See also
Introduction
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (protein building block) in the body and is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Glutamine is converted to glucose when more glucose is required by the body as an energy source. It serves as a source of fuel for cells lining the intestines. Without it, these cells waste away. It is also used by white blood cells and is important for immune function.
Where is it found?
Glutamine is found in many foods high in protein, such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy products.
Glutamine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Pre- and post-surgery health
** - Athletic performance (for prevention of post exercise infection in performance athletes)
** - Diarrhea
** - HIV support (in combination with arginine and HMB)
** - Immune function (for post-exercise infection prevention in endurance athletes)
** - Infection (for prevention of post exercise infection in performance athletes)
* - Alcohol withdrawal support
* - Gastritis
* - HIV support
* - Peptic ulcer
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Where is it found?
Glutamine is found in many foods high in protein, such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy products.
Glutamine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Pre- and post-surgery health
** - Athletic performance (for prevention of post exercise infection in performance athletes)
** - Diarrhea
** - HIV support (in combination with arginine and HMB)
** - Immune function (for post-exercise infection prevention in endurance athletes)
** - Infection (for prevention of post exercise infection in performance athletes)
* - Alcohol withdrawal support
* - Gastritis
* - HIV support
* - Peptic ulcer
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Few healthy people are glutamine deficient, in part because the body makes its own. During fasting, starvation, cirrhosis, critical illnesses in general, and weight loss associated with AIDS and cancer, however, deficiencies often develop.
How much is usually taken?
Healthy people do not need to supplement with glutamine. A physician should be consulted for the supplemental use of glutamine for the support of serious health conditions.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No significant side effects have been reported in glutamine studies.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Few healthy people are glutamine deficient, in part because the body makes its own. During fasting, starvation, cirrhosis, critical illnesses in general, and weight loss associated with AIDS and cancer, however, deficiencies often develop.
How much is usually taken?
Healthy people do not need to supplement with glutamine. A physician should be consulted for the supplemental use of glutamine for the support of serious health conditions.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No significant side effects have been reported in glutamine studies.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with glutamine: Some interactions may increase the need for glutamine (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate glutamine should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Chemotherapy (+)
Cisplatin (+)
Cyclophosphamide (+)
Docetaxel (+)
Fluorouracil (+)
Methotrexate (+)
Paclitaxel (+)
Certain medicines interact with glutamine: Some interactions may increase the need for glutamine (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate glutamine should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Chemotherapy (+)
Cisplatin (+)
Cyclophosphamide (+)
Docetaxel (+)
Fluorouracil (+)
Methotrexate (+)
Paclitaxel (+)
Source: www.cncahealth.com