What is leaky gut?

The gut wall acts as a barrier, controlling the flow of particles from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. When functioning optimally, the barrier allows only useful particles through, such as glucose, amino acids, fatty acids and micronutrients. When the gut wall is damaged, it can become less effective as a barrier, allowing unwanted particles through such as larger food particles and toxins. This phenomenon is called leaky gut. It is also known as Leaky Gut Syndrome and increased intestinal permeability.

Causes of leaky gut

• Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections
• Alcohol
• Drugs, particularly antibiotics, NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs) and chemotherapy drugs
• Western diet and lifestyle
• Food allergies
• Low levels of stomach acid and/or digestive enzymes
• Stress

Symptoms of leaky gut

• Fatigue
• Muscular / skeletal aches and pains
• Food intolerance
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rashes
• Cognitive and memory problems
• Shortness of breath
• Poor exercise intolerance

Diseases associated with leaky gut

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria
• HIV infection
• Cystic fibrosis
• Disorders of the liver or pancreas
• Muscular skeletal disorders such as arthritis
• Celiac disease
• Autism and ADHD
• Food and chemical sensitivities

The benefits of glutamine

Glutamine is one of twenty amino acids used by the body to make proteins. Although it can be made by the body in limited amounts, demand often exceeds supply, especially during times of physical stress or illness. Additional supplies can be found in protein rich foods and it is also a popular supplement used for aiding the body’s healing and repairing processes.

Nutritionists commonly prescribe glutamine powder for leaky gut symptoms as research has shown that it is easily absorbed by the cells that line the intestine. Once absorbed, glutamine stimulates healing and growth of these cells, increasing the strength of the mucosa and restoring its ability to act as an effective barrier.

Recent research on glutamine supplements and leaky gut

Choi et al (2004) demonstrated that very high daily doses of glutamine protected cancer patients from chemotherapy induced intestinal mucosal damage and mucosal inflammation, leading to a reduction in intestinal permeability compared to patients not receiving glutamine. The same affect was shown in two further trials, one focusing on gastrointestinal cancer patients (Jiang & Liu, 2006) and the other on breast cancer patients (Li et al. 2006).

An interesting piece of research carried out by Kim et al (2005) on rats showed that the combined supplementation of bovine colostrum and glutamine was more effective at healing gut damage caused by Diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory NSAID drug), than either supplement alone.

Glutamine is a very gentle supplement that is generally safe to give to children. Lima et al (2005) demonstrated its ability to improve the intestinal barrier of children aged just 2 to 60 months.

Many more trials using glutamine are referred to in the review papers by Duggan et al (2002) and De-Souza & Greene (2005).

Additional Information

Glutamine powder is best taken with cold or room temperature liquids & foods. It should not be added to hot beverages because heat destroys this amino acid. Glutamine supplements should also be kept in a dry location. Moisture leads to breakdown of this substance.

Glutamine supplements are different from glutamate (glutamic acid), monosodium glutamate, and gluten. Glutamine will not cause symptoms (headaches, facial pressure, tingling, or burning sensation) associated with sensitivity to monosodium glutamate. People who are gluten sensitive can use glutamine without problems.

People with kidney disease, liver disease, Reye’s syndrome or cancer should seek medical advice prior to taking glutamine.

References

Choi K, Kim JW, Oh SJ, Jeon WK, Kim SY and Lee SS (2004) The effect of oral glutamine supplement (OGS) on fluorouracil (5-FU) induced intestinal mucosal damage (IMD) assessed by intestinal permeability (IP) test. Journal of Clinical Oncology, ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition). Vol 22, No 14S, 8050

De-Souza DA & Greene LJ (2005) Intestinal permeability and systemic infections in critically ill patients: effect of glutamine. Crit Care Med. 33(5):1125-35.

Duggan C, Gannon J & Walker WA (2002) Protective nutrients and functional foods for the gastrointestinal tract. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 75, No. 5, 789-808.

Kim JW, Jeon WK & Kim EJ (2005) Combined effects of bovine colostrum and glutamine in diclofenac-induced bacterial translocation in rat. Clin Nutr. Oct;24(5):785-93

Li Y, Yu Z, Liu F, Tan L, Wu B & Li J. (2006) Oral glutamine ameliorates chemotherapy-induced changes of intestinal permeability and does not interfere with the antitumor effect of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer: a prospective randomized trial. Tumori. Sep-Oct;92(5):396-401.

Lima AA, Brito LF, Ribeiro HB, Martins MC, Lustosa AP, Rocha EM, Lima NL, Monte CM & Guerrant RL (2005) Intestinal barrier function and weight gain in malnourished children taking glutamine supplemented enteral formula. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. Jan;40(1):28-35.