Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Glutamine has been investigated as a supportive therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy, primarily to reduce certain side effects such as oral mucositis and neuropathy. The theoretical rationale is that glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and serves as a key nutrient for rapidly dividing cells, including those in the gastrointestinal tract. During chemotherapy, glutamine levels can become depleted, contributing to mucosal injury and other side effects.

Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have examined glutamine supplementation in this context, with mixed results. Some studies suggest that oral glutamine may reduce the severity and duration of oral mucositis in patients receiving specific chemotherapeutic agents (such as high-dose chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies). There is also limited evidence indicating a potential reduction in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, particularly with agents like paclitaxel or oxaliplatin. However, results are inconsistent, sample sizes are often small, and methodological quality varies.

Major guidelines, such as those from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), do not universally recommend glutamine for this purpose, citing insufficient or conflicting evidence. Additionally, there are theoretical concerns that glutamine could potentially support tumor growth, although this has not been conclusively demonstrated in clinical settings. Overall, while there is some scientific investigation supporting glutamine’s use, the evidence is limited and not definitive.

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