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supplement glutamine: helps bone growth?

hi. i'm taking glutamine supplements for my athetlic performance. i heard that the supplement glutamine helps not only muscle growth but also muscle performance. i understand that it does help the muscles and that it is already naturally produced in our bodies, but i have also heard and read that glutamine is an amino acid that also helps trigger the secretion of HGH (human growth hormone). is that true? i also heard that glutamine triggers the secretions of HGH in higher quantity than usual. is that also true? could glutamine be used for not only muscle growth but also bone growth? thanks

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1. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in human muscle and is supplemented because supplement manufacturers claim the body's natural glutamine levels are depleted during anaerobic exercise. It is argued that bodybuilders should supplement with glutamine, as deficiency may lead to a weakened immune system and wasting of muscle tissue. It is sold as a micronized, instantly soluble powder. In catabolic states of injury and illness, GLN becomes conditionally-essential (requiring intake from food or supplements). Glutamine has been studied extensively over the past 10-15 years and has been shown to be useful in treatment of serious illnesses, injury, trauma, burns, cancer and its treatment related side-effects as well as in wound healing for postoperative patients. There have been several recent studies into the effects of glutamine and what properties it possesses, and, there is now a significant body of evidence that links glutamine-enriched diets with intestinal effects; aiding maintenance of gut barrier function, intestinal cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as generally reducing septic morbidity and the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The reason for such "cleansing" properties is thought to stem from the fact that the intestinal extraction rate of glutamine is higher than that for other amino acids, and is therefore thought to be the most viable option when attempting to alleviate conditions relating to the gastrointestinal tract. These conditions were discovered after comparing plasma concentration within the gut between glutamine-enriched and non glutamine-enriched diets. However, even though glutamine is thought to have "cleansing" properties and effects, it is unknown to what extent glutamine has clinical benefits, due to the varied concentrations of glutamine in varieties of food. Functions of Glutamine are: A substrate for DNA synthesis. Major role in protein synthesis. Primary source of fuel for enterocytes (cells lining the inside of the small intestine). Precursor for rapidly dividing immune cells, thus aiding in immune function. Regulation of acid-base balance in the kidney by producing ammonium. Alternative source of fuel for the brain and helps to block cortisol-induced protein catabolism. But not for bone growth.