The role of glutamine in intensive care unit patients:: Mechanisms of action and clinical outcome

Patients in the intensive care unit are at high risk of glutamine depletion and subsequent complications. Several controlled studies and a metaanalysis have concluded that glutamine supplementation has beneficial effects on the clinical outcome of critically ill and surgical patients. These results may be explained by glutamine's influences on the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cell protection, and the gut barrier. In addition, glutamine may also improve glucose metabolism by reducing insulin resistance.