Why
Glutamine? Glutamine's Health Benefits
Glutamine and Gastrointestinal Conditions
Early research on glutamine examined its effects on the
gastrointestinal (GI) system, where it is considered essential
for health. Among the GI benefits of glutamine are faster
healing after bowel surgery, improved nutritional status
in people with Crohn's disease, and improved reabsorption
of sodium and water during diarrhea (thereby lessening the
detrimental effects of diarrhea). People with inflammatory
bowel disease and short bowel syndrome may benefit from
glutamine supplementation, since it has been shown to help
control diarrhea and help maintain the integrity of the
intestines. Additionally,
there is some research showing that glutamine enhances the
healing of stomach ulcers, but this is still quite preliminary
Glutamine and Cancer
This area of research is very promising, with many completed
and ongoing human studies focused on glutamine supplementation
and cancer treatment. Taken prior to and during cancer therapy
(chemotherapy or radiation), glutamine has been shown to
help restore levels of glutathione (a potent antioxidant),
repair damage to the intestines, decrease infection, and
reduce some of the side effects from therapy. Research at
the University of Arkansas also indicates that glutamine
enhances the ability of chemotherapy to kill tumors. Most
recently, researchers have shown that glutamine helps decrease
the pain associated with radiation and chemotherapy by reducing
the duration and severity of irritation to the tissues of
the mouth, esophagus, and bowel.
Glutamine and Wound Healing
In people with large burns or chronic wounds, where much
healing of tissue needs to be accomplished, glutamine is
released from the muscles to support tissue repair, provide
energy, and maintain immune response. Supplementation with
glutamine for these conditions has been extremely successful.
Specifically glutamine has been shown to increase protein
production, promote wound healing, decrease infection, and
help restore body protein stores.
Glutamine and HIV/AIDS
Research suggests that glutamine supplementation may help
limit muscle loss, decrease diarrhea and malabsorption,
enhance immunity and reduce infection in people with HIV/AIDS.
One researcher was able to help patients increase body weight
with a glutamine supplement (combined with other nutrients).
This is a promising area of study, but much more research
needs to be done.
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