nutrient
Glutamine
A nitrogen-carrying amino acid that the body can usually make.
Glutamine is made from glutamate and ammonia and donates nitrogen to biosynthetic reactions. Its use can change with tissue demand and physiological state.
Nitrogen donor and metabolic shuttle
Glutamine carries nitrogen between tissues and can serve as a renal fuel. Its carbon portion can also re-enter central metabolism.
Related topics
Glutamine is used to build Protein
Glutamine is one of the amino acids used to assemble proteins.
Worth knowing
It is part of the free amino-acid pool. Glutamine is released when proteins are broken down and can be reused for new synthesis or other reactions.
A closer look
Different tissues use it differently
The kidney can use glutamine as a fuel. Its use as an energy source or nitrogen carrier depends on the tissue and metabolic state.
References
Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Essential Amino AcidsChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Protein CatabolismChecked 2026-09-05