What has evidence shown about glutamine supplementation?

• A. The REDOX trials showed a mortality benefit
• B. A meta-analysis demonstrated a clear reduction in LOS
• C. They did not show a mortality benefit and did not reduce LOS
• D. Glutamine has not been shown to reduce length of stay

Answer: (D)

Glutamine supplementation in critically ill patients has not reliably improved survival or shortened hospital stay. Large trials and subsequent meta-analyses have consistently shown no mortality benefit, and no consistent reduction in length of stay. Early, smaller studies sometimes suggested a shorter stay, but these findings did not persist in larger, higher-quality research. As a result, routine use of glutamine with the goal of improving these outcomes is not supported by the current evidence.