From the Guidelines
Glutamine supplementation is beneficial for individuals with specific health conditions, such as severe burns, trauma, or those recovering from surgery, and can be taken in doses of 0.3-0.5g/kg body weight daily to promote wound healing and maintain intestinal integrity. The benefits of glutamine supplementation are primarily seen in individuals with high physical demands or specific health conditions, such as athletes, individuals with gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, and those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Glutamine plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, acid-base balance, and as a precursor for other important compounds, making it an essential amino acid for various bodily functions.
Some of the key benefits of glutamine supplementation include:
- Reduced muscle soreness and improved recovery times in athletes and individuals engaged in heavy training
- Improved wound healing and maintenance of intestinal integrity in patients with severe burns, trauma, or those recovering from surgery
- Reduced symptoms in individuals with gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease
- Support for immune function, particularly during periods of stress, illness, or intense exercise
It is essential to note that healthy individuals with adequate protein intake may not require glutamine supplementation, as the body can produce sufficient glutamine naturally. However, in certain situations, such as critical illness or high physical demands, glutamine supplementation may be beneficial. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, glutamine supplementation can reduce hospital stay, improve immune function, and reduce morbidity in certain patient populations. Additionally, a study published in 2020 1 found that parenteral glutamine supplementation at 0.20 g/kg per day can be beneficial for patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis.
In clinical settings, glutamine supplementation can be administered through parenteral nutrition (PN) or enteral nutrition (EN), depending on the individual's needs and medical condition. The optimal dosage and duration of glutamine supplementation vary depending on the specific health condition and individual needs, but typical doses range from 0.3-0.5g/kg body weight daily. Overall, glutamine supplementation can be a valuable adjunct to traditional medical treatment for individuals with specific health conditions or high physical demands, and its benefits should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
From the Research
Glutamine Benefits
The benefits of glutamine supplementation are varied and have been studied in several contexts. Some of the key benefits include:
- Support for immune system function, particularly in individuals who are highly stressed, have minimal energy and protein reserves, or are undergoing treatment with catabolic glucocorticoids 2
- Maintenance of intestinal mucosal integrity, which can help prevent sepsis and systemic inflammation 2, 3
- Potential benefits for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome 3
- Support for lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, macrophage phagocytic plus secretory activities, and neutrophil bacterial killing 4
- Potential benefits for athletes, particularly those who engage in prolonged exercise or heavy training, although the evidence for this is mixed 5
Specific Populations
Glutamine supplementation may be particularly beneficial for certain populations, including:
- Elderly individuals 2
- Postoperative patients 2
- Individuals with cancer 2
- Very low birthweight infants 2
- Individuals with HIV/AIDS 6
- Individuals with chronic wounds 6
- Athletes who engage in prolonged exercise or heavy training 5
Dosage and Safety
The optimal dosage of glutamine supplementation is not well established, but studies have used doses ranging from 20-30 g per day 5. Glutamine supplementation appears to be safe and well-tolerated, although high doses may cause gastrointestinal side effects 5, 4.