THE PRESENT STATUS OF GLUTAMINE

Clinical glutamine supplements are a curious phenomenon, being more akin to bicarbonate to correct acidosis than to antibiotics to cure infection. The amino acid glutamine, a central compound in amino acid and intermediary metabolism, is made and consumed in large amounts by the body each day. Although supplemnts will not correct a ''nutritional deficiency'' of glutamine, nevertheless, the particular metabolic features of the intestine, skeletal muscle, and cells of the immune system suggest that they have a dependecy on the metabolism of this amino acid. Animal studies suggest that glutamine supplements can reverse the atrophy of the small intestine that occurs during total parenteral nutrition. Similarly, improvements in the immune function of injured animals have been noted. Several clinical studies have also demonstrated positive effects on clinical outcome and patient well-being.