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Can L-glutamine tame your Christmas drinking?
12 Dec
Summary
- L-glutamine supplement, costing 30p, is trending for curbing alcohol cravings.
- Early rat studies from 1998 showed L-glutamine reduced alcohol intake.
- Calcium and probiotics are also explored for reducing alcohol consumption.
L-glutamine, an amino acid available as an over-the-counter supplement, is being hailed on social media for its ability to reduce alcohol cravings, particularly during the busy Christmas period. Promoted for its gut health and stress-reducing benefits, its reputation for curbing sugar and alcohol urges has led to millions of views on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This comes at a time when many Britons report increased alcohol consumption.
Initial scientific interest in L-glutamine's effect on alcohol cravings emerged nearly 30 years ago with a 1998 study on rats. Researchers observed a significant reduction in alcohol intake after administering L-glutamine. However, UK experts note that the evidence for its efficacy in humans through oral consumption remains less robust, relying more on anecdotal reports. L-glutamine aids in steadying blood sugar levels and may boost GABA, a brain chemical promoting calmness, which can decrease the temptation to drink.
