Who should avoid glutamine?

Understanding Glutamine and Its Implications
Glutamine is a vital amino acid that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including immune response and gut health. While it is naturally produced by the body and can be obtained through dietary sources, the use of glutamine supplements has become popular, particularly among athletes and those recovering from illness. However, certain individuals should approach glutamine supplementation with caution or avoid it altogether.
Who Should Avoid Glutamine?
1. Individuals with Specific Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions may warrant caution when considering glutamine supplementation. For instance, individuals with sickle cell disease should be particularly careful, as a specific glutamine product is FDA-approved for this condition, but general supplementation may not be advisable without medical supervision. Additionally, those with liver disease or kidney dysfunction should consult healthcare providers before using glutamine, as these organs are crucial for amino acid metabolism.
2. Patients Undergoing Certain Treatments: People undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments should also be cautious. While glutamine can support the immune system, its effects can vary based on individual health status and treatment protocols. Therefore, it is essential for these patients to discuss any supplementation with their healthcare team.
3. Athletes and Bodybuilders: Interestingly, while many athletes turn to glutamine for muscle recovery and growth, research has not consistently supported its effectiveness in building muscle mass. Athletes who are not experiencing significant stress or injury may not need additional glutamine, as their bodies typically produce sufficient amounts under normal conditions.
4. Individuals with Allergies or Sensitivities: Those who have known allergies to glutamine or related compounds should avoid supplementation. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and it is crucial to prioritize safety.
5. Pregnant or Nursing Women: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also exercise caution. While glutamine is generally considered safe, the effects of supplementation during pregnancy and lactation are not well-studied. Therefore, it is advisable for these women to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen.
Conclusion
While glutamine is an important amino acid with various health benefits, certain populations should avoid its supplementation unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. Individuals with specific medical conditions, those undergoing certain treatments, athletes not under stress, and pregnant or nursing women should all approach glutamine with caution. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional is the best course of action to ensure safety and efficacy.

Which cancers feed on glutamine?

Many cancer cells, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and brain tumor cells have a high dependency on glutamine for their growth and survival and exhibit upregulated SLC1A5 expression (Mohamed et al., 2014; Marquez et al., 2017).

Does L-glutamine reduce belly fat?

No solid evidence supports the idea that taking L-glutamine reduces belly fat or promotes weight loss.

What foods are high in glutamine?

Foods high in glutamine

• Fish and seafood. Fish and crustaceans are some of the best sources of glutamine around.
• Red cabbage.
• Dairy such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.
• Eggs.
• Nuts and seeds.
• Soya.
• Dark leafy greens.
• Red kidney beans.

What happens when you start taking glutamine?

While there’s conflicting evidence on whether it boosts immunity in healthy people, studies show it can improve recovery times and reduce complications when you’re sick. Glutamine helps strengthen your intestinal lining, protecting against damage and ensuring your body absorbs the nutrients it needs.

Does glutamine affect the kidneys?

Glutamine administration attenuates kidney damage and improves kidney function during IRI-induced AKI. To investigate the effect of glutamine on AKI, we used a murine model of renal IRI (21).

What is the problem with glutamine?

Health care providers must know that consumption of dietary supplements such as glutamine may be associated with serious side effects. Liver damage is a possible side effect of glutamine. Hence it is necessary to consider hepatotoxicity as an adverse reaction in case of glutamine supplement consumption.

How to avoid glutamine?

Is there anything you can do to block or reduce glutamine naturally? Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream. Plus, your body produces it by itself in addition to getting it from your diet. So, there are no realistic ways of reducing glutamine levels through the likes of dietary changes.

What happens to your body when you start taking L-glutamine?

Clinical studies show that taking glutamine supplements strengthens the immune system and reduce infections, particularly infections associated with surgery. Glutamine may help prevent or treat multiple organ dysfunction after shock or other injuries among people in the intensive care unit.

What are the negatives of taking L-glutamine?

When taken by mouth: Glutamine is likely safe when used in doses up to 40 grams daily. Side effects are generally mild and might include bloating, nausea, dizziness, heartburn, and stomach pain.

Is glutamine safe for everyone?

L-glutamine is considered safe for most people when taken orally in appropriate dosesAlways follow the recommended dosage on the product label or as directed by a healthcare professional.