Free glutamine is unstable in parenteral solutions?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Free glutamine stability in parenteral nutrition solutions is a key consideration. Free glutamine is highly unstable in aqueous PN solutions; it readily degrades via deamidation and cyclization to pyroglutamate, with increasing risk at typical PN temperatures and pH. This degradation reduces the amount of glutamine delivered and can lead to undesirable byproducts, including ammonia. To ensure reliable delivery, glutamine is supplied as a dipeptide, most commonly L-alanyl-L-glutamine, which remains stable in solution and releases glutamine upon metabolism in the body. Therefore, free glutamine being unstable in parenteral solutions is correct.