Glutamine

Brand Names

Glutamine

What is Glutamine

Glutamine (L-glutamine) is a non-essential amino acid, the human body can produce it on its own. It is the most abundant amino acid in the human body. It can also be found in many foods. It is also used in dietary supplements and is supposed to be effective for treating such conditions as depression, anxiety, insomnia and various nutritional disorders.

Side effects of Glutamine

If you have noticed the following serious side effects, you should inform your doctor at once:

• allergic reaction- hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throatchest pain
• hearing problems
• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, mouth sores, unusual weakness

Less serious side effects include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas
• dry mouth, runny nose
• swelling in your hands or feet
• muscle or joint pain, back pain
• headache, dizziness, tired feeling
• mild skin rash or itching
• increased sweating

Indication

Glutamine is used to supplement dietary sources of glutamine, to treat a glutamine deficiency or to treat a loss of glutamine caused by injury or illness. It can be used in combination with human growth hormone in order to treat short bowel syndrome.

Precautions

Before you take glutamine, you should inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. Because you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

It is very important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding, because it can be harmful for future baby.

Dosage forms

Usual Adult Dose for Dietary Supplement

Average Dose: 10 g orally 3 times per day

Dosing range: 5 g to 30 g orally per day

Usual Adult Dose for Short Bowel Syndrome

Oral: 5 g orally 6 times per day at 2 to 3 hour intervals, with meals or snacks, while awake, for up to 16 weeks; to be used in combination with growth hormone and nutritional support.

Usual Adult Dose for Sickle Cell Anemia

In a clinical study of 7 patients after 4 weeks of therapy with glutamine at 30 g orally per day, there was clinical benefit in reducing the oxidative susceptibility of sickle red blood cells.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sickle Cell Anemia

In a clinical study of 27 children (5.2 to 17.9 years old) after 24 weeks of therapy with glutamine at 600 mg/kg/day orally there was clinical benefit seen in resting energy expenditure and improvement in nutritional parameters.