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How to Take Amino Acids Before a Colonoscopy

Oct 28, 2011 | By Linda Tarr Kent

Your doctor might recommend a colonoscopy to help diagnose unexplained abdominal pain, bowel habit changes, anal bleeding or weight loss. This procedure also is used after age 50 to screen for early signs of cancer. During your colonoscopy, a tiny biopsy might be performed, polyps may be removed and laser therapy may be utilized. Risks include persistent or heavy bleeding from a polyp-removal site, bowel perforation, infection and rectal irritation. There are theoretical benefits associated with using certain amino acids prior to and following your procedure, such as helping to speed your recovery from colonoscopy complications and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Do not supplement with these amino acids without your doctor’s approval.

Glutamine

Step 1

Discuss glutamine supplementation with your doctor when he recommends your colonoscopy. This amino acid has a theoretical benefit for speeding recovery if you have complications, according to University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. You need glutamine, the most abundant amino acid found in your body, for normal digestion and immune system function. In fact, this amino acid helps protect your mucosa, or the lining of your gastrointestinal tract. Certain conditions, like prolonged stress, surgery and infection, can lower your glutamine levels.

Step 2

Determine the best time frame with your physician. Glutamine supplementation appears to work best if you start it prior to your procedure, such as several days to a week, according to “Principles and Practice of Gastrointestinal Oncology,” by physician David Kelsen et al. Your doctor may recommend supplementation after your procedure as well.

Step 3

Choose a glutamine supplement that comes in liquid form. You’ll need to follow a clear liquid diet for one to three days prior to your colonoscopy. Consult your health care provider before purchasing a specific supplement.

Step 4

Consult your doctor to find the appropriate dosage. A dose of 500 milligrams taken three times daily, which equals 1,500 milligrams total, is generally considered safe, according to UMMC. However, health care providers sometimes prescribe doses as high as 15,000 milligrams a day, taken in divided doses.

Step 5

Take your glutamine with room-temperature or cold liquids. Avoid adding it to hot beverages because heat will destroy the glutamine.

Tryptophan

Step 1

Consult your doctor about taking supplemental tryptophan if he’s recommending a colonoscopy due to bothersome IBS symptoms. Tryptophan deficiency appears to worsen IBS symptoms such as diarrhea because having depleted tryptophan levels negatively affects your body’s serotonin levels, according to a 2004 study published in the gastroenterology journal “GUT.” Your body needs tryptophan to create serotonin. Serotonin is a key factor in the brain-gut axis and helps regulate gastrointestinal motility.

Step 2

Establish a time frame with your doctor for using tryptophan in attempt to improve your IBS symptoms prior to your colonoscopy.

Step 3

Follow your doctor’s guidance for dosage. While there’s no established upper limit for this amino acid, it’s important to have your doctor monitor your tryptophan use. Report any side effects immediately. For example, certain doses of this amino acid, such as 50 to 90 milligrams per 2.2 pounds body weight, may cause drowsiness and involuntary eye movement, according to the “Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids,” set by the U.S. Institute of Medicine.

Things You'll Need

  • Glutamine supplement
  • Tryptophan supplement

References

Article reviewed by J. Betherman Last updated on: Oct 28, 2011

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