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Dietary supplement

L-Glutamine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Designs for Health

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

L-Glutamine is a dietary supplement by Designs for Health 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 by Designs for Health

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.

This product contains a single active ingredient: L-glutamine, an amino acid your body makes naturally and uses for gut health, immune function, and muscle recovery. L-glutamine is the only active ingredient—the capsule also contains microcrystalline cellulose and vegetable stearate as inactive fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Strong 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Glutamine's overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports Glutamine for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Sickle cell disease — rated "Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: HIV/AIDS-related wasting — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Critical illness (trauma) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Postoperative recovery — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Pancreatitis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence is strongest for sickle cell disease, where L-glutamine is rated effective. For HIV/AIDS-related wasting, postoperative recovery, and critical illness from trauma, it's rated possibly effective based on available research.

The data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for other uses you might see claimed.

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.

L-glutamine is generally well tolerated in healthy adults. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal—belching, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, especially at higher doses.

Headache and musculoskeletal pain have also been reported. Two cases of mood changes (mania or hypomania) have been reported in people with bipolar disorder taking up to 4 grams daily, so caution is warranted if you have a history of mood disorders.

If you have kidney or liver disease, use this supplement only under medical supervision. During pregnancy, the safety data rates it likely safe, but during breastfeeding there isn't enough reliable information, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it while nursing.

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.

The main medication type to double-check is anticonvulsants (seizure medications). While the interaction is theoretical rather than proven in people, your doctor or pharmacist should confirm whether this supplement is appropriate for you if you take any drug in that category.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-glutamine may be worth considering if you have sickle cell disease or are recovering from surgery or critical illness—talk it over with your doctor first. If you take seizure medication, check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

Anyone with kidney or liver disease, bipolar disorder, or who is breastfeeding should discuss this with their healthcare provider before use.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Designs for Health
Barcode (UPC) 879452000766
Net contents 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2013
DSLD ID 22458
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 by Designs for Health, 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
879452000766
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Glutamine850 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate

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.
Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

General Statements

Notice: Color, size or shape may appear different between lots.

For Professional Use Only

Manufactured in an NSF GMP Registered Facility

Formulation

Does not contain gluten.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Guaranteed GMP COMPLIANT Products

General

LGL120

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule per day, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

See for yourself

L-Glutamine by Designs for Health label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Glutamine by Designs for Health

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
850 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, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Glutamine by Designs for Health Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Glutamine?

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 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, from the product label.

Designs for Health

See all Designs for Health products
Name
Designs for Health, Inc.
Street Address
980 South Street
City
Suffield
State
CT
ZipCode
06078
Web Address
www.designsforhealth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Glutamine by Designs for Health: Common Questions

Does L-Glutamine by Designs for Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Glutamine 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 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.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people tolerate it well, but gastrointestinal upset is common—belching, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea can occur, especially at higher doses. Headache and nausea have been reported too. If you notice dizziness, reduce your dose and talk to your pharmacist.
Is it safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, the data rates it likely safe. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety information, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it to get personalized advice.
What is L-glutamine actually for?
It's an amino acid your body naturally produces. This supplement is rated effective for sickle cell disease and possibly effective for HIV/AIDS-related wasting, muscle recovery after surgery, and recovery from critical illness or trauma.
Can I take this if I have kidney or liver disease?
Only under medical supervision. Talk with your doctor before starting, because those conditions may affect how your body handles this supplement.
What's in the capsule besides the active ingredient?
Microcrystalline cellulose and vegetable stearate—both are standard inactive fillers and binders used to make the capsule.

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

Not sure if L-Glutamine 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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Glutamine'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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