What is the purpose of glutamine supplementation?

• A. Glutamine supplementation is supposed to reduce mortality and nosocomial infections in critically ill patients
• B. It reduces blood pressure
• C. It increases infection risk
• D. It worsens organ function

Answer: (A)

Glutamine becomes especially important in critical illness because it serves as a key fuel for rapidly dividing cells, including enterocytes and immune cells. Providing glutamine through nutrition supports the gut barrier and immune function, with the goal of reducing infectious complications and, in some ICU patients, lowering mortality. That is why its purpose is best described as reducing mortality and nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. It does not primarily lower blood pressure, nor is it intended to increase infection risk or worsen organ function; those outcomes would contradict its therapeutic goal. Keep in mind that benefits depend on dosing and patient selection, and very high doses can be harmful in some scenarios, underscoring the need for appropriate use.