Is it okay to use Glutamine as a treatment for ulcerative colitis?!
Question:
Is it okay to use Glutamine as a treatment for ulcerative colitis?
I recently recommended to a friend of mine that he use Glutamine as an alternative treatment for his condition because I've read a few websites that advised that. I don't know how reliable these sources are though. Any suggestions?
Answers:
I just did a quick review of the medical literature (via Medline) on the use of glutamine in the treatment of UC. There are several animal studies that suggest its use may be beneficial. Sadly, there are few human studies on this issue.
Glutamine may be worth a 'clinical trial period' to see if it helps your mother. You should discuss this with her doctors first.
What nutritional interventions have her doctors used with your mother? What was her response to them?
The literature suggests that long-term use of corticosteroids for UC is very dangerous. Consequently, your mother's docs should be working very hard to find alternative therapeutic approaches for your mom. If they are not doing so, why not?
Her doctors are getting paid serious money for treating your mom. Demand the best care and efforts from them. If they are not willing to 'give their all', find new doctors that will.
Best wishes and good luck.