Competitive Edge: Review of the Role of Glutamine, Arginine and β -Hydroxy- β -Methylbutyrate Supplements for Enhancing Athletic Performance in Addition to Benefiting the Body During Times of Stress, Illness and Wound Healing

Glutamine, arginine and beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) are dietary supplements that may enhance athletic performance. Many sports competitions are won by a fraction of a second, so it is not surprising that athletes want to try the latest nutritional supplements to give them that competitive edge. Glutamine, arginine and HMB are just a few of many supplements that can aid performance. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body that our muscles make, store and release at a high rate. This building block for proteins has many functions in the body. Glutamine serves as a major fuel source for the cells that protect us from disease and aid our immune system. It supports protein synthesis, regulates nitrogen metabolism in catabolic states, preserves muscle glutamine and supports gut integrity [1-4]. During stress (clinical trauma, starvation, or prolonged, strenuous exercise) the concentration of glutamine in blood is decreased.