
				Print a Friendly Version					Download Full Version in Adobe Reader

Research Paper

Increased Plasma Glutamine Concentration After Ingestion
of Infinity2‘s Magnesium Glycyl Glutamine Molecule

Introduction
Recent studies have suggested important metabolic roles for glutamine and have shown that it may serve as a promoter of muscle protein synthesis (1). This is of special interest to athletes and bodybuilders because of the role glutamine plays in protecting muscle mass. In the muscle cells, large amounts of glutamine are not linked to any other amino acids and are free floating, and as such, glutamine is readily available to the body in time of need (2). When individuals are metabolically stressed, such as during strenuous physical activity, they become catabolic. In this condition, the muscle tissues are breaking down, and glutamine is released to maintain blood levels of glutamine. During this catabolic state, glutamine homeostasis is threatened; net rates of glutamine utilization exceed net rates of production leading to a state of marked glutamine depletion.

In structure, glutamine is unique as an amino acid because it contains two nitrogen atoms. The metabolic reactions caused by exercise produce a surplus of acid in the body. The body is able to get rid of acidic by-products through the action of glutamine in the kidneys. Glutamine in the kidneys donates an atom of nitrogen to neutralize the positive charge from the acid. A recent study revealed that supplemental glutamine can prevent acidosis and reduce muscle breakdown (3). These and other recent studies support the role glutamine plays in the important functions of the body’s vital organs and systems.

Free form glutamine is not stable in solutions and may decompose into toxic products, pyroglutamic acid and ammonia. Although L-glutamine may be listed as an ingredient in some powdered formulas, heat used in processing of the supplements destroys the glutamine. Some labels on protein supplements may list glutamate (Glu), not glutamine (Gln). There is a big difference between the two. Glutamate does not contain the extra nitrogen that gives glutamine its special property. The key to the stability of glutamine is the bioavailable amino acid chelate and the factors that make it nutritionally functional and stable.

Purpose
In conjunction with Albion Laboratories, a leader in amino acid chelates, Infinity2 has formulated a stable compound of Magnesium Glycyl Glutamine. In order to show the effectiveness of the Magnesium Glycyl Glutamine molecule as a stable source of glutamine, a study was conducted to determine whether a small dose of the molecule administered in an oral solution might increase circulating plasma glutamine.

Methods
Seven healthy males, ages 39 to 59 years, took part in this study. All subjects were working in an office environment and no physical activity was performed during the study period.

Subjects were administered an oral solution of Magnesium Glycyl Glutamine containing 400 mg of glutamine immediately after baseline forearm venous blood samples were taken. Three additional blood samples were taken at 30-minute intervals (30, 60 and 90 minutes). Plasma glutamine concentrations for each sample were measured by an independent laboratory.

Results
The mean increase in the blood plasma level of glutamine from Infinity2’s molecule was prompt and remained above the base level for more than 90 minutes, as shown in Figure 1.

Discussion
In addition to its essential role in muscle growth and repair, glutamine is also the primary energy source for the immune system (4). Glutamine’s ability to remain readily available in the body for use during metabolic stress and its key roles in health have given this amino acid great nutritional possibilities.

The need for supplemental glutamine to assist in restoring plasma glutamine levels, protecting glutamine stores, and helping to conserve lean muscle mass is obvious. Unfortunately, free-form glutamine is not stable in solutions and may decompose into pyroglutamic acid and toxic ammonia. Although L-glutamine may be listed as an ingredient in some powdered formulas, it is known to decompose in the digestive tract and may be destroyed by various processing and manufacturing steps.

Because of the obvious benefits of glutamine and the necessity of having a stabilized form of glutamine, Infinity2 developed the Magnesium Glycyl Glutamine molecule. The key to the stability of this glutamine molecule is the bioavailable amino acid chelate and the factors that make it nutritionally functional and stable. With MGG, the research team at Infinity2 has discovered and patented a way to stabilize glutamine and thereby include it in several of the nutritional products it markets.

An additional benefit of the MGG molecule is the mineral magnesium. Magnesium not only helps to stabilize glutamine, but is also a functional component of this molecule. Magnesium helps to control the concentrations and actions of other minerals (calcium, sodium, and potassium) within the muscle to assist in proper muscle contraction and relaxation (5). Magnesium also plays a key role as a cofactor for many enzymes of muscle metabolism including glycogen synthase, ATPase and creatine kinase.

In this study, administration of an oral solution of MGG showed a significant increase in plasma glutamine levels of healthy males. Six of the seven subjects responded with increased plasma glutamine at 30 minutes and four remained above baseline at 90 minutes.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that even a small amount of Infinity2’s Magnesium Glycyl Glutamine molecule is capable of elevating the plasma glutamine level. We at Infinity2 are excited by the results shown in this study. Tests done at Albion Laboratories have verified that it is a stable molecule - one that allows it to withstand the pH changes within the digestive tract without dissociating. We are proud to introduce this product in our line of nutritional supplements. We are the first company to stabilize glutamine. Together with Albion Laboratories we have an exclusive patent on this molecule.

References
1. MacLennan, P.A., R.A. Brown, and M.J. Rennie. A positive relationship between protein synthetic rate and intracellular glutamine concentration in perfused rat skeletal muscle. FEBS Lett. 215: 187-192, 9187.
2. Bergstrom, J., et al. Intracellular Free Amino Acid Concentration in Human Muscle Tissue. J Appl Physiol 36 (1974): 693-701.
3. Welbourne, T.C. Enteral Glutamine Spares Endogenous Glutamine in Chronic Acidosis. JPEN 17 (1993):23S
4. Rowbotton et al. Sports Med 21 (1996): 80-97.
5. Shils, ME et al. Experimental production of magnesium deficiency in man. Anals of NY Acad. Sci 162 (1969): 847-855

© 2000 Infinity2, Inc. Form #1910 Rev. 07/13/00