Benefits and Uses of Glutamine | Dr. Esther Lyuh

Benefits and Uses of Glutamine | Dr. Esther Lyuh

Corona confirmed the patient's

glutamine

did you replenish it?

hello. Lyuh Esther.
Recently, there was a report of a study using 'this amino acid' in the treatment process of confirmed COVID-19 patients. It's glutamine.
After screening out 60 patients without underlying diseases such as cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric diseases among a total of 381 confirmed COVID-19 patients, they were divided into two groups with similar ages, gender, and clinical condition. And, all other things being equal, one group was given a glutamine supplement and the other was not given it. 
What was the result? Compared to those who did not supplement, the glutamine-supplemented group had a shorter hospital stay, and fewer patients who required intensive care unit treatment or died. 

glutamine,

The hidden hero of the immune system.

But wouldn't it be a little strange to hear that amino acids, or nutrients, rather than drugs, were used in the process of treating COVID-19? Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid synthesized in the body.

Glutamine is hard to see as a simple nutrient. This is because it plays a very broad role in the immune system. As the main energy source for intestinal mucosal cells, it can activate intestinal immunity and intervene in various cell-mediated immune responses such as lymphocyte proliferation and interferon production. Thus, even in the study mentioned earlier, the supplement of glutamine in the early days of corona infection would have helped strengthen the immune system.

Then, what is the use of glutamine in the actual medical field?

2 Ways to Use Glutamine in Hospitals

First, it is used to protect the intestinal mucosa.
In severe stress situations, such as various gastrointestinal diseases, tumors, and HIV/AIDS virus infection, the amount of glutamine used increases more than the amount synthesized, and the concentration in the body decreases. Therefore, it is also classified as a conditionally essential amino acid. Glutamine is used as an enteral nutrient solution to prevent the atrophy of intestinal mucosal cells and maintain intact function for critically ill patients with reduced overall body function.
Secondly, it is also used for patients with severe burns or trauma.
Hypercatabolism and increased protein consumption are caused by a systemic inflammatory response in patients with severe burns or trauma, resulting in malnutrition. At this time, the administration of glutamine can suppress the inflammatory response by preventing the depletion of glutathione, an antioxidant substance in the body, and reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. ESPEN (European Association for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) recommends glutamine prescriptions for burn and trauma patients[2]

glutamine,

It's good to eat like this.

It is good to eat when you have digestive inflammation or ulcers caused by itNumerous human and animal studies have shown that glutamine supplementation can help relieve inflammation in the digestive tract. [3] [4] [5] [6] Of course, a specialist's diagnosis and medication prescription should be the basics.

If so, what foods can you supplement with? First of all, it is also rich in cabbage, which is known to be effective in relieving esophagitis and gastritis. t is also found in foods commonly recognized as sources of protein, such as meat and seafood, legumes, eggs,d milk, and unexpectedly found in green vegetables such as parsley, celery, and kale
Today, we learned about glutamine, which plays an important role in the immune system. As I always said, it is impossible to treat disease with nutrients, but it can be beneficial as an auxiliary therapy combined with correct medical treatment, so I hope you use it wisely. If you have any further questions regarding glutamine, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for always.
Esther  Lyuh, Doctor of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University
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