Glutamine (NYBC) Each bottle, 100 capsules. Each capsule, 500 mg of L-glutamine. PWHIV are using from 1.5–30+ grams per day, between meals or before the beginning of a meal. If you have diarrhea, use the higher amount (20-30 grams per day) until it subsides; on a routine basis for gut health, about 5 grams a day is probably fine.

Glutamine is used to treat leaky gut which results when intestinal tissues are damaged. Glutamine is taken up in cells of the intestine (enterocytes) and then oxidized, strengthening the overall structure. It stimulates skeletal muscle protein synthesis as well and researchers at Case Western feel it may help, as a possible treatment for cirrhosis, to lower the levels of cytokines like IL-1, IL-6 and TNF which are also elevated in chronic HIV infection. This product is principally used to counteract maldigestion in PWHIV.

Anecdotally, people with protease-inhibitor diarrhea find relief using 30-40 grams per day. Start with about 15 grams per day and increase the dose til the diarrhea is controlled. Each kitchen teaspoon is about 5 grams. A daily maintenance dose is one teaspoon a day.

Unless you have diarrhea or other signs of malabsorption (and short of the loading dose approach discussed below), a daily dose of about 5 grams a day is probably enough. One concern DAAIR has is that glutamine may readily transform into glutamate--and this could cause problems. Excessive levels of glutamate may interfere with the function of nerves and even block the cell’s uptake of cysteine (which in turn means less glutathione being synthesized within a cell). However, higher doses do seem to be very helpful for those folks suffering from diarrhea or malabsorption problems.

If at all possible it is very important that you take this amino acid three times per day before/after or at the very beginning of meals for it to work effectively along your GI tract. Look into getting it prescribed. New York state Medicaid covers it, for example. Glutasolve, an enteral supplement, is indicated for use with GI disease as well as HIV/AIDS.

Store unopened container at room temperature. Do not store at extreme temperatures. Once opened, reseal container and store in a cool, dry place (not refrigerator).