Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Glutamine, an amino acid, has been researched for its potential to reduce certain side effects of chemotherapy, particularly oral mucositis (painful inflammation and ulceration of the mouth lining), which is a common complication in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that oral glutamine supplementation may help decrease the severity and duration of mucositis in this context. The proposed mechanism involves glutamine's role as a primary fuel source for rapidly dividing cells, including those of the intestinal mucosa, potentially aiding in the repair and maintenance of the mucosal barrier that is often damaged during chemotherapy. However, the evidence is mixed and not universally conclusive. Some studies report statistically significant benefits, while others show minimal or no effect. Additionally, there is less robust evidence for glutamine's effectiveness in addressing other chemotherapy-induced side effects, such as neuropathy or diarrhea. Most guidelines suggest that glutamine may be considered as a supportive care measure for oral mucositis, but its routine use is not strongly endorsed due to the variability in study outcomes and concerns about safety in certain cancer types (e.g., hematologic malignancies). In summary, while there is a scientific basis for glutamine's use in reducing certain chemotherapy side effects, particularly mucositis, the overall strength of evidence is moderate and more high-quality research is needed to establish clear recommendations.

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