Evidence supporting the use of: L-glutamine
For the health condition: Debility

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Synopsis

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

L-glutamine is an amino acid that plays a key role in various metabolic processes, including protein synthesis and immune function. Its use for "debility"—a broad term describing general weakness or lack of energy—has some scientific basis, though the strength of evidence is limited and primarily applies to specific subgroups.

Research has shown that L-glutamine supplementation can benefit individuals experiencing muscle wasting, critical illness, or recovery from major surgery, all of which can manifest as debility. For instance, some studies in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS patients, and those with severe burns or trauma have demonstrated improvements in muscle mass, immune function, and overall recovery with glutamine supplementation. In these cases, glutamine may help counteract the catabolic state that leads to weakness and fatigue.

However, evidence for L-glutamine’s effectiveness in addressing non-specific, general debility in otherwise healthy individuals is sparse. Most clinical trials focus on populations with defined medical conditions that result in debility. The theoretical rationale stems from glutamine’s role as a fuel for rapidly dividing cells (such as those in the immune and gastrointestinal systems) and its importance in nitrogen transport. Despite these mechanisms, high-quality, large-scale studies supporting its use for general debility are lacking. Thus, while there is some scientific validation for its use in specific types of medically-related debility, its general use for all-purpose weakness is not strongly supported by current evidence.

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