The relation between glutamine and the immunodepression observed in exercise

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is an important f uel for some key cells of the immune system. Both the plasma concentration of glutamine and the functional ability of immune cells in the blood are de creased after prolonged, exhaustive exercise. Glutamine feeding has had ben eficial effects in clinical situations, and the provision of glutamine afte r intensive exercise has decreased the incidence of infections, particularl y of upper respiratory tract infections. However, the precise effect of glu tamine on immunodepression in this situation is not yet established.