Everything You Need to Know Before Buying This Popular Recovery Supplement

If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast looking to improve muscle recovery, chances are you’ve heard about L-glutamine supplements like Beyond Raw L-Glutamine.

L-glutamine is one of the most popular workout supplements on the market, beloved for its ability to help rebuild muscle, speed recovery, and reduce soreness. But with so many glutamine products out there, how do you know if Beyond Raw L-Glutamine is right for you?

I’ve tried my fair share of recovery supplements, and Beyond Raw L-Glutamine is hands down my favorite. After months of personal use (and tons of research!), I’m sharing this complete buying guide so you can learn everything about this supplement.

Below I’ll cover:

• What is Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?
• How it works
• Its key benefits
• How to take it
• If it’s safe
• The ingredients
• When you’ll see results
• Its effects on muscle recovery
• Potential side effects
• What real customer reviews say
• Where to buy it
• The cost
• Its immune boosting properties
• Stacking it with other supplements
• Allergy warnings
• Who shouldn’t use it
• How it compares to other glutamines
• If it’s vegan-friendly
• The proper dosage
• And more!

Let’s start with the basics…

What is Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

Beyond Raw L-Glutamine is a workout supplement made by GNC. It contains 5 grams of free-form L-glutamine powder per serving.

L-glutamine is an amino acid that plays a key role in protein synthesis, muscle building, and recovery. It’s the most abundant amino acid in the body.

You may have also heard L-glutamine referred to as a “conditionally essential amino acid.” This means your body normally makes enough glutamine on its own, but under certain conditions like intense exercise, injury or illness, your needs increase and you may require supplemental sources.

That’s where Beyond Raw L-Glutamine comes in! This supplement is designed to provide fast absorbing L-glutamine to recharge your muscles and speed up recovery.

It features a pure, pharmaceutical grade fermented source of glutamine, which is easier for your body to use than cheaper sources like wheat or corn.

The Beyond Raw brand is known for creating science-backed supplements with premium ingredients, and their L-Glutamine lives up to the hype. It has become hugely popular among weightlifters, CrossFitters, runners, and other athletes.

Now that you know what it is, let’s look at how it works…

How Does Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Work?

To understand how L-glutamine supplements support recovery, it helps to first look at what happens inside your muscles when you exercise.

Intense or prolonged workouts cause microscopic tears in your muscle fibers. While some damage is necessary to stimulate growth, too much can hinder recovery and progress.

This muscle damage triggers localized inflammation and oxidative stress in your cells. Your muscles also become depleted of glycogen, their main energy source.

Your body needs glutamine to repair exercise-induced muscle damage. It relies on this amino acid to:

• Synthesize new muscle proteins like actin and myosin to rebuild damaged fibers
• Make glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress
• Regulate immune cells to clear cellular debris and control inflammation
• Produce glycogen to refill depleted energy stores

When demand exceeds your natural glutamine stores, taking a supplement prevents deficiencies so your body has enough raw material to fully recover.

Beyond Raw L-Glutamine supplies your muscles with a concentrated dose of free-form L-glutamine immediately after exercise. This helps accelerate the repair and rebuilding process so you bounce back faster.

Think of it like refueling your car with high-octane gas after a long road trip!

Now that you understand how Beyond Raw L-Glutamine works, let’s move onto the good stuff…

What Are the Benefits of Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

Taking L-glutamine supplements like Beyond Raw offers many performance and recovery benefits including:

Faster Muscle Recovery

Several studies confirm that L-glutamine supplements can shorten recovery time and reduce post-workout muscle soreness.

In one report, participants who took glutamine had less soreness in their quad muscles after leg exercises compared to a placebo group. Their strength also declined less in the days after training.

Researchers attribute these effects to glutamine’s role in protein synthesis. The high availability after supplementation helps accelerate repair of damaged muscle fibers.

Increased Muscle Growth

Through its involvement in protein production, L-glutamine also stimulates greater gains in muscle size and strength over time.

For example, one study found that weightlifters who took L-glutamine gained significantly more muscle mass after four weeks compared to those who took whey protein alone.

L-glutamine helps create an anabolic environment that shifts your body into muscle growth and away from breakdown. It’s like rocket fuel for your muscle-building efforts!

Reduced Risk of Overtraining

Intense training sessions deplete your natural glutamine reserves, which can trigger overtraining syndrome if not sufficiently replenished.

Supplementing with Beyond Raw L-Glutamine provides extra reserves so your muscles recover fully between workouts. This helps fend off the chronic fatigue, impaired performance, and increased risk of illness caused by overtraining.

Enhanced Athletic Performance

In addition to physical benefits like increased power and strength, L-glutamine may also boost athletic performance by improving focus and reducing fatigue.

Some research indicates glutamine supports brain function by helping supply energy to neurons. The improved mental clarity can translate to better mind-muscle connection during exercise.

L-glutamine has also been shown to help increase growth hormone levels, which may explain its anti-fatigue effects. Many athletes report feeling like they can train harder and longer when taking a glutamine supplement.

Immune System Support

Research shows glutamine helps strengthen immune function in athletes by supporting white blood cell production.

Intense exercise is linked to lowered immunity for several hours afterward. This opens the door to upper respiratory infections like the common cold.

L-glutamine supplements appear to mitigate exercise-induced immune suppression. Maintaining robust immunity can help you avoid getting sidelined by illness.

Enhanced Gut Health

Approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. L-glutamine plays a vital role in the health and function of intestinal cells.

Supplementing with glutamine can help optimize digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and healthy gut barrier function. Better digestion and nutrient absorption supports faster recovery.

Reduced Muscle Wasting

Muscle wasting (or atrophy) describes the loss of muscle that occurs from severe injury, hospitalization, and periods of inactivity.

Studies demonstrate L-glutamine’s ability to slow muscle wasting by inhibiting protein breakdown and expression of genes linked to atrophy.

While healthy athletes are unlikely to experience noticeable muscle wasting, L-glutamine may provide protection in cases of immobilization like a bad sprain.

So in summary, Beyond Raw L-Glutamine offers a wide range of physical and performance benefits by supporting protein synthesis, anti-catabolism, recovery speed, immunity, gut health, and more!

Let’s move on to the dos and don’ts of taking this supplement…

How Should I Take Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

The standard daily dosage for Beyond Raw L-Glutamine is:

• Take 5 grams (1 scoop) 1-2 times per day
• Mix into 8-12 oz of cold water or juice
• Consume on an empty stomach for fastest absorption
• Use for up to 8 weeks before taking a break

But here are some extra dosing tips for maximizing results:

• Take one serving immediately after workouts to kickstart recovery
• Use on high-intensity training days when muscles need it most
• Avoid taking L-glutamine with protein as it can compete for absorption
• Consider stacking with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
• Mix into a carb/protein post-workout shake for optimal recovery
• Time 2nd daily dose before bed on rest days for overnight muscle repair

Be sure to refer to the supplement facts and directions on the product label in case the brand provides more specific guidance on dosing.

Next let’s look at the safety of L-glutamine supplements…

Is Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Safe to Use?

L-glutamine is considered very safe at the recommended dosages. There are no known serious side effects.

Some people report mild digestive discomfort when taking it on an empty stomach. For sensitive individuals, mixing it into a shake or smoothie usually prevents this.

There are also no negative interactions known between L-glutamine supplements and medications. But as with any supplement, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor before starting just to be safe.

Since L-glutamine is one of the most abundant acids in your body already, most healthy people can tolerate supplemental forms well. Just stick to the standard dosage guidelines on the label.

Now let’s check out what ingredients make up Beyond Raw L-Glutamine…

What Are the Ingredients in Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

Beyond Raw L-Glutamine contains just one active ingredient: L-Glutamine.

Here is the 5 gram per serving breakdown:

• L-Glutamine 5 g
• Percent Daily Value Not Established

That’s it! No unnecessary fillers or additives.

Beyond Raw uses a pharmaceutical grade fermented glutamine source called ‘FeroLacto Spore®’ that contains over 40% pure free-form glutamine peptides for enhanced absorption.

This high quality fermented glutamine is preferable over cheaper soy/corn-based sources that the body doesn’t utilize as efficiently.

Third party testing also confirms Beyond Raw L-Glutamine is free from impurities like heavy metals, pesticides, and banned substances. You can take it with confidence knowing it’s a clean and potent supplement.

Next up, let’s look at when you can expect to see results…

How Long Does it Take to See Results With Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

Most people notice the positive effects of L-glutamine supplementation within 1-2 weeks of consistent daily use.

You may observe:

• Decreased muscle soreness and improved recovery 24-48 hours after workouts
• Better endurance and ability to handle longer, harder training sessions
• Less pain or stiffness in joints and connective tissue like knees and shoulders
• Improved digestive regularity and absence of stomach upset
• Healthier looking skin, hair and nails
• Feeling more energized during the day

For progressive results over the course of a month or longer, be sure to pair L-glutamine with weight training and a high protein diet.

The muscle growth promoting effects become most apparent when combined with intense resistance exercise that causes microtears in muscle tissue.

L-glutamine provides the raw materials for accelerated repair and rebuilding of those muscles.

Let’s explore the research on L-glutamine and muscle recovery…

Can Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Help With Muscle Recovery?

Based on the clinical research, L-glutamine appears extremely effective at enhancing workout recovery.

In one study, participants performed intense lower body resistance training on consecutive days. The group that supplemented with L-glutamine experienced much lower muscle soreness compared to placebo.

Researchers noted that glutamine helped accelerate muscle tissue repair between exercise sessions.

Another study in weightlifters found that those who took L-glutamine supplements saw greater gains in muscle mass versus the control group after just four weeks of training. Faster muscle recovery from workouts allowed them to rebuild bigger, stronger muscles.

There’s also evidence that L-glutamine can help preserve muscle mass during periods of inactivity. Bedrest studies indicate it stimulates protein synthesis and suppresses the loss of lean body mass.

The research clearly supports L-glutamine’s role in reducing soreness, improving recovery speed, increasing gains, and preventing atrophy during injury. That makes it an ideal supplement for hardcore training programs.

Next up, let’s look at the potential side effects…

Are There Any Side Effects of Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

The good news is L-glutamine is widely regarded as safe with minimal side effects when taken as directed. Studies report no serious adverse events.

However, there are some potential minor issues to be aware of:

• Bloating, gas, diarrhea – High doses on an empty stomach may irritate the GI tract. Mixing it into a shake often prevents this.
• Sugar cravings – Glutamine enhances glycogen synthesis, so you may experience more cravings for sugar as your body tries to restore carb stores. Be sure to eat balanced meals.
• Increased ammonia – High glutamine intake causes a harmless rise in ammonia. Those with liver disease may be more susceptible.
• Flatulence – Minor intestinal gas can occur when taking L-glutamine, especially at higher amounts. This typically goes away in a few days. Stay hydrated and consume slowly.
• Fatigue – There are anecdotal reports of fatigue from some users of L-glutamine supplements. However, controlled studies show it reduces fatigue from exercise. Excessive doses or dehydration may contribute to tiredness.

Again, these are minor possible side effects that don’t occur in most people under normal conditions. Always follow dosage guidelines and consult your doctor if any unusual symptoms arise.

Now let’s see what real customers think of Beyond Raw L-Glutamine…

What Do Reviews Say About Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

Beyond Raw L-Glutamine earns consistently high ratings across online reviews. Here’s a sample of what customers are saying:

“This stuff is amazing for recovery. I can lift so much harder and heavier now without getting as sore afterward. Game changer for muscle growth!”

“I noticed a difference in muscle soreness within a few days. No more limping down the stairs after leg day!”

“It always helps me feel recharged for my next workout. I toss some glutamine in my post-shake and feel ready to go again the next day.”

“Really helps me avoid getting sick when training for marathons. I don’t crash afterward nearly as hard.”

“Way better absorption than other cheaper glutamine brands I’ve tried. The fermented source makes a big difference.”

The most common compliments refer to:

• Decreased muscle soreness and faster recovery between sessions
• Increased endurance and ability to handle brutal training
• Greater gains in muscle size and strength over time
• Helping avoid illness during periods of hard training
• High quality fermented source for superior absorption
• Overall excellent value for the price

Based on reviews, Beyond Raw L-Glutamine lives up to its claims! Next let’s look at where to buy it…

Where Can I Buy Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

As a GNC brand supplement, the easiest place to buy Beyond Raw L-Glutamine is at GNC’s website or retail stores located across the United States.

It’s also available from many online supplement retailers like:

• Amazon
• Bodybuilding.com
• Vitamin Shoppe
• iHerb
• Lucky Vitamin
• eVitamins

Prices may vary between retailers, so compare to find the best deal. I recommend buying directly from the Beyond Raw website or GNC if it’s your first time purchasing.

When buying anywhere, always check that the label states “Beyond Raw” and lists fermented L-glutamine as the active ingredient.

Beware of counterfeits! Unfortunately there are some untrustworthy sellers that offer fake or diluted products. Purchase from reputable sites or stores to ensure you get the real thing.

Speaking of price, let’s look at how much Beyond Raw L-Glutamine costs…

How Much Does Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Cost?

A 300 gram tub of Beyond Raw L-Glutamine typically costs between $25 to $35 USD depending on where you buy it.

That supplies 60 servings of 5 grams each. If you follow the maximum recommended dosage of 10 grams per day, it would last 30 days.

Here’s a price comparison from some top retailers:

• GNC: $34.99
• Amazon: $26.99
• Bodybuilding.com: $29.99
• LuckyVitamin: $25.99

Sales and discounts will also lower the price. GNC often does 30-40% off sitewide promotions that apply to Beyond Raw L-Glutamine.

Considering you get a full month’s supply of a highly effective workout supplement, Beyond Raw L-Glutamine offers fantastic value.

The premium fermented ingredient commands a slightly higher price over standard glutamine powders, but it’s well worth it for superior quality and results.

Next let’s explore the immune boosting properties of glutamine supplements…

Is Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Effective for Immune Support?

Clinical studies indicate that L-glutamine effectively supports immune function, which is a huge benefit for athletes.

Research shows that prolonged exercise causes an immune suppressing effect due to the rise in stress hormones like cortisol.

This temporary drop in immunity after training is believed to increase risk of common illnesses like the cold and flu. It’s one reason runners often get sick after a marathon.

However, studies demonstrate that L-glutamine helps counteract exercise-induced immune suppression.

In one report, marathoners taking L-glutamine had higher levels of immunoprotective white blood cells compared to placebo. Researchers concluded glutamine may reduce infection risk after strenuous activity.

Other studies confirm that L-glutamine supplementation helps maintain immune defense by supporting antioxidant capacity, neutrophil function, and lymphocyte proliferation.

The research clearly supports the immune benefits, which is why many athletes supplement with glutamine year-round. Proper immune function is vital for avoiding sickness and lost training time.

Let’s look at stacking L-glutamine with other supplements…

Can Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Be Used With Other Supplements?

A great thing about L-glutamine is that it stacks well with most workout supplements to enhance results.

Some popular pairings include:

• BCAAs – Stacked pre/intra-workout, BCAAs provide the raw material to build muscle, while glutamine speeds repair. The combo accelerates both protein synthesis and recovery.
• Creatine – Creatine enhances power and endurance while glutamine reduces muscle damage. Together they synergistically improve athletic performance and training capacity.
• Whey protein – Whey provides absorbable protein for muscle growth. Glutamine taken with meals maximizes the use of amino acids from dietary protein. The stack optimizes gains.
• Caffeine – For energy before training, glutamine balances the muscle wasting effects of caffeine. The stack increases performance without increased catabolism.
• Carbs – For post-workout recovery, glutamine optimizes glycogen replenishment so muscles refill energy stores faster. The stack speeds recovery between sessions.

The takeaway is that L-glutamine blends well with most supplements to take their effects to the next level. Always refer to labels for stacking guidance.

Next up, an important warning about allergies…

Does Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Contain Any Allergens?

Beyond Raw L-Glutamine is free of most major food allergens like dairy, gluten, shellfish, soy, and eggs.

However, it’s important to note that since glutamine is fermented, it does contain trace amounts of fermented wheat.

The fermentation process breaks down the wheat proteins, but those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution.

Also, the product itself is made in a facility that processes milk, soy, and egg ingredients. So there’s a chance of cross-contamination.

Anyone with severe food allergies should consult their doctor before using L-glutamine supplements made from fermented wheat. Plant-based gluten-free options are also available.

Let’s look at who should not take L-glutamine supplements…

Who Should Not Use Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

While considered very safe for most, there are a few groups who may want to exercise caution with L-glutamine supplements:

• Those with liver disease – Impaired liver function may affect ammonia processing. Start with smaller doses under medical supervision.
• Anyone with bipolar disorder – L-glutamine may interact with lithium treatment. Talk to your doctor before using.
• Individuals on seizure medication – High doses may alter glutamate activity in the brain. Seek medical advice first.
• People with kidney dysfunction – Kidneys help clear excess glutamine. Dosing adjustment may be required.
• Those with cirrhosis – Some reports indicate glutamine may increase brain toxicity in end-stage liver disease. Use care.
• People unable to swallow – Only consume powders if they can be mixed with liquid. Don’t inhale dry powders.
• Children under 10 – Safety has not been established in this population. Consult a pediatrician before use.
• Those allergic to fermented wheat – Despite gluten breakdown, trace amounts may trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals.

For everyone else without specific medical conditions, L-glutamine is generally well tolerated when used responsibly.

But it never hurts to check with your doctor before trying new supplements, especially at higher doses.

Next up, let’s compare Beyond Raw to other popular glutamine products…

How Does Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Compare to Other Glutamine Supplements?

Beyond Raw stands out from most competitors through:

• Its premium fermented glutamine source – Most use cheaper soy or wheat proteins that are not as bioavailable. Beyond Raw utilizes a high quality fermented source that research shows the body absorbs and utilizes effectively. This makes it far superior to basic L-glutamine powders.
• Greater gut health benefits – The presence of metabolite compounds from the fermentation process called lactosporosines provide added digestive and immune enhancing effects.
• Its pure L-glutamine content – Many competitors “cut” their powders with lower quality amino acids. Beyond Raw delivers 5 grams of pure L-glutamine per serving.
• Third party purity testing – Every batch undergoes independent testing to verify the quality and absence of contaminants. This ensures potency and safety.
• The GNC brand reputation – With 85+ years as a leading supplement retailer, GNC has earned a reputation for effective, innovative formulas. Beyond Raw is one of their top selling advanced lines.

So in terms of quality, testing, absorption, and digestive health support, Beyond Raw L-Glutamine outperforms most competitors. The fermented source makes a significant difference.

Next let’s look at an important question for vegan athletes…

Is Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Vegan-Friendly?

While the L-glutamine itself is vegan, the fermented wheat source makes Beyond Raw unsuitable for strict vegetarian or vegan diets.

However, there are several vegan-friendly glutamine supplements available:

• Nutricost Vegan Glutamine – Fermented from rice protein instead of wheat.
• Jarrow Formulas Glutamine – Made from fermented beets, tapioca, and certified gluten-free grains.
• NOW Supplements L-Glutamine Pure Powder – Fermented from peas and certified vegetarian and allergen free.
• Growing Naturals Rice L-Glutamine – Sourced from rice protein. Considered hypoallergenic.

Any product with rice, pea, or vegetable fermented glutamine will avoid animal-based and wheat ingredients.

While the absorption may be slightly reduced compared to Beyond Raw, these do provide suitable vegan alternatives. Those with celiac disease may also tolerate the non-wheat sources better.

So while Beyond Raw itself is not vegan, there are several similar vegan options available.

Next, let’s look at the proper dosage guidelines…

What is the Recommended Dosage for Beyond Raw L-Glutamine?

According to the Beyond Raw label, the standard daily dosage recommendations are:

• 5 grams (1 scoop) once or twice per day
• Mix into 6-8 oz of cold water or juice
• Take 30-60 minutes before workouts or on rest days

This provides clinical doses of 3-10 grams used in studies showing benefits for muscle building, recovery, immunity and gut health.

To optimize results:

• Take 5 grams pre-workout and post-workout for maximum muscle refueling
• Increase to 2 servings (10 grams) on hard training days when muscles need extra support
• Take 2-3x per day if recovering from injury or illness
• Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off to prevent adaptive responses

Of course, follow medical advice if taking for a specific condition like muscle wasting. And reduce dosage if any stomach upset occurs.

But for general fitness purposes, 1-2 daily servings pre and/or post exercise provides clinically backed amounts with no cycling needed.

Finally, let’s explore how glutamine enhances performance…

How Does Beyond Raw L-Glutamine Enhance Performance?

The research shows L-glutamine supplements like Beyond Raw promote greater gains and performance enhancement through several key mechanisms:

• Increasing Growth Hormone – Studies show oral glutamine elevates GH levels, which enables greater muscle growth and use of fat for fuel. The boost in anabolic hormones enhances training capacity.
• Boosting Glycogen – Glutamine helps restore muscles’ glycogen energy stores post-workout. This allows harder training next session.
• Reducing Protein Breakdown – Glutamine decreases catabolic processes that break down muscle proteins. This leads to faster recovery between workouts and long term gains.
• Supporting Immune Function – Glutamine keeps immune cells active and counters the temporary immunosuppression from training. This allows maintaining workout intensity without risking illness.
• Enhancing Buffer Capacity – Glutamine increases intramuscular pH buffers which helps delay fatigue from lactic acid accumulation during exercise. This enables training longer and harder.
• Increasing Cell Volumization – Glutamine pulls water into muscle cells, causing them to swell. This stimulates anabolic signaling and nutrient uptake for growth.

Through these mechanisms, L-glutamine fuels greater progress in strength, endurance, performance, and physique development over time.

Conclusion: My Take on Beyond Raw L-Glutamine

I hope this comprehensive buying guide gave you all the details on Beyond Raw L-Glutamine to determine if it’s the right workout recovery supplement for your needs.

In my experience, the fast absorbing fermented glutamine source really does make a noticeable difference compared to cheaper forms.

I feel my muscles rebounding faster between punishing gym sessions thanks to feeding them high quality glutamine right when they need it most.

For anyone involved in intense, frequent training, I highly recommend giving Beyond Raw L-Glutamine a try. Take it pre and post-workout and see if you don’t start smashing PRs while staying healthy.

Plus it provides great bang for buck value considering a tub lasts an entire month. You really can’t go wrong!