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Dietary supplement

L-Glutamine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Quest

Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

L-Glutamine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Quest with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for muscle recovery and sports performance, gut health and 'leaky gut', recovery from severe illness or injury.Based on those ingredients, 50 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Glutamine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Glutamine 500 mg by Quest

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Quest L-Glutamine 500 mg contains one active ingredient: L-glutamine, an amino acid your body uses for intestinal health, immune function, and recovery from physical stress. The capsule also holds microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and gelatin as inactive ingredients (binders and capsule material).

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: muscle recovery and digestive health after exercise.
  • We looked for evidence on: Exercise-induced muscle damage, Postoperative recovery, Wound healing, Oral mucositis, Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, Radiation-induced diarrhea — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Glutamine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Critical illness (trauma) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Glutamine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Postoperative recovery.
  • Also on file: Glutamine is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Radiation-induced diarrhea.

The evidence for L-glutamine varies by use. It's rated effective for sickle cell disease.

For HIV/AIDS-related wasting, postoperative recovery, and critical illness from trauma, the evidence is rated possibly effective — meaning there's promise, but more research is needed. The data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for other common uses you might see advertised.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Glutamine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Orally, L-glutamine is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are digestive — belching, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Headache and musculoskeletal pain have also been reported. A few rare cases of dizziness and neurological symptoms (mania or hypomania) appeared in people with bipolar disorder taking higher doses.

There isn't enough reliable safety data, so you should avoid supplemental doses unless your doctor recommends them. If you have kidney or liver disease, use it only under medical supervision.

During breastfeeding, little safety information exists — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Pregnancy is rated likely safe, but confirm with your healthcare provider.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Glutamine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Glutamine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: seizure medications.
  • For scale: 50 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications). The concern is theoretical — glutamine might antagonize how these drugs work — but it hasn't been reported in humans yet.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-glutamine has solid evidence for sickle cell disease and some promise for recovery after surgery or critical illness. The main concern is a theoretical interaction with anticonvulsants — one to run past your doctor or pharmacist if that applies to you.

It's generally well tolerated but can cause digestive upset, and people with kidney or liver disease need medical supervision. Talk with your own healthcare provider about whether it fits your situation.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about L-Glutamine 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Quest
Barcode (UPC) 058371218524
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2013
DSLD ID 24048
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for L-Glutamine 500 mg by Quest, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
058371218524
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Glutamine500 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Gelatin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: Helps restore plasma glutamine levels depleted after periods of physical stress (e.g. prolonged exhaustive exercise). Helps support digestive and immune system health after periods of physical stress. Helps to assist in muscle cell repair after exercise. Recommended Dose (Adults): Take 5 capsules twice daily.

Precautions

Risk Information: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or following a low protein diet.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

DO NOT USE IF SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN.

Formulation

This product does not contain corn, dairy, egg, gluten, shellfish, soy or sulfites.

No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives

Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.

General Statements

WELLNESS

Helps muscle cell repair after exercise

A Proud Canadian Company

Seals/Symbols

PREMIUM - QUALITY ASSURED

{Recycle}

SunOpta A healthy products company

General

338439.01-04

See for yourself

L-Glutamine 500 mg by Quest label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Glutamine 500 mg by Quest

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Glutamine

Interacts with
50 drugs
500 mg per serving

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is usually made in your muscles. A prescription form is FDA-approved to help reduce sickle c...

L-Glutamine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Glutamine 500 mg by Quest Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Glutamine 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
50Drugs
50 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Glutamine 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

L-Glutamine1 drug type · 50 drugs

Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Glutamine is metabolized to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate might have antagonistic effects with anticonvulsant drugs. However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for L-Glutamine 500 mg, from the product label.

Quest

See all Quest products
Name
SunOpta Inc.
Street Address
6 Commerce Crescent
City
Acton
State
ON
ZipCode
L7J 2X3
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Glutamine 500 mg by Quest: Common Questions

Does L-Glutamine 500 mg by Quest interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Glutamine 500 mg has a known interaction with 50 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Glutamine 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does L-glutamine really work?
It depends on what you're using it for. The evidence is strongest for sickle cell disease, where it's rated effective. For postoperative recovery and critical illness, the evidence is promising but not yet conclusive.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people experience digestive issues — bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain. Headache is also possible. These are usually mild, but high doses (10–30 grams daily) in clinical trials have triggered more of them.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, L-glutamine is rated likely safe. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Both decisions should be personalized with your healthcare provider.
Can I take this if I have kidney or liver disease?
L-glutamine should only be used under medical supervision if you have kidney or liver disease. Talk with your doctor first.
What is L-glutamine used for in the body?
L-glutamine is an amino acid your body uses for intestinal health, immune function, and recovery from physical stress or injury. Your body makes some naturally, but supplementation may help in certain medical situations.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if L-Glutamine 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

L-Glutamine 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind L-Glutamine 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Glutamine 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Glutamine 11 references
  1. Miller AL. Therapeutic considerations of L-glutamine: a review of the literature. Altern Med Rev 1999;4:239-48..
  2. Bozzetti F, Biganzoli L, Gavazzi C, et al. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a double-blind randomized study. Nutrition 1997;13:748-51.. PubMed
  3. Mebane AH. L-Glutamine and mania. Am J Psychiatry 984;141:1302-3.
  4. Meldrum BS. Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the brain: review of physiology and pathology. J Nutr 2000;130:1007S-15S.. PubMed
  5. Garlick PJ. Assessment of the safety of glutamine and other amino acids. J Nutr 2001;131:2556S-61S.. PubMed
  6. Chapman AG. Glutamate and epilepsy. J Nutr 2000;130:1043S-5S.. PubMed
  7. Ziegler TR. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving bone marrow transplantation and high dose chemotherapy. J Nutr 2001;131:2578S-84S.. PubMed
  8. Laviano A, Molfino A, Lacaria MT, Canelli A, De Leo S, Preziosa I, Rossi Fanelli F. Glutamine supplementation favors weight loss in nondieting obese female patients. A pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Nov;68(11):1264-6. PubMed
  9. Endari (l-glutamine) [package insert]. Torrance, CA: Emmaus Medical,Inc; 2017.
  10. Niihara Y, Miller ST, Kanter J, et al. A Phase 3 Trial of l-Glutamine in Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med 2018;379(3):226-35. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1715971.
  11. Ogden HB, Child RB, Fallowfield JL, et al. Gastrointestinal Tolerance of Low, Medium and High Dose Acute Oral l-Glutamine Supplementation in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):2953. PubMed

See these in context on the Glutamine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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