Does glutamine have a role in reducing infections in athletes?
Level 2 - randomized trial
Controlled clinical trial comparing glutamine to placebo in athletes post-exercise.
PubMed 8803512 · doi:10.1007/BF00334429
What was done
In an initial observational cohort, infection levels were tracked in over 200 runners and rowers. In the subsequent intervention phase, athletes completing strenuous exercise consumed two drinks containing either glutamine (Group G, n = 72) or placebo (Group P, n = 79) immediately post-exercise and 2 hours post-exercise. Participants subsequently completed questionnaires (n = 151 total) tracking the incidence of infections during the 7 days following the exercise bout.
What was found
Infection rates were lowest in middle-distance runners and highest in full or ultramarathon runners and elite rowers undergoing intensive training. In the supplementation trial, the proportion of athletes reporting no infections over the 7 days post-exercise was significantly higher in the glutamine group (81%, 58 of 72) than in the placebo group (49%, 39 of 79; p < 0.001).
Why it matters
This study provides early controlled trial evidence suggesting that transient post-exercise glutamine supplementation may mitigate the acute incidence of self-reported infections following demanding endurance exercise.
Limits
Infections were self-reported via questionnaires without laboratory confirmation or objective clinical diagnoses. The abstract does not specify the exact dosage of glutamine, the composition of the placebo, or whether the allocation and assessment were randomized and blinded.
Cited by
- supports Studies show that high-dose glutamine supplementation (approximately 30 g) reduces the incidence of respiratory tract infections in endurance athletes.