[Glutamine--its metabolic role and possibilities for clinical use]

Glutamine has been the point of interest of many nutritional studies concerning parenteral and enteral nutrition. Advantages from glutamine support have been observed previously in animal models. It was shown that glutamine is the energy source for rapidly dividing cells e.g. immune cells, gut mucosa. Recent molecular and protein chemistry studies have begun to define metabolic mechanism of glutamine action, and clinical trials suggest its safe and positive influence on catabolic patients. Parenteral and enteral nutrition enriched with glutamine improves gut integrity and function, decreases infection rate and improves function of immune cells. However, the indications for glutamine enriched nutrition and appropriate protocol of administration need determination. Taken together the data suggest that this amino-acid is an important dietary nutrient and is probably conditionally essential in certain catabolic conditions.