Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
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This review will attempt to summarize recent clinical data on glutamine's use. It will present the concept of glutamine as a "drug" or "nutraceutical," given in addition to standard nutrition support. Key references will be discussed, and clinical recommendations with regard to patients who may benefit and dosing are also provided. ⋯ High-dose or parenteral (> 0.25 to 0.30 g/kg/day IV or >or=30 g/day enterally) glutamine appears to demonstrate the greatest potential for benefit in hospitalized patients. No evidence of harm has been observed in studies conducted to date; thus, further clinical trials using glutamine as a pharmacologic supplement to standard nutrition are warranted.