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Dietary supplement

Universal Glutamine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Universal

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

Universal Glutamine is a dietary supplement by Universal 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 Glutamine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Universal Glutamine by Universal

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 powder contains one active ingredient: glutamine, an amino acid your body naturally makes and uses for immune function, gut health, and muscle repair. The product is glutamine powder with no additional active ingredients.

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).

Glutamine is 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 some research supports it, but more robust data would help.

The evidence we have on file doesn't cover other common uses, so if you're considering this for something else, check with your doctor or pharmacist about what the research actually shows for your situation.

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.

Glutamine is generally well tolerated in healthy adults. The most common side effects are digestive: belching, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting — especially at higher doses.

Headache and musculoskeletal pain have also been reported. A small number of people taking it experienced dizziness or headache, and in rare cases, people with bipolar disorder reported mania or hypomania, though these are uncommon.

If you have kidney or liver disease, use it only under medical supervision. During pregnancy, the safety data rates glutamine as Likely Safe.

During breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety information, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplemental doses.

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.

If you take anticonvulsant (seizure) medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding glutamine. The supplement theoretically may work against how seizure medications work, though this hasn't been reported in actual patients yet.

No other interaction categories are documented for this ingredient.

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.

This single-ingredient glutamine powder works best for sickle cell disease (where it's proven effective) and may help with HIV wasting, recovery after surgery, or critical illness. It's generally well tolerated, though digestive side effects can happen, especially at higher doses.

If you take seizure medications, or have kidney or liver problems, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting. For any other medical condition or medication, run the interaction checker on this page first.

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 Sep 22, 2016.

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 Universal Glutamine, straight from the product label.

Brand Universal
Barcode (UPC) 039442046611
Net contents 300 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2016
DSLD ID 65117
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Universal Glutamine by Universal, 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:
5 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
10 Gram(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
039442046611
IngredientAmount% DV
Glutamine5 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Glutamine, Powder

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.
Precautions

Made in a GMP facility on equipment that processes milk, soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Before beginning any program, consult your health care practitioner.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Dosage: Mix 1-2 rounded teaspoonfuls in 8-12 oz. of your beverage of choice. For optimal results, try using it in your favorite protein shake or meal replacement powder.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

EAC Plant #3001104580

Made proudly in the U.S.A.

WHO WE ARE Universal Nutrition has been providing cutting edge and staple nutritional supplements to bodybuilders and hard training athletes the world over since 1977. As time passes, certain ideals never go out of style. Honesty. Integrity. Respect. These are the values we uphold and are the bedrock upon which we built our business.

Glutamine is a "conditionally" essential pro-anabolic amino acid and is the most abundant amino acid in muscle. Glutamine may be the most important variable in promoting optimum protein synthesis, while helping block cortisol to prevent protein breakdown in muscle. HOW WE BACK IT UP What is on the label is in the bottle and what is in the bottle will help you reach your goals. We believe it and proudly stand behind every product we manufacture. Our word is our bond.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2015 Universal Nutrition

WHAT IT IS Glutamine Powder from Universal Nutrition provides the purest L-glutamine powder available.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Pure L- Glutamine

Full 5000mg of Glutamine Per Serving

Finest Pharmaceutical Grade Amino Acid

General

C2615-G-33166

See for yourself

Universal Glutamine by Universal label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Universal Glutamine by Universal

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

Serving size5 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Glutamine

Interacts with
50 drugs
5 Gram(s) per serving Form: L-Glutamine

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...

Glutamine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Glutamine, Powder. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Universal Glutamine by Universal Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Universal 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 Universal 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.

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 Universal Glutamine, from the product label.

Universal

See all Universal products
Name
Universal Nutrition
City
New Brunswick
State
New Jersey
Phone Number
732-545-3130
Web Address
www.UniversalUSA.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Universal Glutamine by Universal: Common Questions

Does Universal Glutamine by Universal interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Universal 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?
Universal 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.
Does glutamine help with wound healing or muscle recovery after surgery?
Glutamine is rated Possibly Effective for postoperative recovery. Some research supports its use after surgery, but more robust evidence would help clarify exactly how well it works and for which types of surgery. Talk with your doctor about whether it makes sense for your recovery plan.
What are the most common side effects?
Digestive upset is the main concern: belching, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting, especially at higher doses. Headache and musculoskeletal pain can also occur. If any of these bother you, try lowering your dose or stopping and check in with your pharmacist.
Is glutamine safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, glutamine is rated Likely Safe. During breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety data, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplemental doses to figure out what's right for you.
Can I take this if I have kidney or liver problems?
If you have kidney or liver disease, glutamine should only be used under medical supervision. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Does glutamine work for HIV-related weight loss?
Glutamine is rated Possibly Effective for HIV/AIDS-related wasting. Some evidence supports its use, but more research is needed. Talk with your doctor about whether it fits into your treatment plan.

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

Not sure if Universal Glutamine is safe with your meds?

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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.

Universal Glutamine label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Universal Glutamine’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Universal 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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