Glutamine supplementation in parenteral nutrition is used to mitigate which condition?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Mucosal atrophy
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Kidney stones

Answer: (B)

Glutamine in parenteral nutrition is used primarily to protect and preserve the gut lining. Enterocytes—the cells lining the intestinal mucosa—rely on glutamine as a major fuel source. During critical illness or stress, glutamine stores are depleted and the intestinal mucosa can undergo atrophy, leading to thinning of the mucosal lining, impaired barrier function, and increased risk of bacterial translocation and infection. Providing glutamine helps maintain villus height and mucosal mass, supports the integrity of the gut barrier, and can reduce infection risk.

This is why mucosal atrophy is the condition being mitigated with glutamine supplementation. It doesn’t directly address hypertension, hyperglycemia, or kidney stone formation.