Synopsis

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

Amino acids have been investigated for their potential role in supporting or treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), primarily due to their importance in gut barrier function, neurotransmission, and modulation of inflammation. Among amino acids, glutamine is the most studied in the context of IBS. Glutamine is a key fuel source for enterocytes (intestinal cells) and is thought to help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, potentially reducing symptoms associated with increased gut permeability common in IBS patients. Some small clinical studies and pilot trials have reported that glutamine supplementation may improve symptoms—particularly in IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)—by decreasing intestinal permeability and reducing bowel movement frequency.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of amino acids in IBS is limited and not universally accepted. Most studies are small, of short duration, and sometimes lack rigorous controls. Other amino acids, such as tryptophan (a precursor for serotonin), have been explored because of their influence on gut-brain communication, but robust clinical data are lacking. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses to date have generally concluded that while there are plausible mechanisms and some early promising results, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend routine use of amino acid supplements for IBS management.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence, the overall scientific validation is weak (rated 2/5), and more large-scale, well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety.

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