Webinars

“L-glutamine, glutamate, GABA, and glutathione in Functional Medicine”:

This lecture block explores the biochemical and clinical significance of the amino acids L-glutamine and glutamate, the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, and the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione. These closely interconnected molecules play central roles in nitrogen metabolism, neurotransmission, redox regulation, immune function, detoxification, gut integrity, and cellular energy balance. The session will review their biochemistry, including synthesis, degradation, compartmentalization, and metabolic interconversion, with particular focus on the glutamine–glutamate–GABA axis and glutathione metabolism. Their relevance in pathophysiology will be discussed in relation to neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired detoxification, intestinal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Diagnostic approaches will include laboratory markers that may reflect disturbances in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter balance, oxidative stress, and glutathione status. The lecture will also examine the physiological use and clinical rationale for these compounds in functional medicine, including their potential application as nutritional supplements. Indications, mechanisms of action, safety considerations, dosing principles, and limitations of supplementation will be critically addressed.By integrating biochemical pathways with clinical interpretation, this lecture aims to provide a practical framework for understanding how glutamine, glutamate, GABA, and glutathione contribute to health, disease, and targeted nutritional intervention.