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

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Synopsis

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

L-alanyl-L-glutamine is a dipeptide composed of the amino acids alanine and glutamine. It is used primarily to provide a stable form of glutamine, which is otherwise unstable in solution. Glutamine is considered a “conditionally essential” amino acid during periods of severe physiological stress, such as trauma, infection, and critical illness—conditions often associated with convalescence. During recovery, the body's demand for glutamine can outpace endogenous production, leading to depletion. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have investigated glutamine supplementation (including as L-alanyl-L-glutamine) in hospitalized patients, particularly those recovering from surgery, trauma, or critical illness. Results suggest that supplementation can help maintain gut barrier function, modulate immune response, and may reduce infection rates and hospital stay duration.

While most robust evidence is available for critically ill or surgical patients, there is moderate scientific support for the use of L-alanyl-L-glutamine in supporting recovery during convalescence—especially when malnutrition or catabolic stress is present. However, evidence is less conclusive in otherwise healthy individuals recovering from minor illness. The 3/5 rating reflects that while there is reasonable scientific rationale and some clinical evidence, more high-quality, targeted studies are needed to define its benefit across all convalescent populations.

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