Glutamine is one of the most important amino acids in the body and represents half of the amino acids found in muscles.

When the body is subjected to more stress than usual, it is prone to muscle breakdown.

The body's first reaction is to "cannibalize" the nutrients from the painstakingly built muscles because vital organs take priority over unnecessary muscle mass.

The first amino acid to break down is glutamine, and then large amounts of BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) are released.