Evidence supporting the use of: Glutamine
For the health condition: Radiation Sickness
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Glutamine has been investigated for its potential to support patients undergoing radiation therapy, particularly for its role in mitigating the side effects of radiation-induced mucositis and enteritis rather than treating acute radiation sickness itself. Several small clinical trials and animal studies have explored glutamine supplementation, given its critical involvement in maintaining gastrointestinal tract integrity and supporting rapidly dividing cells such as enterocytes. Some studies have shown that oral glutamine may reduce the severity and duration of mucositis in patients receiving radiation, likely due to its role as a nitrogen donor and its support of immune cell function and gut barrier maintenance. However, results have been inconsistent, with some randomized controlled trials failing to demonstrate significant benefit, and no large-scale, definitive studies have established glutamine as a standard therapy for radiation sickness. The evidence base is therefore limited and somewhat mixed, leading to cautious use in certain supportive care settings, primarily to reduce specific complications of radiation rather than to treat systemic radiation sickness. Guidelines from major oncology societies generally do not recommend routine glutamine supplementation due to insufficient high-quality evidence. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence for glutamine's supportive role in radiation-induced tissue injury, the overall strength of evidence is low to moderate.
Other health conditions supported by Glutamine
Athletic and Exercise AidsCancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Convalescence
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Exercise
Injuries
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Radiation Sickness
Surgery (healing from)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores