Considered an essential amino acid during stress states such associated following injury or during infections when endogenous production can be overwhelmed by increased consumption.
It is thought to have beneficial effects on the metabolic and stress response to severe injury.
Has a major role in the oxidative fuel for rapid replicating cells of gastrointestinal mucosa and lymphocytes and monocytes of the immune system.
Acts as a nitrogen shuttle for the antioxidant glutathione.
Used for protein synthesis, renal ammonia production and mucosal protection.
In patients with severe burns, supplemental glutamine does not reduce the time to discharge from the hospital.
Glutamine levels decrease rapidly after a burn injury.
Observational studies show that low levels of glutamine are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.