L-Glutamine · High-Purity Amino Acid for Sports, Medical & Specialized Nutrition

Key characteristics

• Chemical name: (S)-2-aminoglutaramic acid (L-glutamine).
• Common name: L-glutamine.
• Form: typically supplied as a white, crystalline powder, odourless or practically odourless, with a neutral to slightly bitter taste at higher concentrations.
• Solubility: sparingly to moderately soluble in water at ambient temperature, with solubility increasing at higher temperatures; suitable for use in powders, suspensions and selected liquid systems.
• Stability:
  • Generally stable in dry form under cool, dry storage conditions,
  • More sensitive in aqueous and strongly acidic or alkaline environments, requiring careful formulation and shelf-life validation.
• Purity profile: high L-glutamine assay with tight limits on related amino acids, by-products and inorganic impurities.
• Origin: produced via controlled fermentation or synthetic routes, depending on the selected producer and grade.
• Regulatory status:
  • Use in foods, supplements and medical nutrition is regulated on a country- and category-specific basis,
  • Any claims related to gut, immune or muscle function must comply with local nutrition and health claim frameworks.

Atlas supports customers in deploying L-glutamine in evidence-informed sports, medical and functional nutrition concepts, aligned with raw material quality, processing conditions and regulatory requirements.

Indicative specification points

Specification details are agreed for each project. Typical food/nutrition-grade L-glutamine parameters include:

• Assay (L-glutamine): usually ≥ 98.5–99.0% on dried basis.
• Appearance: white crystals or crystalline powder, free from visible foreign matter.
• Specific rotation: within defined positive range confirming the L-configuration.
• Loss on drying: controlled to secure consistent assay and flowability.
• Residue on ignition / sulphated ash: low levels according to food and/or pharmacopeial standards.
• Chloride, sulphate and heavy metals: limited in line with nutrition-grade purity requirements.
• Related amino acids and impurities: restricted and monitored according to producer specification.
• Microbiological profile: low counts in line with sports, supplement and medical nutrition expectations.
• Particle size distribution: grades optimised for powder blends, capsules, tablets and quick dispersion in liquids.

Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet. Additional documentation (GMO status, allergen statements, dietary suitability, contaminants and solvent data, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates and other declarations) can be provided from approved producers to support audits, registrations and regulatory submissions.

Sports & performance nutrition

• Post-workout and recovery powders – L-glutamine is frequently included in recovery blends with proteins, carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamins, especially for intense training scenarios where allowed.
• Intra-workout and hydration blends – used in ready-to-mix (RTM) drinks and intra-workout formulas together with BCAAs, taurine, electrolytes and other amino acids.
• RTM protein blends – incorporated in whey, casein or plant protein blends for sports and lifestyle brands to differentiate amino acid profiles.
• Capsules & tablets – L-glutamine is offered in single-ingredient or multi-ingredient dosage forms combining amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Medical, clinical & specialised nutrition*

• Enteral nutrition formulas* – L-glutamine may be used in tube-feeding or oral nutritional supplements targeting specific patient needs under medical supervision.
• Gut-focused and immune-oriented formulas* – included in GI-targeted or immune-supporting blends within clinical and specialised nutrition lines, where evidence and regulations permit.
• Peri-operative or critical care nutrition* – certain formulations utilise L-glutamine to address increased requirements under professional guidance.

*All medical and clinical nutrition applications must conform to strict local legislation, safety opinions and clinical protocols. Atlas provides ingredient-level documentation; overall product compliance remains the responsibility of the manufacturer.

Dietary supplements & lifestyle products

• Capsules, tablets & powders – used in general wellness and lifestyle supplements, often positioned around active living, gut-focused or immune-support concepts where permitted.
• Combination products – L-glutamine can be combined with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, other amino acids and plant extracts in multi-ingredient formulas.

Functional foods & beverages*

• High-protein beverages & shakes* – inclusion in dairy and plant-based drinks may be considered, with careful attention to solubility, pH and thermal treatment.
• Bars & solid foods* – added to high-protein bars, snacks and specialised foods, provided that processing, texture and shelf-life are compatible.
• Fortified soups & savoury preparations* – may be used in liquid meals and savoury concepts intended for active or specialised nutrition markets.

*Use in food categories must be verified against local regulations, permitted nutrient additions and target population.

Formulation guidance

• Dosage & target use:
  • Recommended daily intakes and maximum levels depend on market-specific regulations and scientific guidance,
  • Sports and medical nutrition concepts should be developed in consultation with regulatory, scientific and medical teams.
• Solubility & processing:
  • Pre-dissolving L-glutamine in warm water can improve dispersion in beverages,
  • In RTM powders, attention to particle size and density helps avoid segregation in blends.
• Compatibility with other ingredients:
  • Commonly combined with proteins, BCAAs, carbohydrates, taurine, creatine, vitamins and minerals,
  • Any interactions with acids, high heat or reactive ingredients should be assessed in stability studies, especially for liquid formats.
• Regulatory & labelling:
  • Manufacturers must confirm the status of L-glutamine as a nutrient/additive in each category and region,
  • Health and function claims should strictly follow local rules for approved wordings, target populations and warnings,
  • Labels should clearly declare L-glutamine content per serving in the nutrition information or supplement facts.