Glutamine

Also called GSH A small protein composed of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine

=Properties= -Plays a role in detoxification: binds to toxins such as heavy metals, solvents and pesticides and converts them into easily eliminated form. -Important antioxidant produced by the body and is therefore 100% biocompatable. -Not absorbed well in humans due to lacking the necessary enzyme (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) to break it down. Vitamin C is the most efficient way to promote glutathione synthesis.

=Co-Factors= -Vitamin C -Alpha-Lipoic Acid -Glutamine -SAMe -Methionine -Vitamin B2 -Vitamin B6 -Selenium -UNHEATED whey

=Therapeutic Indications= -Protection Against Colon Cancer

Diseases that decrease the level of glutathione in the blood:
-Diabetes -Low Sperm Count (Infertility) -Hepatic dis-eases -Cataracts -HIV Infection -Respiratory distress syndrome -Cancer -Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (w/out a known cause) -Smoking

=Contraindications= None Known

=Precautions= None Known

=Food Sources= -Fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and particularly walnuts, asparagus and avacadoes

=Therapeutic Dose= Unknown. 500mg. of Vitamin C per day increases the level of blood glutathione by 50%

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============================================================ //Medical Nutrition//

• -Synthesized by the body, but increased needs with trauma, the cellular damage which can outdo synthesis rates. Will be taken from muscles unless ingested • -Most abundant amino acid: skeletal, blood, brain (10-15x higher concentrations than other tissue) • -It buffers tissue, releasing nitrogen when needed • -Makes glutathione, thus is essential for detoxification -precursor to GABA

Functions:
• -Needed with stress and trauma like burns, septicemia, IBD, injuries • -It is the primary food for enterocytes of the GI tract. • -It is a neurotransmitter in the brain • -Athletes who over train become depleted and will have more respiratory infections. • -Any actively dividing cells – lymphs, macrophages, thymocytes - rely on glutamine • -GI repair requires it, rebuilding the gut lining after injury • -Used for B3 synthesis, and helps make benzoates, metabolism of urea and arginine.

RDA- conditional, since manufactured Sources: cheese, granola, pork, yoghurt, wild game, cabbage and beets Deficiency with trauma, malabsorption and overexertion – wasting will occur.

Treatment
• IBS with weight loss. (GALT needs glutamine for optimal fx B and T cells –enhances sIgA) • Peptic ulcers- cabbage juice is used for • Alcohol cravings • TPN (Total Parenteral Nut) or starvation –villus atrophy repair, helps malabsorption • Enhances mental function in AD • Cancer ? people live longer who have it in their diets, but it increases Ca cell growth in vitro (Boik). In one study cancer growth was reduced 40% with increased NK cell activity • Lymphs need it to function and make IL2 • Glutamine is used to make glutamate and GABA • Reduces growth of clostridium, translocation of bacteria • Reduces free radical generation,-that will suppress immune response • Bone marrow transplantation (TL May 2005 Gina Nicks PhD,ND Article on glutamine and inflammation/infections)