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[Nutritional importance of glutamine]
M I de Vasconcelos1, J Tirapegui
1Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição Experimental da Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade de São Paulo-FCF/USP.
Arquivos De Gastroenterologia
|February 25, 1999
Summary
Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid, is crucial for muscle protein synthesis and nitrogen transport. Its depletion in critical illness like sepsis can impair gut barrier function and protein synthesis, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition Science
Context:
- Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body.
- It is synthesized by tissues expressing glutamine synthetase.
- It serves as a primary nitrogen carrier and fuel source for various cells.
Purpose:
- To review the nutritional aspects of glutamine.
- To highlight its physiological roles and clinical significance.
Summary:
- Glutamine supports muscle protein synthesis and is vital for cells with high metabolic demands.
- It is essential for maintaining gastrointestinal mucosal barrier function.
- Decreased glutamine levels during trauma and sepsis correlate with impaired protein synthesis and barrier integrity.
Impact:
- Understanding glutamine's role is critical for managing catabolic states.
- Glutamine supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits in critical illness.
- This review emphasizes glutamine's importance in maintaining physiological homeostasis and its potential as a therapeutic agent.