Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. Your body can make glutamine, but you may need to acquire it through food. If your diet is deficient or you have malabsorption conditions, taking supplements can be beneficial. The intestines use about one-third of the total glutamine in the body, and they need glutamine more than any other organ. Glutamine is a fuel source for intestinal cells, and it decreases small intestine cell damage, and supports gut function and the integrity of the gut mucosa.
The International Journal of Molecular Sciences explained the roles of glutamine for intestinal health as follows: This amino acid has been shown to prevent premature cell death (apoptosis) of the intestinal cells. The intestinal cells turn over every three to four days, a type of regenerative effect. Premature death of intestinal cells occurs in conditions like ulcerative colitis or bacterial infections. Glutamine prevents premature apoptosis by functioning as a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione, regulating the enzymes and proteins involved in apoptosis, controlling inflammation, and decreasing cellular stress, as well as regulating the breakdown and replacement of intestinal cells (autophagy).
If glutamine stores are deficient, the intestinal lining is vulnerable to damage. Glutamine plays a vital role in gut health. It is a preferred substance for intestinal cell replication. Like most other cells in the body, the intestinal cells replace old cells with new cells. Frontiers in Nutrition reported that glutamine promotes healthy small intestine cell proliferation, regulates tight junction proteins, reduces inflammatory pathways, and promotes healthy microbiota by regulating the gut bacteria utilization of amino acids. It also revealed that glutamine supplementation was helpful in lessening the symptoms of IBS when combined with a low-FODMAP diet.
Glutamine is a nutrient-specific amino acid for the support of gut cell turnover. According to Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, “Glutamine is a major nutrient to maintain intestinal function in animals and humans.” It also reported that the depletion of glutamine damages the small intestine villi, where much of the absorption occurs. Glutamine favors the health of tight junction proteins by increasing protein synthesis, decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation, and possibly modifying gut bacteria. And last, glutamine can activate enzymes that support intestinal stem cells and growth factors that repair intestinal cells.
Glutamine is available in supplement form in capsules, tablets, and powders. I generally recommend powder form to ensure contact with the amino acid and the gut mucosa. I typically have patients take 2000 to 5000 mg a day of glutamine powder for leaky gut treatment. Higher doses can be used as well.
Adapted with permission from Dr. Stengler’s bestselling book The Holistic Guide To Gut Health (Hay House Publishing)
