The information contained in this newsletter should only be used as a guideline. Always make sure you have a correct diagnosis from your veterinarian before proceeding and always follow their directions and protocol.
Research has shown exciting uses for the amino acid, L-GLutamine. Amino acids are found in proteins, and generally these amounts are plentiful for daily needs. But certain conditions have been found beneficial for adding L-Glutamine to the diet.
It has been found that certain conditions can cause a lack of l-glutamine. These can include stress, frequent physical exercise, autoimmune conditions and ailments causing muscle wasting. Several studies have been conducted with l-glutamine that have shown very good results when used as a supplement.
http://pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lgl_0125.shtml
Muscle Atrophy
Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs, Revised: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals!
Lew Olson's newly revised book is filled with an abundance of new topics and information. Whether you are new to home feeding or a seasoned raw feeder, have a senior dog or a new puppy, a pregnant mom or a toy breed, this book presents all the information you need to make the best nutritional decisions for your dog.I first discovered the effectiveness of l-glutamine for muscle wasting when one of my Rottweiler puppies was diagnosed with distal myopathy six years ago, which is a form of muscular dystrophy. Not much was offered in treatment options for dogs, but I found a group for parents of children with Duchene’s Syndrome which is a form of MD similar to distal myopathy. Several supplement suggestions were offered, but the most interesting was the suggestion of large doses of l-glutamine. They told me this amino acid helps to stop muscle atrophy and maintain integrity of the muscles during the worst time of this disease (in dogs, this would be from four weeks to eight months). My dog started showing immediate improvement with adding this to his diet, and I have also used it in other muscle wasting diseases, such as arthritis, cancer and after surgeries.
For further information on distal myopathy and Rottweilers:
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/muscular-dystrophy-in-rottweilers/
Gastric Problems
Further investigation showed that l-glutamine is also helpful for gastric disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). L-glutamine helps to stop inflammation of the small and large intestine and promote new cell growth in the intestinal lining. Using l-glutamine for this purpose does not have an immediate affect, but it promotes improvement over a period of weeks. In dogs prone to these conditions I would continue to use it for a few months even after symptoms have disappeared to continue to promote healing. It has even been found useful in helping ulcers to heal.
For more information on dealing with these gastric problems: https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/gastric-problems/
Cancer
When I was developing the Bertes Immune Blend (partly due to one of my dogs being diagnosed with lymphosarcoma), I discovered l-glutamine was found not only useful for fighting muscle wasting associated with cancer, but also shows promise as an immune boosting supplement and may even be useful as an antioxidant. It is useful in this capacity to help support the dog’s immune system and help maintain body weight.
Wound Healing
It is also recommended to use this amino acid for wound healing:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_4_6/ai_78539420
“The gastrointestinal tract has a large number of immune cells along its length — fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and macrophages. The ability of glutamine to nourish these immune cells may account for its positive impact on the gastrointestinal tract and immunity. Healing of surgical wounds, trauma injuries, and burns is accomplished in part by the actions of these immune cells. Their proper functioning is dependent on glutamine as a metabolic fuel for growth and proliferation. Therefore, a depletion of intracellular glutamine can slow growth of these cells, and ultimately prolong healing.[1] A small clinical study conducted recently in Poland demonstrated glutamine-supplemented TPN rapidly improved a number of immune parameters in malnourished surgical patients with sepsis.[9] Additional clinical trials also suggest that glutamine supplementation, as well as arginine and omega-3 fatty acids, may promote restoration of normal tissue function and intestinal permeability in post-operative patients.[10,11]”
An easier translation is that l-glutamine aids in cell volume and hydration, which aids in wound healing. It is a great supplement to use after surgery or in wound healing.
Benefits of L-glutamine covers:
- IBD, Colitis, IBS and other gastric problems
- Cachexia (muscle wasting) in cancer
- Wound healing
- Ulcers
- Reducing muscle loss due to MD, arthritis and certain autoimmune disorders
- Immune system boosting and possible antioxidant properties
The suggested dosage of l-glutamine is 500 mg per 25 lbs of body weight daily. In certain conditions, such as MD, doses can be much higher, please feel free to email me for more information.
Side effects are not common, and the two that are reported infrequently are constipation or bloating. Doses of up to four grams daily in humans are given with no side effects. Doses for dogs given at the above suggested dosages are well within safety ranges.
B-Naturals uses l-glutamine in the Bertes Immune Blend (useful for autoimmune conditions and cancer) and the Bertes Digestion Blend. We also carry l-glutamine in powder or capsules in these products:
L-Glutamine Powder comes in an 8 ounce container for $23.95 and is in a highly concentrated powder at 5,000 mg per teaspoon.
L-Glutamine Capsules in a 500 mg capsule in 90 count bottle for $11.95.
Happy Thanksgiving from Bean and me, and we will see you next month!
Copyright 2006 Lew Olson, All Rights Reserved
