to your clinician
These questions can help you get the most out of your next visit.
Would glutamine be a reasonable part of my gut support plan?
Could it interact with any of my current medications or other supplements?
How should I start, and what would tell us whether it is a good fit for me?
How long would it make sense to use it before we check in again?
Practitioner-grade options in my Fullscript catalog: if you and your clinician decide a supplement makes sense, my supplement guide by health goal links to the practitioner-grade products I trust.
Frequently asked questions
How much L-glutamine should I take for the gut?
Labels often suggest 2 to 3 scoops (about 6 to 9 g) daily, divided. Your provider can tell you what fits you.
When should I take L-glutamine?
Labels usually suggest between meals, mixed into cool water.
Is L-glutamine powder or capsules better?
Powder is easier for larger amounts. Capsules work for smaller amounts.
How long do people take L-glutamine?
In the IBS trial, it was taken for 8 weeks. Your provider can tell you how long they plan for you.
Can I take L-glutamine with probiotics?
Yes, they are often used in the same gut plan and can be taken at the same time.
Can I take L-glutamine with coffee?
Glutamine powder is usually mixed into cool or room temperature water. Hot drinks are often avoided.
Can I take L-glutamine with protein powder?
Yes. Many people mix it into a shake. Keep in mind protein powders already contain some glutamine.
Can I take L-glutamine with medications?
If you take any prescription medication, check with your own doctor or pharmacist before combining it with this supplement.
Related reading
- What is leaky gut?
- How to support leaky gut naturally
- How to take MegaMucosa
- Gut barrier and microbiome
Sources
- Pure Encapsulations. L-Glutamine powder product information: suggested use.
- Rao R, Samak G. Role of Glutamine in Protection of Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junctions. J Epithel Biol Pharmacol. 2012. PubMed 25810794
- Zhou Q, et al. Randomised placebo-controlled trial of dietary glutamine supplements for postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. Gut. 2019. PubMed 30108163
Talk with your own doctor or healthcare provider about the right dose for you before starting any supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or take medications.
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If you have questions about whether L-glutamine fits your plan, a short call is a simple place to start.
This page shares general educational information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition. Product labels can change, so always follow the label on the bottle you have.
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