Effect of glutamine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract 

Objective

To assess clinical relevance of long term oral glutamine supplementation on lipid profile, inflammatory and metabolic factors in diabetic subjects.
Research method & procedure

Sixty-six type 2 diabetic subjects aged between 18-65 years old were randomized to receive glutamine (30g/d) or placebo three times a day, in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial during 6-week treatment period. Fifty-three type 2 diabetic patients completed the trial. Independent samples t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used.

Results

After 6- week treatment period, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in body fat mass (P=0.01) and percentage of body fat (P=0.008). Moreover, a significant reduction in waist circumference (P<0.001) and a tendency for an increases in fat free mass (P=0.03), with no change in body weight and body mass index (BMI) was found. Enhancement in body fat free mass was mainly attributed to trunk (P= 0.03). There was downward trend in systolic blood pressure (P= 0.005) but not diastolic. Fasting blood glucose (mmol/L) concentration significantly decreased after 6 weeks intervention (P=0.04). Mean HbA1c was significantly different between the groups at week 6 (P=0.04). No significant difference was detected for fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and QUICKI between groups (P>0.05). No significant difference was observed between groups in total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride. No treatment effect on C- reactive protein was found (P=0.44).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the 6 week supplementation with 30 g/d glutamine markedly improved some of cardiovascular risk factors and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes. Future glutamine dose-response studies are warranted in these areas.

Highlights 

•Systolic blood pressure level decreased significantly after glutamine ingestion.

•Glutamine ingestion significantly decreased fasting glucose compared with placebo.

•Waist circumference was found to be reduced in the glutamine group.

•Body composition was improved in glutamine group.

http://www.nutritionjrnl.com/

See WebMD for side effects, contraindications etc. it's also worth checking out the 24 reviews.

http://www.webmd.com/

Graham