L-Glutamine · Conditionally Essential Amino Acid for Sports, Clinical & Active Nutrition

Key characteristics

• Chemical name: (S)-2-aminoglutaramic acid (L-glutamine).
• Form: typically a white, crystalline powder with a neutral odour and mild taste.
• Solubility: sparingly to moderately soluble in water, dispersing well in powder blends, shakes and instant drinks with appropriate formulation.
• Taste profile: generally mild and slightly sweet/bitter at higher dosages, usually well managed by flavour and sweetener systems.
• Function: used as a functional amino acid in sports, clinical, medical and wellness nutrition, as well as in specialised foods and supplements.
• Compatibility: generally compatible with proteins, BCAAs, other amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and sweeteners in shakes, drinks and powders.
• Origin: supplied from qualified fermentation-based or synthetic production routes depending on producer and grade; origin and process can be documented as required.

Atlas supports R&D teams in optimising L-glutamine level, particle characteristics and premix design for target applications, coordinating with proteins, BCAAs and other nutrition ingredients from the Atlas portfolio.

Indicative specification points

Final specifications are agreed for each project and destination market. Typical food and nutrition-grade L-glutamine parameters include:

• Assay: generally 98.5–101.0% L-glutamine (on dried basis) measured against recognised standards.
• Appearance: white or almost white, crystalline powder, free from visible foreign matter.
• Identification tests: confirm L-glutamine structure and L-configuration according to pharmacopeial or food/nutrition-grade methods.
• Specific rotation: within specified limits to ensure optical purity.
• Loss on drying: controlled to maintain powder stability, flowability and defined potency.
• Residue on ignition / sulphated ash: limited in line with specification and applicable regulations.
• pH (in solution): within agreed range suitable for beverage and premix applications.
• Related substances and impurities: controlled to meet food, sports and medical nutrition standards.
• Heavy metals and contaminants: limited to comply with global and local safety requirements.
• Microbiological profile: aligned with good manufacturing practice, with stricter limits available for clinical/medical nutrition grades where necessary.

Each batch is delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet. Additional documentation (GMO status, allergen statements, dietary suitability, contaminants, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates) can be provided from approved producers to match customer and market requirements.

Sports & active lifestyle nutrition

• Post-workout and recovery powders – L-glutamine combined with whey or plant proteins, BCAAs, carbohydrates and electrolytes in shakes and instant drinks.
• Intra-workout drinks – used in hydration and performance blends alongside BCAAs, electrolytes and vitamins.
• Daily performance & wellness mixes – L-glutamine included in once- or twice-daily amino acid blends for active consumers.
• RTD protein and nutrition beverages – L-glutamine incorporated via premixes in ready-to-drink shakes and sports beverages, subject to processing and stability constraints.

Medical & clinical nutrition

• Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) – L-glutamine used in high-protein, high-energy drinks and modular formulations, where permitted by category-specific regulations.
• Enteral nutrition formulas – L-glutamine can be part of tube feeding products for specific patient groups, subject to clinical and regulatory justification.
• Specialised powders and modules – L-glutamine supplied as a stand-alone or blended amino acid module for institutional use, under medical supervision and local rules.

Food & beverage applications

• High-protein foods – addition to bars, cereals and baked products via premixes, where formulation and regulations allow.
• Functional instant beverages – L-glutamine included in instant cocoa, coffee, tea or malt drinks with enhanced protein/amino acid profiles.

Dietary supplements & combinations

• Single-ingredient L-glutamine powders – widely used in sports and wellness markets as unflavoured or flavoured powders for mixing with water or shakes.
• Capsules and tablets – L-glutamine delivered alone or in combination with BCAAs, other amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
• Multi-ingredient blends – L-glutamine included in pre-workout, intra-workout and recovery stacks with performance and wellness positioning.

Formulation guidance

• L-glutamine dosage is determined by:
  • Product category and target consumer group,
  • Local regulatory maximum levels and guidance (especially in clinical and medical nutrition),
  • Desired on-pack positioning and claims (where permitted).
• In powders and blends:
  • Match particle size with other ingredients to ensure homogeneous mixing and minimise segregation,
  • Use appropriate anti-caking agents and flow aids where necessary.
• In beverages and RTDs:
  • Consider processing conditions (shear, temperature, pH and holding times),
  • Optimise order of addition and dispersion to avoid lumping and ensure consistent quality.
• Flavour systems should be adjusted for higher L-glutamine doses to maintain a balanced sensory profile in neutral or delicate flavours.
• Regulatory and scientific teams must confirm authorised L-glutamine uses, maximum levels, labelling and any specific warnings in each destination market and product category.

Quality & documentation

• Supplied as food, nutrition or supplement-grade L-glutamine with agreed specifications for assay, impurities and physical properties.
• Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet describing key analytical parameters and methods.
• Additional documentation can include GMO status, allergen declarations, contaminants and heavy metal data, dietary suitability (e.g. vegetarian/vegan where applicable), BSE/TSE statements, origin and Halal/Kosher certificates, depending on the selected producer and grade.
• Manufacturing sites typically operate under recognised ISO and food safety management systems (e.g. HACCP, FSSC/ISO 22000), with further certifications available on request.
• Customers remain responsible for regulatory compliance, maximum use levels, claims and labelling in each destination market and product category.

Packaging, storage & logistics

• Standard packaging: typically 20–25 kg bags, fibre drums or cartons with inner liners to protect against moisture and contamination; alternative pack sizes can be evaluated as needed.
• Suitable for full-container or mixed-container loads together with other amino acids, vitamins, nutritional enhancers, sweeteners and functional ingredients.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture and odour-intensive materials to maintain powder quality and flow properties.
• Typical shelf life is defined in the product specification and on the COA; customers should verify L-glutamine stability in their own processes and finished products through shelf-life studies.
• Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export, customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara, Türkiye.

To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended applications (sports powders, RTD shakes, clinical nutrition, wellness supplements, bars, etc.), target L-glutamine level per serving, annual volume, packaging needs, documentation/certification requirements and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable L-glutamine grades and premix concepts.