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Glutamine (Powder)

Description

Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the circulation. It is a primary fuel for rapidly dividing cells (including intestinal cells which slough off every three days or so), and plays a key role in the transport of nitrogen between organs. There is considerable evidence that glutamine can enhance the barrier function of the gut against viral, bacterial, and food antigen invaders (Hall JC et al. Br J Surg 1996 Mar;83(3):305-312). Glutamine deficiency can occur during periods of metabolic stress, which has led to the reclassification of glutamine as a conditionally essential amino acid. Experiments with various animal models have demonstrated that supplementation of glutamine can result in better nitrogen homeostasis, with conservation of skeletal muscle (ibid).

Clinical Applications/Research

Clinical applications include intestinal permeability (leaky gut), food allergies, acid reflux, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, nausea, anorexia, and achlorhydria. General indications for high dose glutamine include repairing intestinal NSAIDS/drug damage, and/or any condition of the bowel (especially small bowel), that require synthesis and healing of intestinal cells. Glutamine metabolism by the ileum and colon is impaired in Crohn's disease, and supplementation is recommended (Sido B et al. Langenbecks Arch Chir Suppl Kongressbd 1997;114:653-656). Food Allergies: Many foods cause immune reactions because macromolecules (large, undigested food proteins) pass through leaks in the intestinal lining. Glutamine’s ability to protect the barrier function of the gut can reduce the incidence of immune activation. SOME KNOWN PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF GLUTAMINE INCLUDE: - enhance gut immune function - improve cell function - stimulate intestinal mucosal growth - reduce infection rate - inhibit bacterial invasion from the gut - reduce hospital stays - reduce severity of methotrexate-induced enterocolitis - increase tissue healing - acid-base regulator - important precursor of nucleic acids - important precursor of glutathione, a potent antioxidant and detoxifier - increase Natural Killer cell activity (currently being tested in AIDS patients) - increase normal tissue but not tumor tissue (delivers chemotherapy to breast cancer cells in animal studies) - decrease catabolic stress and protein loss - enhance healing of ulcers - no toxicity shown Judy Schubert, MD RD & Nancy Erlich. The Ultimate Nutrient Glutamine. 1994. Avery Publ Garden City NY; Souba W. Intestinal Glutamine Metabolism and Nutrition. J Nutr Biochem1993;4:2-9 Japanese scientists discovered glutamine as an antiulcer drug and noted that it prevented ulcers in rats given aspirin (Okabe, S, Takeuchi K, Honda K, Takagi K. Effects of Acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA) plus L-glutamine and L-glutamine on healing of chronic gastric ulcer in the rat. Digestion 1976;14:85-88). Glutamine enhances chemotherapy and reduces toxicity (Klimberg, V., M.D., et al, Glutamine Facilitates Chemotherapy While Reducing Toxicity. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 1992;16(6):83S-87S). Glutamine protects the host from microbial invasion and associated infection (Ann Surg 1991;214(4):385-93).

Suggested Dosage

Glutamine powder provides for higher doses of glutamine at a more reasonable cost. Glutamine supplementation may be of greater benefit when given in higher gram doses (up to 9-16 grams in some severe cases).

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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