Narrative review of the role of glutamine in the prevention and treatment of different pathologies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35454/rncm.v5n4.434Keywords:
Glutamina, Aminoácidos, Farmaconutriente, SuplementosAbstract
Proteins are one of the main determinants of cell function and structure. Loss of body protein is associated with numerous pathological disorders and increased mortality. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is involved in numerous metabolic processes. Historically, it has been classified as a non-essential amino acid because it can be synthesized by the body; however, there are certain situations, such as sepsis, that lead to depletion and it has therefore been considered conditionally essential. Glutamine has a multitude of functions in different tissues, most notably ammonia detoxification and energy provision. Low glutamine levels are associated with alterations in immune function, changes in the structure and function of the intestinal mucosa and a decrease in antioxidant capacity, among others. Glutamine supplementation, both enteral and parenteral, has been extensively studied in the clinical setting, yielding conflicting results in recent years. Evidence of its benefits in the prevention and treatment of different pathologies is continuously evolving. Some studies examining its role in cancer, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease, among others, are promising. Several questions remain to be resolved, such as defining the subgroups of patients who may benefit most from its use, the appropriate dose for each of the subgroups, and the method of administration.
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