The use of glutamine and its implications for the WOC nurse

Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. It is synthesized and stored in skeletal muscle and released in significant amounts during times of stress. Glutamine is primarily used by rapidly replicating cells such as enterocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts. The role of glutamine supplementation in certain disease states has been extensively studied during the past decade, with use of both animals and human subjects. This article will review glutamine supplementation and its implications for WOC nursing practice.