From the Guidelines
Glutamine supplementation at 5-10 grams daily is generally considered safe for healthy elderly individuals aged 60 and above who have no underlying medical conditions. This dosage falls within the commonly recommended range for adults and is unlikely to cause significant adverse effects in most healthy older adults. When starting glutamine supplementation, it's advisable to begin at the lower end of the dosage range (around 5 grams daily) and monitor for any digestive discomfort such as bloating or upset stomach before potentially increasing to 10 grams. The supplement can be taken in powder form dissolved in water or another beverage, preferably divided into two daily doses to improve tolerance. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and plays important roles in gut health, immune function, and muscle preservation—all particularly relevant concerns for aging individuals. The body's natural glutamine production may decrease with age, which is why supplementation might be beneficial for some older adults, especially those looking to support muscle maintenance or recovery from physical stress. However, despite its general safety profile, elderly individuals should still consult with their healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as individual health circumstances can vary significantly. According to the most recent study 1, glutamine supplementation did not affect overall morbidity and infectious morbidity, but patients treated with glutamine had a significant reduction in length of hospital stay.
Some key points to consider when taking glutamine supplements include:
- Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as needed
- Monitoring for digestive discomfort and adjusting the dose accordingly
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen
- Being aware of the potential benefits and limitations of glutamine supplementation, as reported in studies such as 1, 1, and 1.
It's also important to note that the evidence on glutamine supplementation is not always consistent, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health. However, based on the current evidence, glutamine supplementation at 5-10 grams daily appears to be a safe and potentially beneficial supplement for healthy elderly individuals.
From the FDA Drug Label
Clinical studies of L-glutamine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
The safety of glutamine supplementation at 5-10 grams daily for elderly individuals (aged 60 and above) with no medical issues is not established.
- The FDA drug label does not provide sufficient information to support the use of glutamine in this population.
- Cautious dose selection is recommended for elderly patients, starting at the low end of the dosing range.
- There is no direct evidence to support the safety of glutamine supplementation at 5-10 grams daily in elderly individuals with no medical issues 2.
From the Research
Glutamine Supplementation for Elderly Individuals
- The safety and efficacy of glutamine supplementation at 5-10 grams daily for elderly individuals (aged 60 and above) with no medical issues is not directly addressed in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, a study on exercising elderly women found that L-glutamine supplementation enhanced strength and power of knee muscles and improved glycemia control and plasma redox balance 7.
- Another study suggested that acute intakes of glutamine of approximately 20-30 g seem to be without ill effect in healthy adult humans, and no harm was reported in a study where athletes consumed 28 g glutamine every day for 14 d 6.
- It is also noted that doses of up to 0.65 g/kg body mass of glutamine have been reported to be tolerated by patients and did not result in abnormal plasma ammonia levels 6.
- However, a study on the side effects of long-term glutamine supplementation highlighted potential alterations in amino acid transport, metabolism, and ammonia transport, as well as effects on the immune system and tumor growth 5.
Considerations for Glutamine Supplementation
- The provided studies suggest that glutamine supplementation may have beneficial effects on immune function, muscle strength, and glycemia control, but the evidence is not specific to elderly individuals with no medical issues 3, 4, 7.
- The safety and efficacy of glutamine supplementation in this population would depend on various factors, including individual health status, dietary habits, and physical activity level.
- More research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration of glutamine supplementation for elderly individuals with no medical issues 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.