L-Glutamine Tartrate stands as a finely-crafted compound that blends the amino acid L-glutamine with tartaric acid. This combination aims to support absorption and manage stability during storage and handling. Most people in the chemical and supplement industries recognize L-glutamine for its crucial role in human metabolism, serving as a protein-building block and energy source for cells lining the gut and immune system. By pairing it with tartrate, the resulting material often works better in applications requiring better solubility or shelf life compared to pure glutamine.
At room temperature, L-Glutamine Tartrate presents as a solid material. Its most recognizable forms include fine powder, small crystals, and sometimes granular pearls. This solid has a noticeable white to off-white color and tends not to clump, which lends itself to easy handling in dry rooms. Powdered form is favored for ease of measurement and mixing into food or beverages. Crystalline versions tend to dissolve smoothly into water, yielding a clear and almost odorless solution, making it friendly for people who need minimal taste distractions. Based on my experience working with biochemical reagents, reliable suppliers often report accurate bulk and tapped density values, usually ranging from about 0.50 to 0.70 g/cm³. People handling it in a plant or lab setting can count on this density when calculating dosing or filling volumes.
The core formula combines glutamine, an amino acid with the molecular formula C5H10N2O3, and tartaric acid, which weighs in at C4H6O6. The merged product yields a compound with a total formula of C9H16N2O9. Its molar mass clocks in at about 296.23 g/mol. The hydrogen bonding network in this crystal allows a stable, almost glassy finish in processed forms, especially when cooled and dried well during manufacturing. This structure discourages quick degradation, which benefits those storing it for months at a time in warehouse conditions.
The raw materials behind this compound play a critical role in its performance. Food grade and pharma grade supply chains require a deep dive into purity. Established suppliers bring in L-glutamine and tartaric acid produced under ISO and GMP protocols. I remember watching quality control analysts run high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) tests to ensure purity levels above 98%. Moisture content generally falls below 1.5%, which limits microbial growth and caking during storage. Reputable producers package this solid in airtight containers or foil-lined drums, which keeps it fresh by repelling ambient humidity.
Customs and international logistics assign L-Glutamine Tartrate to the HS Code 2924199090. This classification slots it among other amino acids and derivatives and helps speed up the shipping process through customs warehouses. From my experience in regulatory support, having proper documentation under this code smooths regulatory checks, especially across Asian and European borders. Labeling under current hazard labelling systems rarely shows this compound flagged under the common chemical hazard pictograms. Still, packaging includes standard warnings: “Not for inhalation” and “Avoid direct eye contact,” reflecting a prudent approach to workplace safety.
Direct exposure concerns mainly focus on dust, which can irritate the respiratory system and eyes. People handling the powder in manufacturing or compounding rooms often use routine protection: gloves, masks, and safety glasses. No long-term or chronic toxicity issues have emerged when stored and handled according to good laboratory and factory practices. It carries no CMR (carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxin) risk under EU REACH guidelines or OSHA standards in the United States. Disposal usually fits with general organic chemical waste, with no evidence of high aquatic toxicity.
In practical use, L-Glutamine Tartrate usually finds its way into sports nutrition products and medical foods where precision in formulation matters. Dosing requires scales for accuracy, and blending happens in temperature-controlled environments to keep the powder flowing freely. Many supplement manufacturers select this compound to target gastric absorption due to the tartaric acid salt, a small but useful tweak based on everyday user feedback. If added to beverages or foods, the solid goes straight into solution with only a few stirs, thanks to its genuine solubility. From the warehouse manager’s perspective, long-term shelf stability means fewer worries about wasted material.
Challenges in the market often revolve around moisture control and authenticity. Keeping raw materials dry and in their original containers discourages contamination. Those assembling finished products look to trusted suppliers with batch-specific COAs (Certificates of Analysis), because a bad batch knocks out production schedules and causes expensive recalls. Clear chain of custody and transparent quality parameters create confidence both for industrial buyers and consumers picking a supplement off the shelf. Reliable analytical methods, like IR and NMR fingerprinting, nail down authenticity, protecting both brand and end user.
People weighing quality and safety in supplements should know exactly what they’re getting. L-Glutamine Tartrate may sound technical, but its transparency on origin, purity, and handling rules makes it a predictable and trustworthy option for formulators and health-conscious buyers. Staying honest about its strengths and handling quirks builds long-term confidence in the world of raw materials, where shortcuts can cost more than they save.
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