L-Glutamine
Specifically for Food Allergies
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Why it works for Food Allergies:
There is plausible mechanistic and some clinical evidence that glutamine helps intestinal barrier/immune function (which could reduce antigen exposure and downstream hypersensitivity), but there are no high-quality large RCTs proving glutamine cures or is a standard treatment for food allergy.
Mechanisms supported by laboratory and clinical literature
- Fuel for enterocytes & maintenance of tight junctions. Enterocytes (intestinal epithelial cells) preferentially use glutamine as fuel; glutamine supports cell repair, proliferation, and expression of tight-junction proteins (helps close “leaky” gut). That improves mucosal barrier integrity so fewer food antigens pass into the lamina propria to trigger immune responses. benthamopen.com ResearchGate
- Immune-cell support and modulation. Glutamine is an important substrate for rapidly dividing immune cells (T cells, macrophages) and affects cytokine production and antioxidant capacity (eg. glutathione), which can modulate inflammatory responses to antigens. ScienceDirectjn.nutrition.org
- Indirect evidence linking intestinal permeability to food allergy. Food allergy and oral tolerance are intimately linked to gut barrier function; reducing permeability is a plausible route to reduce exposure to allergenic proteins and the risk of sensitization or exaggerated responses. However, this is a mechanistic connection—not proof glutamine treats established IgE-mediated food allergy. Ann Allergy The Lancet
Summary: the biologic plausibility is strong (gut barrier + immune modulation), but direct proof for treating classic IgE-mediated food allergy is limited. Most clinical work tests glutamine for gut permeability / IBS / eczema / atopic dermatitis or post-infectious gut injury rather than explicit food allergy cures. Gu tAnn Allergy
How to use for Food Allergies:
Most useful, evidence-based dosing from randomized trial(s):
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with post-infectious diarrhea-predominant IBS with increased intestinal permeability used oral glutamine 5 g three times daily (5 g t.i.d.) = 15 g/day for 8 weeks, and reported improvement in permeability and symptoms in that subgroup. This is the clearest RCT dosing regimen you’ll find. Gut
Other dosing guidance in reviews and clinical resources:
- Many clinical sources and reviews report commonly used oral dosing ranges of 15–30 g/day (divided doses) for various GI or stress situations; some trials have used up to those levels for months but protocols vary by condition. Web sources summarising clinical use list 15–30 g/day as commonly used in adults. WebMD Drugs.com
How people typically take it in practice:
- Oral powder (L-glutamine) mixed with water, taken between meals. Typical clinical trial pattern: 5 g per dose, three times daily (total 15 g/day) for an initial course (e.g., 8 weeks) with reassessment. Longer courses (months) have been reported in other contexts, but safety monitoring and clinician oversight are recommended. Gut WebMD
Important caveat: there is no standard, guideline-endorsed protocol for using L-glutamine specifically to treat confirmed IgE-mediated food allergy (epinephrine, avoidance, immunotherapy remain primary treatments). If glutamine is used, it would be adjunctive (to attempt to improve gut barrier/immune environment), not a replacement for established allergy therapies. Ann Allergy The Lancet
Scientific Evidence for Food Allergies:
Randomized placebo-controlled trial (BMJ Gut) — oral glutamine 5 g t.i.d. for 8 weeks improved intestinal permeability and symptoms in adults with post-infectious IBS-D (a model of increased intestinal permeability). This is the best RCT showing gut-barrier benefit with a specific dosing schedule. Gut
Review: Glutamine and intestinal barrier function (Bentham Open / other review papers) — discusses mechanisms by which glutamine preserves epithelial tight junctions and barrier function. Useful for mechanism. benthamopen.com
Review / research articles on glutamine and intestinal immunity / microbial metabolites — recent reviews summarizing glutamine’s roles in intestinal immunity, microbiome interactions, and mucosal health. ScienceDirect
Clinical reports linking glutamine to improved skin outcomes in some eczema patients — there are case series and small studies suggesting benefit for atopic dermatitis/eczema in select genetic subtypes and small cohorts; these illustrate immune-modulation potential but are not broad proof for treating food allergy. (See Annals of Allergy report and clinical trial registry references.) Ann Allergy ICHGCP
Systematic reviews / meta-analyses on glutamine & gastrointestinal barrier — recent systematic review/meta-analysis work assessing RCTs of glutamine and GI permeability (some heterogeneity; not all trials positive). These summarize available RCT evidence and limits. SpringerLink
Foundational papers on intestinal permeability and food allergy — authoritative reviews describing the centrality of the intestinal barrier in oral tolerance and food allergy pathogenesis (useful for linking how glutamine could plausibly help). Ann Allergy The Lancet
Specific Warnings for Food Allergies:
Key safety points (with authoritative sources):
- Kidney or liver disease / severe multi-organ failure: many sources advise caution or avoidance in significant hepatic or renal impairment. Some reviews flag special patient groups (severe illness, organ failure, preterm neonates) as potentially at risk. If you have CKD or liver disease, discuss with your clinician before supplementing. ScienceDirect Drugs.com
- Seizure disorders / bipolar disorder / neurologic conditions: some sources list seizure disorders or psychiatric instability (bipolar disorder) as situations needing caution. Glutamine metabolism affects neurotransmitter pools (glutamate/GABA), so caution is reasonable. Drugs.com Mayo Clinic
- Pregnancy / breastfeeding: data are limited; consult a clinician. Many clinical summaries recommend medical advice before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Drugs.com
- Drug interactions / severe illness: in critically ill patients the evidence is mixed and dosing/route (enteral vs IV) matters; safety has been questioned in certain ICU contexts — so high-risk hospitalized patients require specialist oversight. Clinical Nutrition Journal ScienceDirect
- Common side effects / tolerability: oral glutamine is generally well tolerated in trials, but GI upset (bloating, nausea), and taste complaints are reported in some users. Typical trial durations up to several months did not show major safety signals in otherwise healthy adults. WebMD ScienceDirect
Regulatory / product notes
- Not an approved cure for food allergy. There is no regulatory approval (eg FDA) of L-glutamine as a treatment for food allergy. (A prescription L-glutamine product Endari is FDA-approved for sickle cell disease complications — unrelated to food allergy.) Mayo Clinic ClinicalTrials
Practical monitoring suggestions
- If a clinician uses glutamine in someone with suspected food-related gut permeability or food hypersensitivity: baseline assessment (renal/liver function), careful monitoring for neurological symptoms, and assessment of allergy outcomes (objective testing, symptom logs, supervised food challenges if relevant) are appropriate. Because evidence is limited, do not stop standard allergy treatments (eg. epinephrine availability for IgE-mediated allergy). Drugs.com Mayo Clinic
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can produce it naturally. It was first identified in watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris), which is where it gets its name. Unlike essential amino acids, L-citrulline isn’t directly incorporated into proteins. Instead, it serves as a precursor to other important compounds, most notably L-arginine and nitric oxide (NO), both of which play significant roles in cardiovascular and muscular health.
It can be found naturally in foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, and pumpkins, and it’s also available as a dietary supplement—either in pure form or as L-citrulline malate (a combination of citrulline and malic acid, often used to enhance exercise performance).
How It Works
L-Citrulline functions mainly through its conversion into L-arginine in the kidneys. L-arginine then serves as a substrate for the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which generates nitric oxide (NO)—a critical molecule for vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels).
By increasing nitric oxide levels, L-citrulline can help improve blood flow, oxygen delivery, and nutrient transport to tissues. This mechanism has several downstream effects:
- Improved Exercise Performance: Enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles, potentially reducing fatigue and improving endurance.
- Cardiovascular Health: Better endothelial (blood vessel) function may help reduce blood pressure and support overall heart health.
- Enhanced Recovery: Increased circulation may assist in clearing metabolic waste (like ammonia and lactic acid) from muscles after intense exercise.
- Erectile Function: Improved nitric oxide availability can aid in relaxing blood vessels, a mechanism similar to that of erectile dysfunction medications.
An additional pathway involves ammonia clearance. L-citrulline plays a role in the urea cycle, which helps the body eliminate ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism. This contributes to improved recovery and reduced muscle fatigue.
Why It’s Important
L-Citrulline’s importance lies in its broad range of physiological benefits, especially for vascular, muscular, and metabolic health:
- Supports Cardiovascular Function: Through nitric oxide production, it helps maintain healthy blood pressure and vessel elasticity.
- Enhances Exercise Performance: Studies show it may delay fatigue, improve endurance, and increase strength output, particularly in resistance training and high-intensity workouts.
- Promotes Muscle Recovery: Its role in ammonia detoxification and improved blood flow helps accelerate recovery between training sessions.
- May Aid Sexual Health: Because it enhances circulation, L-citrulline has been researched as a natural aid for mild erectile dysfunction.
- Supports General Energy Metabolism: The malate component in citrulline malate contributes to the Krebs cycle (the body’s primary energy production pathway), potentially improving overall energy availability.
Considerations
While L-citrulline is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, there are several points to consider before use:
Dosage:
- Typical doses range from 3 to 6 grams per day for general circulatory or cardiovascular support.
- For exercise performance, studies often use 6 to 8 grams of L-citrulline malate taken 30–60 minutes before training.
Possible Side Effects:
- Most people experience no adverse effects, but mild gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating or nausea) can occur at higher doses.
- Because it can lower blood pressure, individuals already on antihypertensive medications should consult a healthcare professional.
Interactions:
- Combining L-citrulline with other nitric oxide boosters (like L-arginine or beetroot extract) may enhance its effects—but also potentially lower blood pressure more than desired.
- Those taking nitrate medications (e.g., for heart disease) should use caution.
Form and Purity:
- L-Citrulline Malate is often preferred for performance purposes due to better absorption and synergistic energy benefits.
- Always select third-party tested supplements to ensure purity and correct dosing.
Long-Term Use:
- Research supports its safety in both short- and medium-term use (up to 12 months), but long-term studies are still limited.
- Its effects may vary between individuals depending on diet, fitness level, and baseline nitric oxide status.
Helps with these conditions
L-Glutamine is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Primary fuel for enterocytes (intestinal lining cells). Enterocytes use glutamine as a preferred energy source; supplying extra glutamine helps epithe...
Food Allergies
There is plausible mechanistic and some clinical evidence that glutamine helps intestinal barrier/immune function (which could reduce antigen exposure...
Chronic Pancreatitis
Biology & rationale (general): Glutamine is a major fuel for enterocytes and immune cells and is a precursor for glutathione, so it can support gu...
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