Glutamine supplementation reduces markers of intestinal permeability during running in the heat in a dose-dependent manner

Mark Hutson, Jamie Pugh, Stephen Sage, Dominic Doran, Simon Fleming, Jamie Highton, James Morton, Graeme Close

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Purpose
To examine the dose–response effects of acute glutamine supplementation on markers of gastrointestinal (GI) permeability, damage and, secondary, subjective symptoms of GI discomfort in response to running in the heat.

Methods
Ten recreationally active males completed a total of four exercise trials; a placebo trial and three glutamine trials at 0.25, 0.5 and 0.9 g kg−1 of fat-free mass (FFM) consumed 2 h before exercise. Each exercise trial consisted of a 60-min treadmill run at 70% of V˙O2max
in an environmental chamber set at 30 °C. GI permeability was measured using ratio of lactulose to rhamnose (L:R) in serum. Plasma glutamine and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) concentrations were determined pre and post exercise. Subjective GI symptoms were assessed 45 min and 24 h post-exercise.

Results
Relative to placebo, L:R was likely lower following 0.25 g kg−1 (mean difference: − 0.023; ± 0.021) and 0.5 g kg−1 (− 0.019; ± 0.019) and very likely following 0.9 g kg− 1 (− 0.034; ± 0.024). GI symptoms were typically low and there was no effect of supplementation.

Discussion
Acute oral glutamine consumption attenuates GI permeability relative to placebo even at lower doses of 0.25 g kg−1, although larger doses may be more effective. It remains unclear if this will lead to reductions in GI symptoms. Athletes competing in the heat may, therefore, benefit from acute glutamine supplementation prior to exercise in order to maintain gastrointestinal integrity.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2569-2577
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology
Volume117
Early online date20 Oct 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished online - 20 Oct 2017

Keywords

  • Glutamine
  • Exercise
  • Intestinal permeability
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms

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