The amino acid called glutamine helps your intestines and stomach cells to work and grow properly, Drugs.com reports. You may use a supplement if you do not have enough of the amino acid in your body. This may occur if you have been hurt or have suffered an ailment that decreases your glutamine levels, Drugs.com indicates. The website also states that your physician may combine human growth hormone, or HGH, with glutamine in the treatment of a condition known as short bowel syndrome. Supplementing with glutamine may induce some side effects. Speak with your doctor before using such a supplement. Glutamine also is available as a prescription medication.
Throat Problems
Taking glutamine as a supplement may lead to some problems in your throat that classify as non-serious and should occur only temporarily. For example, you may develop a cough when you begin using glutamine, MayoClinic.com reports. You also may feel a rough sensation, or hoarseness, in your throat, that also may affect your voice. These side effects should subside once you have adjusted to having glutamine in your body. If hoarseness or your cough persist, seek counsel from your medical practitioner.
Pain
The use of glutamine supplementation also may produce some temporary and mild pain when you start taking it, Drugs.com notes. Pain may occur in your stomach from the supplement. It also may manifest as pain in your joints or muscles. Your back and your head also may be susceptible to pain as side effects that should feel mild. Again, if any type of pain manifests while you take glutamine that feels severe or lingers, ask your physician about it.
Edema
Glutamine supplementation may produce a non-serious side effect known as edema, or swelling, as you begin your use of it. Drugs.com indicates that this edema may occur in specific areas, typically in your feet or in your hands. For most people, swelling will go down as they continue to use glutamine supplements. If it continues, however, it may indicate a serious health problem, so contact your doctor.
Bowel Problems
When you begin to use glutamine, you may notice some minor problems that affect your intestines or bowels, MayoClinic.com reports. For example, you may feel as though you must pass stools frequently, even if you do not. When you do try to expel stools, you may notice you have to strain. MayoClinic.com indicates these intestinal troubles typically cease on their own shortly after starting glutamine treatment.
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