As quoted from Dr. Atkins' book, "Vita-Nutrient Solution, pg 167-170

Glutamine's secret to its significance is that it provides nitrogen more readily than any other amino acid. From treating intestinal maladies to calming addictive urges, few other substances offer as much to nutritional medicine.

To recover successfully from any of a variety of illnesses and injuries, the body need certain proteins. No matter which are needed, all can be made with the help of L-glutamine. It possesses an extra nitrogen atom, which it readily offers for the synthesis of other amino acids.

In addition, it helps the body create other important nutrients, such as glutathione, glucosamine, and vitamin B3.

Addictions. Long before we knew about its involvement in tissue repair, I was using glutamine to help control cravings. I got the idea from
Roger Williams, Ph.D., the nutritionist who inspired so many of us to pursue nutritional medicine. He used glutamine to curb the desire to drink alcohol, which it does quite well.