L-Glutamine for IBS: Can it Help?

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Should You Try L-Glutamine for IBS?

Bass and Simpson agree that there is reasonable evidence that taking L-glutamine can help relieve symptoms of IBS-D or post-infectious IBS. But Bass says there isn’t enough research to show similar benefits for IBS-C — when more than a quarter of stools are hard or lumpy — or for IBS-M, which involves a mix of soft and hard stools.

As for side effects, “L-glutamine is generally well tolerated, but start with low doses so you can absorb it gradually and avoid any potential bloating,” says Simpson. Bass suggests starting with 5g of L-glutamine up to three times a day for six to eight weeks.

However, Bass says people with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis should avoid the supplement unless they get approval from their hepatologist. Taking large amounts of L-glutamine can increase ammonia levels in the body, because L-glutamine breaks down into ammonia, Bass explains.

In people with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis, this excess ammonia can build up and become dangerous, potentially leading to confusion and mood changes caused by a condition called hepatic encephalopathy.

The bottom line is this: if you find that taking an L-glutamine supplement works for you, then stick with it. If you find that other IBS strategies help control symptoms, you probably don’t need to introduce another approach.

“I don’t really recommend for or against [L-glutamine supplements]. But I advise them to continue if they feel that there is an improvement in the symptoms. Otherwise, [don’t] “keep spending your money if you think it doesn’t make a difference,” says Andrew Moore, MD, a Chicago-based gastroenterologist with Endeavor Health Medical Group.

If you choose to take a supplement, be sure to look for those that have been third-party tested, as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not test supplements for safety or effectiveness. Bass recommends purchasing only those tested by one of the following companies: United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF, or ConsumerLab.com.

Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement, as L-glutamine may interfere with some medications and should not be used by people with liver problems.

“Look for a pure L-glutamine powder with no added sweeteners, flavors, or fillers,” says Simpson.

Takeaways

L-glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid in your body that, when supplemented, can help relieve gastrointestinal symptoms in people with IBS-D and post-infectious IBS.

Specifically, research shows that L-glutamine supplementation can reduce intestinal permeability and potentially improve the effects of a low FODMAP diet.

There is not enough evidence to suggest that L-glutamine supplementation can help with other types of IBS, such as IBS-C and IBS-M.

Even though taking L-glutamine isn’t linked to many side effects, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor or healthcare team before starting a new supplement.