Abstract

Stress conditions such as sepsis, trauma, burn, fracture, and major surgery are associated with hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism. Protein is mobilized for energy and uptake of amino acids by muscle tissue is decreased in stress conditions. The metabolic response to stress causes movement of amino acids (predominantly alanine and glutamine) from peripheral reserves to metabolically active tissues. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid during stress. Glutamine plays a role in maintenance of intestinal immune function and reinforcement of wound repair. Supplementation of parenteral glutamine (0.3∼0.5 g/kg/day) as a component of nutrition support may improve clinical outcomes in appropriate patients. In patients with multiorgan failure, supplementation with a high dose of glutamine (＞0.5 g/kg/day) in the acute phase of critical illness is not recommended. In stress conditions, provision of adequate protein is essential and glutamine supplementation should be considered in patients without specific contraindications.

• Keywords: Glutamine, Metabolism, Proteins, Stress