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Related Experiment Videos

Is glutamine a conditionally essential amino acid?

J M Lacey1, D W Wilmore

  • 1Laboratory for Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.

Nutrition Reviews
|August 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Glutamine is vital for cell growth and physiological functions. In critical illness, supplemental glutamine may improve recovery and reduce hospital stays for patients.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid with significant physiological roles.
  • It serves as a key metabolic substrate and nitrogen transporter.
  • Its importance is recognized in cell/tissue cultures and in vivo.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the multifaceted roles of glutamine in human and animal physiology.
  • To explore glutamine's potential as a conditionally essential nutrient during critical illness.
  • To discuss the implications of glutamine supplementation in clinical nutrition.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of glutamine's metabolic and physiological functions.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding glutamine requirements during stress.
  • Evaluation of clinical data on glutamine supplementation in nutritional support.

Main Results:

  • Glutamine is a preferred fuel for rapidly dividing cells (e.g., enterocytes, lymphocytes).
  • It plays a role in acid-base balance via ammonia production.
  • Glutamine is essential for synthesizing nucleic acids, nucleotides, and proteins.
  • During critical illness, glutamine demand may surpass endogenous production.

Conclusions:

  • Glutamine may be conditionally essential in critically ill patients.
  • Supplementation via enteral or parenteral feeding could optimize nutritional management.
  • Enhanced glutamine provision may improve recovery outcomes and shorten hospital stays.

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