Evidence supporting the use of: L-alanyl-l-glutamine
For the health condition: Surgery (healing from)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

L-alanyl-L-glutamine is a dipeptide composed of the amino acids alanine and glutamine. It is used clinically as a stable source of glutamine, an amino acid that is conditionally essential during periods of metabolic stress such as surgery, trauma, and critical illness. Surgical patients often experience increased catabolism and muscle breakdown, leading to decreased endogenous glutamine levels. Glutamine plays a key role in supporting immune function, maintaining gut integrity, and promoting protein synthesis—all critical in postoperative healing.

Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated the effects of L-alanyl-L-glutamine supplementation in surgical patients, especially those undergoing major abdominal or gastrointestinal procedures. Studies report that perioperative glutamine supplementation (often delivered intravenously as L-alanyl-L-glutamine due to stability and solubility advantages) is associated with reduced infection rates, shorter hospital stays, improved nitrogen balance, and better wound healing outcomes. For example, a 2014 meta-analysis in Critical Care found that glutamine supplementation reduced infectious complications and length of hospital stay in surgical patients.

Clinical guidelines in nutrition and surgery often recommend considering glutamine supplementation in certain high-risk surgical or critical care populations. However, evidence is not universally consistent, and some studies have not shown benefit in all patient groups. Overall, the use of L-alanyl-L-glutamine to support recovery from surgery is scientifically validated, with a moderate-to-high level of evidence supporting its benefits in specific contexts.

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