Evidence supporting the use of: L-Alanyl-Glutamine
For the health condition: Dehydration
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
L-Alanyl-Glutamine is a dipeptide composed of the amino acids L-alanine and L-glutamine. Its use in the context of dehydration, particularly related to critical illness, endurance exercise, or gastrointestinal diseases, is scientifically supported but not yet considered standard care. Several studies have shown that L-Alanyl-Glutamine can enhance water and electrolyte absorption in the intestines when added to oral rehydration solutions (ORS). The mechanism is thought to involve sodium-coupled amino acid transporters in the gut, which facilitate more effective absorption of water and sodium compared to standard glucose-based ORS. This has been particularly explored in settings of short bowel syndrome, chemotherapy-induced mucositis, and in athletes undergoing extreme endurance events, where improved hydration status is desirable. Clinical trials have shown that L-Alanyl-Glutamine-supplemented solutions can reduce diarrhea volume and improve hydration markers compared to traditional ORS in some patient populations. However, the evidence base is not extensive or uniform, and larger, more definitive studies are needed. The use of L-Alanyl-Glutamine for dehydration is therefore grounded in scientific rationale and preliminary clinical data, but it is not yet a universally endorsed practice. It is rarely used outside of research settings or specialized clinical scenarios. Thus, while scientific validation exists, the overall evidence supporting its use for dehydration is moderate (rated 3 out of 5).
Other health conditions supported by L-Alanyl-Glutamine
Athletic and Exercise AidsBody Building
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Endurance (lack of)
Exercise
Fatigue
Surgery (healing from)