Glutamine Supplementation Reduced Fasting Levels of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Hospitalized Children with Acute Respiratory Infection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Glutamine (Gln), as a precursor of glutathione and attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, has a vital role in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defense of the body. Oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines increase in respiratory diseases. Objectives: We sought to investigate the effect of Gln supplementation on serum levels of some inflammatory and oxidative stress indices in hospitalized children with ARI. Methods: We conducted a 5-day parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. This clinical trial was held for 5 days to assess the efficacy of the 0.5 g/kg body weight Gln, along with medical therapy, in hospitalized children with ARI. Results: The difference in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) between the Gln and placebo groups was significant after the intervention (analyzed by analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] after adjusting for the duration of cough and biochemical baseline values, 10.67 [7.77] vs 14.04 [6.57], respectively; P = 0.005). Moreover, at the end of the trial, there was no significant difference regarding the duration of hospitalization between the Gln and placebo groups (3.25 [1.37] vs 3.35 [0.8], respectively; P = 0.70). Conclusions: The effect of Gln supplementation on the reduction of hs-CRP in children with ARI was demonstrated in this study. Further research is needed to determine the exact effect of Gln on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in children with ARI.