Sugar Control [Discontinued] by Nature's Plus

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although there has been interest in using oral alanine for BPH, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alanine for this purpose.
• Cognitive function. Oral alanine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in healthy adults with fatigue shows that taking alanine 1 gram, along with serine, glutamate, aspartate, and tyrosine daily for 4 weeks improves some measures of cognitive function including attention, spatial cognition, orientation, motivation, and time management when compared with placebo (111249). It is unclear if these effects are due to alanine, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral alanine for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alanine for this purpose.
• Diarrhea-related dehydration. It is unclear if oral alanine is beneficial in children or adults with diarrhea-related dehydration. Details: One preliminary clinical trial in males age 6-59 years with severe secretory diarrhea primarily related to cholera or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli shows that an oral rehydration solution fortified with L-alpha-alanine 90 mmol/L, along with a reduced glucose concentration, is significantly more effective for reducing stool output than the standard WHO solution (16028). However, other clinical research in males age 3-48 months of age with diarrhea primarily related to viral infections shows that an oral rehydration solution fortified with L-alpha-alanine 30-90 mmol/L along with a reduced glucose concentration is not significantly more effective at reducing stool output than the standard WHO oral rehydration solution (16021).
• Fatigue. Oral alanine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in healthy adults with fatigue shows that taking alanine 1 gram, along with serine, glutamate, aspartate, and tyrosine daily for 4 weeks does not improve subjective or objective measures of fatigue when compared with placebo (111249).
• Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompe disease). It is unclear if oral alanine is beneficial in patients with Pompe disease. Details: A case series of 5 patients aged 15-47 years with late-onset glycogen storage disease type II shows that taking L-alpha-alanine 0.14 grams/kg daily, divided into 3 doses, for 4 weeks decreased resting energy expenditure, protein turnover, and catabolism when compared with baseline. However, measures of Pompe disease-associated myopathy were not reported. The validity of this study is limited by its small size and the lack of a comparator group (16444).
• Hypoglycemia. Small clinical studies suggest that oral alanine may modestly reduce iatrogenic hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking 20-40 grams of L-alpha-alanine orally produces a sustained rise in blood glucose levels after insulin-induced hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes (14612,16020). The rise is more prolonged than after 20 grams of oral glucose or 1 mg of subcutaneous glucagon (14612). Other preliminary clinical research also shows that patients with type 1 diabetes had more consistent and prolonged protection against nocturnal hypoglycemia after taking 40 grams of L-alpha-alanine plus 10 grams of glucose orally with a bedtime dose of NPH insulin than when they consumed a snack with the insulin dose (16019).
• Schizophrenia. It is unclear if oral alanine is beneficial in patients with schizophrenia. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking D-alpha-alanine orally 100 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks improves positive and negative symptom scores in patients with schizophrenia that were also on a stable antipsychotic regimen when compared with placebo (16027).
• Stress. Although there has been interest in using oral alanine for stress, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alanine for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate alanine for these uses.

(Read more about ALANINE)

LIKELY EFFECTIVE

• Chromium deficiency. Oral or parenteral chromium is effective for the treatment and prevention of chromium deficiency. Details: Taking chromium orally is effective for preventing and treating symptoms of chromium deficiency, including hyperglycemia, glycosuria, sudden weight loss, peripheral neuropathy, and confusion (7135).

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Diabetes. Oral chromium seems to be modestly beneficial for improving glycemic control in diabetes, especially when used in doses greater than 200 mcg daily and in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. It is unclear if chromium helps to prevent the development of diabetes. Details: Epidemiological research has found that lower toenail chromium levels are associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (11908). In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed a qualified health claim stating that chromium picolinate may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA has determined that any relationship between chromium picolinate and type 2 diabetes is highly uncertain and is based on limited scientific evidence (102362). Research on the use of chromium for the TREATMENT of type 2 diabetes is conflicting but seems to show modest benefit in some patients. Many small clinical studies show that taking chromium orally decreases fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, and increases insulin sensitivity (6867,7137,12390,15169,14440,42628,42638,95097,103745). However, other small clinical studies show that chromium is no better than placebo for improving glycemic indices in patients with diabetes (7060,14325,42679,42707,90059,103746,103749). Some of these studies may not have been adequately powered and some had a high risk of bias. Furthermore, these studies had high heterogeneity related to study population and size, chromium supplementation duration, formulation, and dose, and accepted standards of diabetes care. Multiple meta-analyses pooling results of these small clinical trials also show mixed results (90055,90063,95098,105026,110610). The most recent and comprehensive meta-analyses show that chromium picolinate lowers HbA1C by about 0.6%; while it is unclear if chromium yeast, chromium dinicocysteinate, or chromium with biotin or other natural ingredients are beneficial. Chromium seems to be most beneficial in doses of greater than 200 mcg taken for 12 weeks or longer, and in patients with poorly controlled diabetes with a baseline HbA1C of 8% or greater (90063,105026). There is also speculation that chromium might primarily benefit patients with low chromium levels; however, there has not been an analysis specifically evaluating this population (6867,7058,13725,14325,95098). Some research suggests that chromium might also modestly improve lipid levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (1934,6867,95098). A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials including patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking chromium 42-1000 mcg orally daily for 5-26 weeks decreases triglyceride levels by 7 mg/dL and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 2 mg/dL when compared with control. Taking chromium did not affect low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, the validity of these results is limited by high heterogeneity (110605). In addition, some meta-analyses have failed to demonstrate any effects of chromium on lipid levels (110610). A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials including patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking chromium 200-1000 mcg orally daily for 8-25 weeks lowers diastolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg, but not systolic blood pressure or body mass index, when compared with placebo (110607). Preliminary clinical research shows that chromium picolinate might improve metabolic parameters in patients with other forms of diabetes as well. This includes those with type 1 diabetes (1935), diabetes secondary to corticosteroid use (5039,42829), and gestational diabetes (42817).

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Hypertension. Meta-analyses of small clinical trials suggest that oral chromium does not lower blood pressure by a clinically meaningful amount. Details: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials in adults with different metabolic disorders shows that taking chromium 42-1000 mcg orally daily for 12-24 weeks does not lower systolic or diastolic blood pressure when compared with placebo (110609). A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials in adults with different chronic disorders shows that taking chromium 42-1000 mcg orally daily for 4-25 weeks lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 3 mmHg and 1 mmHg, respectively, when compared with placebo. However, the validity of this meta-analysis is limited by high heterogeneity (110604). Another meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials including patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking chromium 200-1000 mcg orally daily for 8-25 weeks lowers diastolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg, but not systolic blood pressure, when compared with placebo (110607). In addition, the validity of these results is limited by inclusion of patients with and without hypertension at baseline (110604,110607,110609).
• Impaired glucose tolerance (Prediabetes). Oral chromium does not seem to improve glycemic indices in patients with prediabetes. Details: Some clinical research shows that adults with impaired glucose tolerance do not have improved glycemic parameters or insulin sensitivity after taking chromium picolinate 500-1000 mcg daily for up to 6 months when compared with placebo (13053,42670). Likewise, a small clinical study in elderly patients with impaired glucose tolerance shows that chromium supplements do not improve glucose tolerance or triglyceride or cholesterol levels when compared with placebo (13722). Finally, a preliminary clinical study in overweight or obese adults with prediabetes shows that taking two capsules of a combination product containing chromium, cinnamon, and carnosine (Glycabiane, PiLeJe) daily for 4 months decreases fasting plasma glucose by approximately 4 mg/dL when compared with placebo, but does not improve fasting plasma insulin, measures of insulin sensitivity or resistance, or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (94234). The small effect on fasting plasma glucose is clinically insignificant and may be due to the other ingredients in this product.
• Schizophrenia. Oral chromium does not seem to improve psychological measures in patients with schizophrenia. Details: Clinical research in patients with schizophrenia shows that taking chromium polynicotinate 400 mcg daily for 3 months does not affect weight or mental status when compared with placebo (42613).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Antiretroviral-induced insulin resistance. It is unclear if oral chromium is beneficial for preventing antiretroviral-induced insulin resistance. Details: Preliminary clinical research in HIV patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) shows that taking chromium nicotinate 200 mcg or chromium picolinate 1000 mcg daily for 8-16 weeks may help decrease insulin resistance and increase glucose disposal when compared to baseline (42630,42662). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a control group.
• Athletic performance. It is unclear if chromium enhances athletic performance, although some research suggests that it may improve body composition when used in conjunction with exercise. Details: One large clinical study shows taking chromium 400 mcg daily, in conjunction with resistance training, can increase weight loss, body fat loss, and lean body mass when compared with placebo and resistance training (6868). However, other, very small clinical studies show that adding chromium picolinate or chromium chloride 177-400 mcg daily to a weight-training program does not improve body composition when compared with weight-training alone (6860,6861,6862,42747). These studies may not have been adequately powered to detect a difference in outcomes.
• Atypical depression. It is unclear if oral chromium is beneficial in patients with atypical depression. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with atypical depression shows that taking chromium picolinate 400 mcg daily for 2 weeks followed by 600 mcg daily for an additional 6 weeks improves response and remission rates when compared with placebo (10309). However, other clinical research shows that taking elemental chromium 400 mcg in the form of chromium picolinate daily for 2 weeks followed by 600 mcg daily for an additional 6 weeks does not improve most symptoms of atypical depression, although appetite and sexual drive may improve, when compared with placebo (42600).
• Beta blocker-induced dyslipidemia. It is unclear if oral chromium is beneficial in patients with dyslipidemia due to beta-blocker use. Details: One small clinical study in patients who take beta-blockers shows that taking glucose tolerance factor (GTF)-chromium 600 mcg daily for 2 months increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels by 16%, but does not affect other lipid parameters, when compared with placebo (5040).
• Binge eating disorder. It is unclear if oral chromium is beneficial in patients with binge eating disorder. Details: One small clinical study in overweight adults with binge eating disorder shows that taking chromium picolinate 600 or 1000 mcg by mouth daily for 6 months does not affect binge eating frequency, body weight, or depressive symptoms when compared with placebo (90057).
• Bipolar disorder. It is unclear if oral chromium is beneficial in patients with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with treatment-resistant, rapid-cycling bipolar disorder shows that taking chromium chloride (Hypo-A Chrom, Hypo-A GmbH) 600-800 mcg daily for up to 2 years can decrease the frequency of affective episodes by approximately three episodes annually when compared to baseline (42618). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a control group.
• Cognitive impairment. It is unclear if oral chromium prevents cognitive impairment. Details: Some clinical research shows that taking chromium picolinate standardized to contain elemental chromium 1000 mcg daily for 12 weeks does not improve memory or depression in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment when compared with placebo. However, results from neuroimaging scans suggest that chromium increases the activity of certain regions of the brain during memory tasks when compared with placebo (42666).
• Hyperlipidemia. Small clinical studies suggest that oral chromium may modestly reduce lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia. Details: One small clinical study in patients with atherosclerotic disease shows that taking chromium 250 mcg as chromium chloride daily for 7-16 months decreases triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, but not other lipid parameters, when compared with placebo (7060). Other small clinical studies in adults with hyperlipidemia show that taking chromium picolinate 200 mcg daily for 6 weeks, chromium polynicotinate 200 mcg twice daily, or brewer's yeast containing 48 mcg elemental chromium daily for 6-8 weeks decrease total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol when compared to baseline (37178,42585,42710). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of comparison with a control group. A meta-analysis of small heterogeneous clinical studies in patients mostly without hyperlipidemia shows that taking chromium orally does not affect lipid levels when compared with placebo (105029). A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials including patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking chromium 42-1000 mcg orally daily for 5-26 weeks modestly improves triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels, but not LDL cholesterol levels, when compared with control. However, the validity of these results is limited by high heterogeneity and inclusion of patients with and without hyperlipidemia (110605). In addition, some meta-analyses have failed to demonstrate any effects of chromium on lipid levels in adults with diabetes (110610). Limited research has tested high-dose chromium in children. One small clinical study in children with hypercholesterolemia shows that taking chromium polynicotinate 400-600 mcg with glucomannan 1000-1500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks reduces total and LDL cholesterol when compared to baseline (90061). It is unclear if this effect is due to chromium, glucomannan, or the combination. Finally, chromium does not seem to reduce lipid levels in people without hyperlipidemia.
• Hypoglycemia. It is unclear if oral chromium helps to reverse or prevent hypoglycemia. Details: One very small clinical study in patients with reactive hypoglycemia shows that taking chromium chloride 200 mcg daily for 3 months increases blood glucose levels and improves insulin binding and hypoglycemic symptoms following an oral glucose load (6859). Another small clinical study in patients with symptomatic hypoglycemia shows that taking chromium yeast (Biochrome, Pharma-Nord) 125 mcg daily for 3 months improves symptoms, including chilliness, trembling, and disorientation, when compared with baseline (42711). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a control group.
• Metabolic syndrome. It is unclear if oral chromium is beneficial in patients with metabolic syndrome. Details: One small clinical study in patients with metabolic syndrome shows that taking a particular chromium picolinate product (Chromax, Nutrition 21) 500 mcg twice daily for 16 weeks does not affect weight, waist circumference, insulin sensitivity, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), or lipid levels when compared with placebo (42654).
• Myocardial infarction (MI). It is unclear if oral chromium helps to prevent MI. Details: Epidemiological research has found that low toenail chromium concentrations are associated with an increased risk of MI (13728). However, toenail chromium concentrations might not be a reliable predictor of body stores of chromium. There is also no reliable research showing that chromium supplements can prevent MI.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral chromium slows NAFLD progression. Details: One small clinical study in patients with NAFLD shows that taking chromium picolinate 200 mcg two times daily after meals for 12 weeks does not affect liver enzyme levels or body weight when compared with placebo (105027).
• Obesity. Although some research suggests that oral chromium may increase weight loss, this increase in weight loss is not likely to be considered clinically relevant. Details: Meta-analyses of clinical studies in overweight or obese adults show that taking chromium picolinate 200-1000 mcg daily for 12-16 weeks might result in a cumulative weight loss of about 0.5-1 kg when compared with placebo (90062,90065). However, this small reduction in weight is unlikely to be considered clinically significant. Furthermore, certain small clinical studies in healthy, overweight or obese adults and children show that taking oral chromium 200-1000 mcg daily for 6-24 weeks does not reduce weight when compared with control (6860,13727,17224,42680). Some of these studies may not have been adequately powered to detect a smaller effect. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials including patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking chromium 200-1000 mcg orally daily for 8-25 weeks does not lower body mass index when compared with placebo. However, the validity of these results is limited by inclusion of patients with and without obesity at baseline (110607).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is unclear if oral chromium improves symptoms of PCOS. Details: One small clinical study in patients with PCOS shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg daily for 6 months along with diet and exercise counseling decreases body mass index and improves rates of ovulation and regular menstruation when compared with placebo (95094). Also, some clinical research shows that taking chromium picolinate (21st Century HealthCare, Inc. or Nature Made) 200 mcg daily orally for 8 weeks increases insulin sensitivity when compared with placebo (95095,98687). However, other preliminary clinical research shows that taking chromium picolinate 200 mcg daily for 4 months does not affect insulin sensitivity or improve ovulation rates (42603). Although chromium picolinate at doses of less than 1000 mcg might have very small effects on fasting glucose, these doses do not seem to have clinically beneficial effects on fasting glucose, pregnancy rate, or testosterone levels (95094,95095,98687). A lower dose of chromium has also been studied in combination with carnitine. One small clinical study in overweight adults with PCOS shows that taking chromium picolinate 200 mcg daily with carnitine 1000 mg daily for 12 weeks modestly reduces fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and body weight, and slightly increases insulin sensitivity, when compared with placebo (103747). However, it is unclear if this benefit is clinically significant. Additionally, it is unclear if these effects are due to chromium, carnitine, or the combination. Carnitine has demonstrated clinical benefit when used alone in PCOS.
• Turner syndrome. It is unclear if oral chromium is beneficial in patients with this condition. Details: A small clinical study shows that taking brewer's yeast 30 grams containing chromium 50 mcg daily for 8 weeks might improve abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism when compared with baseline in patients with Turner syndrome, a genetic disorder that has a high incidence of diabetes (13729). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group. More evidence is needed to rate chromium for these uses.

(Read more about CHROMIUM)

EFFECTIVE

• Sickle cell disease. A specific oral glutamine powder (Endari, Emmaus Medical, Inc) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce acute complications of sickle cell disease. Details: Clinical research in adults and children 5 years of age and older shows that taking glutamine 5-15 grams (0.3 grams/kg body weight) orally twice daily for 48 weeks, either with or without hydroxyurea, delays the median time to first crisis by 30 days, and reduces the incidence of acute chest syndrome by 15%, number of hospitalizations by 33%, and the number of hospitalized days by 40%, when compared with placebo (96519,99414).

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Burns. Oral glutamine seems to improve healing in patients with severe burns and may also reduce the risk for burn wound infections; however, it is unclear if glutamine improves hospitalization length or mortality. Details: Some clinical research shows that administering enteral nutrition supplemented with glutamine 0.35-0.5 grams/kg daily for 12-14 days, beginning within 24-48 hours of hospitalization for severe burn injury (excluding inhalation injury), decreases the length of hospital stay by 6-9 days and may shorten wound healing when compared to control enteral nutrition (52307,52337). A clinical study in adults with moderate to severe burns (including inhalation injury) shows that administering enteral nutrition supplemented with intravenous alanyl glutamine 0.5 grams/kg daily, beginning within 24 hours of burn injury and continued for 14 days, may improve burn-induced organ damage, particularly intestinal mucosal injury, but does not improve mortality or length of hospitalization, when compared with standard nutritional support (108027). Another study in the same population shows that administering enteral nutrition supplemented with glutamine 4.3 grams every 4 hours, beginning within 24 hours of burn injury, decreases the risk of mortality by 83% and the risk of Pseudomonas wound infections; however, it does not decrease the duration of hospitalization (52311). A meta-analysis of these trials and one additional trial shows that administering glutamine enterally reduces the risk of Gram-negative bacterial wound infections by 73% and reduces the risk of mortality by 87% when compared to a control group. However, there was no difference in length of stay or overall wound infection rate (97363). Results were based on a small number of patients within each outcome evaluation. Intravenous glutamine has also been evaluated. One small clinical study shows that intravenous glutamine 0.57 grams/kg daily decreases the incidence of Gram-negative bacteremia by 35% when compared with control in patients with severe burns. However, it does not appear to decrease the incidence of Gram-positive bacteremia, the need to use antibiotics, or risk of mortality (52272).
• Critical illness (trauma). Oral and intravenous glutamine seem to reduce infectious complications in critically ill adults. However, glutamine does not seem to reduce mortality in this population. Details: Some studies show that glutamine reduces the risk of infectious complications in critically ill, multiple-trauma, or postoperative adult patients (5449,5450,7309,7731,8184,52288,52359). However, other studies show no benefit (52308,52360,97362). Meta-analyses of these and other clinical trials suggest that glutamine supplementation reduces the risk of nosocomial infections in critically ill patients by 15% to 18% and the risk of nosocomial infections in surgical patients by 30% to 41%. This benefit was seen only with parenteral glutamine; enteral glutamine does not appear to reduce the risk for nosocomial infection (91355,91358). The role of glutamine for reducing mortality in critically ill adults is conflicting. Some clinical trials suggest that glutamine-enriched enteral and parenteral nutrition reduces mortality in critically ill patients (52283,52289,52408). However, other studies show no benefit (52288,52308,52354,52359,97362). Meta-analyses of results from these and other clinical trials show that, overall, taking glutamine does not reduce the risk of mortality in critically ill patients (91355,91358). However, the dose and dosage form may affect outcomes. One meta-analysis shows that glutamine does not affect the risk of mortality when administered at doses up to 0.5 grams/kg daily, although doses greater than 0.5 grams/kg daily may INCREASE mortality by 18% (91355). Another meta-analysis shows that glutamine decreases short-term mortality in critically ill patients by 25% when administered parenterally, but not enterally (91358). Neither parenteral nor enteral glutamine appears to decrease the risk of long-term mortality in critically ill patients (91358). Research evaluating glutamine in critically ill children is limited. One clinical study in children ages 1-17 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) shows that enteral administration of glutamine along with zinc, selenium, and intravenous metoclopramide does not reduce nosocomial infections when compared with whey supplementation (86095).
• HIV/AIDS-related wasting. Oral glutamine seems to attenuate weight loss related to HIV/AIDS. Details: Very small clinical studies show that taking glutamine orally seems to enhance intestinal absorption of nutrients, decrease intestinal permeability, and increase weight gain in adults with HIV/AIDS when compared with placebo. Doses of 40 grams daily seem to produce the greatest effect (2337,2702). Lower doses of 14 grams daily might also be effective when used in combination with arginine and hydroxymethylbutyrate (a leucine metabolite) (7310).
• Postoperative recovery. Oral or intravenous glutamine seems to reduce the duration of hospitalization and improve postoperative nutritional status in adults. However, it does not seem to reduce postoperative mortality. Details: Although some conflicting evidence exists (52316), most clinical research shows that receiving free glutamine or glutamine-containing dipeptide intravenously decreases the duration of hospitalization after surgery, particularly after major abdominal surgery (2363,5448,7300,7732,52275,52341). A meta-analysis of this research and other studies shows that IV supplementation with glutamine-containing dipeptides reduces the length of hospital stay by 3 days when compared with no supplementation (96507). Other meta-analyses of clinical research also show that glutamine supplementation, as free glutamine or glutamine-containing dipeptides, reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections by 30% in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients and by 41% in elective surgical patients (91355,91358). In cancer patients undergoing abdominal surgery, glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition seems to improve nutritional status and gastrointestinal function (100943). Glutamine-containing dipeptides also appear to help to preserve intestinal integrity (7299,7300,7732,52306). One small study has evaluated oral glutamine 10 grams, in combination with arginine 4.5 grams, in patients undergoing surgery for enterocutaneous fistulas. This study shows that taking this combination daily for 7 days prior to surgery reduces recurrence of fistulas by 35%, and also reduces postoperative infections (103837). Although glutamine seems to decrease length of stay and reduce infection rate, it does not appear to reduce the risk of mortality in either surgical ICU or elective surgical patients (91355,91358,96509,103834), including those receiving major abdominal surgery (5448,52316,91355,96507). Additionally, most research shows that glutamine supplementation does not reduce the incidence of infectious complications following abdominal surgery (52306,52316,52341,5448,7300,96507). The effects of glutamine on reducing infection rate might be related to patient population, modes of nutrition, or dose of glutamine. Taking a combination of glutamine 7 grams, arginine 7 grams, and hydroxymethylbutyrate 1.2 grams (Abound, Abbott) orally daily for 3 days before and 7 days after abdominal surgery does not reduce the incidence of wound infections or other complications (99413). Most of the research evaluating glutamine in surgical patients has been conducted in adults. Information in children is limited. Existing clinical research shows that glutamine-fortified parenteral nutrition does not improve intestinal permeability, nitrogen balance, duration of hospitalization, incidence of infectious complications, or risk of mortality in newborns and infants undergoing digestive-tract surgery (52338,96508).

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Athletic performance. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve athletic performance. Details: Small studies in trained athletes or healthy adults show that taking glutamine orally does not seem to enhance performance or immune response during intense acute or prolonged exercise when compared with placebo (2341,2342,5455,5456).
• Crohn disease. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve symptoms of this condition. Details: Small clinical studies in adults and children with Crohn disease show that taking glutamine 7 grams three times daily or following a glutamine-enriched diet for 4 weeks does not seem to improve intestinal permeability or disease activity, and might even worsen disease activity, when compared with placebo or a low-glutamine diet (2338,6256).
• Cystinuria. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve cystinuria. Details: According to case reports, taking glutamine orally does not seem to reduce the excretion of cysteine in the urine in patients with homozygous cystinuria (2339).
• Low birth weight. Oral glutamine does not seem to reduce adverse consequences of low birth weight in infants. Details: Most clinical studies show that glutamine supplementation does not improve the time to full enteral feeding, infant growth rate, or length of hospital stay in low birth weight infants (52305,52312,52325,52342,52362,52410). One follow-up study also shows that neonatal glutamine supplementation is not associated with improvements in cognitive function, motor skills, or behavior outcomes by school age when corrected for neonatal infection rate (52342,97365).
• Muscular dystrophy. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Details: Clinical studies show that taking glutamine 0.5-0.6 grams/kg orally does not significantly improve muscle strength or whole body protein degradation in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when compared with placebo or a nonspecific amino acid mixture (46657,52363).
• Prematurity. Oral glutamine does not seem to reduce morbidity or mortality associated with prematurity. Details: A meta-analysis of clinical trials in preterm infants, including infants with low to very low birth weight, shows that use of enteral or parenteral glutamine does not reduce the risk of mortality or morbidities, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, when compared with control. However, limited evidence from a sub-group analysis suggests that enteral glutamine might modestly reduce the risk of invasive infection when compared with control (105015). These findings are limited by the selection bias and heterogeneity of the included trials.
• Radiation-induced diarrhea. Oral glutamine does not seem to improve diarrhea due to radiation therapy. Details: One meta-analysis of five randomized, controlled trials shows that taking oral glutamine during radiotherapy for pelvic cancers does not prevent or reduce the severity of diarrhea when compared with placebo (97367).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Antiretroviral-associated diarrhea. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves diarrhea caused by antiretroviral agents. Details: A small crossover clinical study in HIV patients shows that oral glutamine 30 grams daily for 10 days seems to reduce the severity of nelfinavir-associated diarrhea when compared with placebo (52313).
• Alcohol use disorder. Although there is interest in using oral glutamine for alcohol use disorder, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glutamine for this condition.
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there is interest in using oral glutamine for ADHD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glutamine for this condition.
• Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves diarrhea caused by chemotherapy. Details: Although preliminary clinical studies show that glutamine might reduce the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (7235,7285), a meta-analysis of this research and others shows no difference in the severity of diarrhea (7233,7295,96516). Despite results showing a significant 1-day reduction in the duration of diarrhea, this might not be considered clinically significant (96516).
• Chemotherapy-induced lymphocytopenia. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces lymphocytopenia caused by chemotherapy. Details: One small clinical study in patients with esophageal cancer receiving chemo-radiotherapy shows that taking glutamine 30 grams daily for 28 days seems to prevent a reduction in lymphocytes when compared with placebo (2705). However, another small clinical trial in patients with leukemia or lymphoma receiving intensive chemotherapy shows that adding glutamine 26 grams to total parenteral nutrition (TPN), in place of other amino acids, does not affect duration of neutropenia when compared with receiving an isonitrogenous standard TPN (7295).
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is unclear if oral glutamine is beneficial in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Details: A very small, nonblinded, non-randomized evaluation of otherwise healthy patients over 50 years of age who were hospitalized with mild COVID-19 pneumonia shows that taking glutamine 10 grams three times daily orally with meals is associated with a 1-day decrease in hospital stay (from 10 days to 9) when compared with patients not taking glutamine. In the latter group, 4 patients required transfer to the ICU, compared with no patients in the glutamine group (103839). A similar, non-randomized evaluation of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia shows that adding the same dose of glutamine to other therapies for 5 days is associated with a 3-day decrease in hospital stay (from 14 days to 11) when compared with patients not taking glutamine. At the end of treatment, 0% of patients in the glutamine group required ICU services, compared with 54% of patients who did not receive glutamine. This study also shows that taking glutamine may increase appetite (108035). The validity of these findings is limited by short duration of treatment and use of non-standardized treatments.
• Cystic fibrosis. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves growth and development in children with cystic fibrosis. Details: A small clinical study in undernourished or stunted children with cystic fibrosis shows that taking glutamine 0.7 grams/kg daily orally for 4 weeks with or without recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) does not promote protein gain when compared with rhGH alone (52321).
• Diabetic foot ulcers. Oral glutamine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific nutritional supplement drink containing glutamine 7 grams, arginine 7 grams, and hydroxymethylbutyrate 1.5 grams (Abound, Abbott) twice daily for 16 weeks does not improve total wound closure or reduce the time to complete healing when compared with a control drink in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (96637). It is unclear if this effect is due to glutamine, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Diarrhea. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves diarrhea in children and infants. Details: One preliminary clinical study in 6-24 month-old otherwise healthy children with acute diarrhea shows that taking capsules prepared with a specific glutamine powder (Power Glutamine, Champion Nutrition) 0.3 grams/kg daily for 7 days reduces the duration of diarrhea by about one day when compared with placebo (52323). However, other clinical research in male infants 1-12 months old with acute diarrhea and dehydration shows that adding glutamine 90 mmol/L along with the standard World Health Organization oral rehydration salts (ORS) does not decrease the duration of diarrhea, stool output, or the volume of oral rehydration solution required to achieve and maintain hydration when compared with standard ORS alone (7298).
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). It is unclear whether oral glutamine or glutamine added to parenteral nutrition improves morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing HSCT. Some research has suggested that intravenous glutamine may actually worsen outcomes. Details: Some research suggests that patients receiving glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) after HSCT primarily to treat hematologic malignancies have a diminished incidence of clinical infections, lower rates of microbial colonization, and decreased length of hospital stay when compared to control (2366,52381). However, not all patients seem to benefit. Some research shows that oral glutamine or PN with glutamine does not reduce the risk of mortality or infections in patients with hematologic malignancies and/or solid tumors (5451,52385). Also, a small clinical study in patients undergoing HSCT shows that PN with glutamine dipeptide may increase the duration of hospital stay (52292). Furthermore, one small study has found that receiving PN with glutamine was associated with lower disease-free survival and event-free survival over 3 years when compared with standard PN in patients receiving HSCT for hematologic malignancies (52355).
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There is limited evidence on the oral use of glutamine in patients with IBS. Details: A clinical trial in adults with IBS (diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, mixed, or alternating bowel habits) shows that following a low FODMAP diet supplemented with oral glutamine 15 grams three times daily for 6 weeks improves IBS-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) scores, with 88% of patients in the glutamine group reporting a 45% improvement in severity scores, compared with 60% of patients following the low FODMAP diet alone (108037). The validity of this finding is limited by short duration of treatment and lack of follow-up. Preliminary clinical research in patients with postinfectious, diarrhea-predominant IBS shows that taking glutamine 5 grams three times daily for 8 weeks leads to a nearly 14-fold greater likelihood of symptom improvement, defined as a reduction of 50 points or more on the IBS-SSS, and decreases stool frequency by 2.45 stools daily when compared with placebo. Taking glutamine also seems to reduce abdominal pain ratings by 55% and improve quality of life scores by 53% when compared to baseline in these patients (100944). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Lung cancer. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves survival in patients with advanced lung cancer. Details: One small clinical study in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer shows that taking glutamine 10 grams three times daily for 12 months along with palliative chemoradiotherapy prevents weight loss, which is an important predictor of survival, but does not increase the likelihood of progression-free survival when compared with palliative chemoradiotherapy alone (100942). It is unclear if this study was adequately powered to detect a difference in survival between groups.
• Malnutrition. It is unclear if oral alanyl-glutamine improves height and weight in children at risk for malnutrition. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children aged 2 months to 5 years from a low-income area of Brazil and at risk for malnutrition, shows that taking 3-12 grams of alanyl-glutamine orally daily for 10 days improves gut integrity and is associated with a modest, short-term increase in weight when compared with a glycine placebo (103838).
• Exercise-induced muscle damage. It is unclear if oral glutamine is beneficial for exercise-induced muscle damage. Details: A very small clinical crossover trial in professional athletes undergoing rigorous training shows that taking oral glutamine 6 grams daily for 20 days reduces serum levels of creatine kinase and myoglobin when compared with placebo (108031). The validity of these findings is limited due to the small size and short duration of treatment.
• Obesity. It is unclear if oral glutamine is beneficial for weight loss. Details: A preliminary clinical study in 36 overweight or obese adults shows that taking glutamine 30 grams daily for 2 weeks reduces waist circumference by 1.8 cm, but does not improve body weight, body mass index, or glycemic indices, when compared to baseline. None of these outcomes were improved over baseline in an alanine control group (100941). Given the small study size and short duration of therapy, the long-term effects of glutamine on anthropometric measures is unclear.
• Opioid withdrawal. Oral glutamine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in Chinese patients undergoing detoxification from heroin shows that taking a combination of tyrosine, lecithin, 5-HTP, and glutamine 50 mg/kg orally daily for 6 days might reduce mood-related withdrawal symptoms when compared with placebo (88178). It is unclear if this effect is due to glutamine, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Oral mucositis. There is contradictory evidence about the effects of glutamine in patients with, or at risk of developing, oral mucositis from chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Details: Small clinical studies suggest that taking glutamine orally or swishing and swallowing a glutamine solution can decrease the incidence, severity, and duration of oral mucositis in some patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for cancer or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) (2336,2368,2704,5029). Additionally, three meta-analyses of highly heterogeneous clinical trials in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy suggests that glutamine reduces the incidence of severe (grade ≥3) oral mucositis when compared with control (105014,108028,108036). These analyses are limited for several reasons, including reporting bias, lack of sensitivity analysis, and population heterogeneity. Some small clinical studies included in these meta-analyses suggest that supplementation with glutamine may reduce the need for feeding tubes and opioid analgesics (108028,108036). However, not all research has been positive. Some small clinical studies in patients receiving chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil for cancer or HSCT suggest that oral or intravenous glutamine does not reduce the incidence of oral mucositis when compared with control (2365,5451,5462,7296,52349,52350). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 5 clinical trials in patients with head or neck cancers shows that oral glutamine does not reduce the overall incidence or the incidence of moderate to severe radiation-induced oral mucositis when compared with control (103836). The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and the International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) cautiously recommends the use of oral glutamine to prevent oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy. However, due to some evidence suggesting that intravenous glutamine may actually worsen outcomes in HSCT patients, the MASCC/ISOO recommends against its use for the prevention of oral mucositis in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, with or without total body irradiation, for HSCT (105004).
• Paclitaxel-induced myalgia and arthralgia. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces the risk for myalgias and arthralgias due to paclitaxel. Details: One small clinical study shows that taking glutamine 10 grams three times daily for 5 days, starting on the day of chemotherapy and repeated over 2 cycles of chemotherapy, does not reduce the rate or severity of paclitaxel-induced myalgias or arthralgias when compared with placebo (52331).
• Pancreatitis. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis. Details: Two meta-analyses of the available clinical research in patients with pancreatitis show that enteral or parenteral supplementation with glutamine increases albumin, decreases C-reactive protein, and might reduce mortality, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, hospital length of stay, and infections. Results are difficult to interpret due to the significant heterogeneity of the included trials and limited generalizability of the results (96513,103835).
• Peptic ulcers. Although there is interest in using oral glutamine for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of glutamine for this condition.
• Postoperative infection. It is unclear if oral or intravenous glutamine is beneficial for the prevention of postoperative infection in patients with colorectal cancer who are recovering from surgery. Details: A meta-analysis of nonblinded clinical research in adults with colorectal or colon cancer who recently underwent radical surgery shows that daily supplementation with glutamine 0.3-1 grams/kg, administered either orally or parenterally, improves the rate of surgical site infections and anastomotic leakage when compared with control (108033). These findings are limited by the high heterogeneity of the included studies and unclear reporting.
• Postoperative recovery. It is unclear if oral or intravenous glutamine is beneficial in patients with colorectal cancer who are recovering from surgery. Details: A meta-analysis of nonblinded clinical research in adults with colorectal or colon cancer who recently underwent radical surgery shows that taking either oral or parenteral glutamine 0.3-1 grams/kg daily may reduce the length of hospital stay when compared with control (108033). These findings are limited by the high heterogeneity of the included studies and unclear reporting.
• Pressure ulcers. Oral glutamine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A very small clinical study in patients with stages II-IV pressure ulcers shows that taking a specific nutritional supplement drink containing glutamine 7 grams, arginine 7 grams, and hydroxymethylbutyrate 1.5 grams per packet (Abound, Abbott Nutrition) as two packets twice daily by mouth for 2 weeks has no effect on wound area or healing scores by the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) measurement when compared with standard nutritional care (96506).
• Radiation dermatitis. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces the risk of developing dermatitis from radiation therapy. Details: One small clinical study in patients with head and neck cancers receiving cisplatin shows that taking a specific supplement containing glutamine 7 grams, arginine 7 grams, and hydroxymethylbutyrate 1.5 grams (Abound, Abbott) orally twice daily, starting on day 1 of radiation and continuing until 1 week after radiation therapy, does not reduce the incidence of severe radiation-induced dermatitis when compared with no supplementation (96639). However, another small clinical study in patients with breast cancer who have had both chemotherapy and surgery shows that taking oral glutamine 5 grams three times daily, starting 1 week before radiation and continuing until 1 week after radiation, is associated with a reduction in grade 1 and grade 2 radiation dermatitis when compared with placebo (97366).
• Radiation-induced esophagitis. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces the risk of developing esophagitis from radiation therapy. Details: A small clinical study in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer shows that taking glutamine 10 grams three times daily for 12 months along with a palliative dose of chemoradiotherapy (total 30 Gy) results in a 7% incidence of symptomatic (grade 2 or higher) radiation-induced esophagitis, compared with a 53% incidence with palliative chemoradiotherapy alone. The glutamine group also had a 5.8-day delay in the onset of esophagitis (100942). However, a lower dose of glutamine in patients receiving higher doses of radiotherapy might not be beneficial. A small clinical study in patients with advanced thoracic malignancies shows that taking glutamine 4 grams mixed in water twice daily for 4 weeks along with radiotherapy (total dose of at least 45 Gy) to the esophagus, with or without chemotherapy, does not slow the onset of radiation-induced esophagitis or reduce its severity when compared with a glycine placebo (105011).
• Short bowel syndrome. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves symptoms of short bowel syndrome. Details: Although small clinical studies suggest that glutamine plus growth hormone can decrease dependence on parenteral nutrition in some patients (2334,2361,2362,2703), it has not shown benefit for improving intestinal absorption of energy in all studies (8185). Additionally, glutamine alone doesn't appear to be beneficial (7730).
• Traumatic Brain injury (TBI). It is unclear if intravenous glutamine is beneficial in patients hospitalized with severe TBI. Details: A clinical trial in patients hospitalized for a severe TBI shows that adherence to a hypocaloric, low-protein diet supplemented with daily intravenous glutamine 0.3 g/kg for 7 days does not improve 28-day mortality when compared with standard nutritional support alone. However, it may reduce the length of ventilator use, hospitalization, and duration of intensive care unit stay (108034).
• Vincristine-induced neuropathy. It is unclear if oral glutamine reduces the risk of developing neuropathy from treatment with vincristine in children. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children ages 1-21 years receiving vincristine for various cancer types shows that taking glutamine 6 grams/m2 twice daily orally for 21 days reduces sensory neuropathy when compared with placebo. There was a significant improvement in self-reported, but not parent-reported, quality of life scores as measured by the PedsQL scale. However, there was no effect on motor neuropathy with the use of glutamine (96517).
• Wound healing. It is unclear if oral glutamine improves wound healing. Details: Preliminary clinical research in trauma patients with wound healing disorders shows that taking glutamine 20 grams orally daily in combination with ascorbic acid 500 mg, vitamin E 166 mg, beta-carotene 3.2 mg, selenium 100 mcg, and zinc 6.6 mg (Glutamine Plus, Fresenius Kabi) for 14 days reduces the time to wound closure by 29 days when compared with placebo. However, there is no difference in length of stay (97364). More evidence is needed to rate glutamine for these uses.

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POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oral rehmannia acteosides might reduce proteinuria when used in conjunction with angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with CKD. Details: A large clinical trial in adults with chronic glomerulonephritis shows that taking rehmannia acteosides extract 400 mg twice daily, in conjunction with irbesartan 150 mg daily, for 8 weeks decreases proteinuria by 36%, compared with a reduction of 28% with irbesartan alone (93662).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Aplastic anemia. It is unclear if oral rehmannia is beneficial in patients with aplastic anemia. Details: A small clinical study in adults with aplastic anemia shows that taking rehmannia polysaccharide (dose unknown), in conjunction with stanozolol, increases the incidence of symptom remission by 45% when compared with stanozolol alone (70704).
• Atopic disease. Although there has been interest in using oral rehmannia for atopic disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of rehmannia for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral rehmannia for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of rehmannia for this purpose.
• Diabetic nephropathy. Oral rehmannia has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A large clinical study in adults with chronic kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes receiving standard care with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker shows that taking a specific combination product (Rehmannia-6, PuraPharm) containing rehmannia, Japanese cornel dogwood, wild yam, poria mushroom, Asian water plantain, and peony root bark twice daily for 48 weeks modestly slows the decline in kidney function when compared with standard care alone (112821). It is unclear if this effect is due to rehmannia, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Metabolic syndrome. Although there has been interest in using oral rehmannia for metabolic syndrome, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of rehmannia for this purpose.
• Obesity. It is unclear if oral rehmannia root extract is beneficial in patients with obesity. Details: A very small clinical study in females with obesity shows that taking steamed rehmannia root extract 4 grams twice daily for 8 weeks decreases waist circumference by 2.6%, but does not affect body weight or body fat percentage, when compared to baseline (93660). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a control group.
• Osteoporosis. Although there has been interest in using oral rehmannia for osteoporosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of rehmannia for this purpose.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although there has been interest in using oral rehmannia for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of rehmannia for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate rehmannia for these uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used in amounts commonly found in foods.

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Alpha-alanine 100-140 mg/kg daily has been used with apparent safety for up to 3 months (16026,16027,16444). A single dose of alanine 40 grams has also been used with apparent safety (14612,16019,16020).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Alanine 90 mmol/L, as a component of an oral rehydration solution, has been used with apparent safety for approximately 48 hours in children age 3-48 months (16021).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using larger amounts as medicine during pregnancy or lactation.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts, short-term. Chromium has been safely used in doses up to 1000 mcg daily for up to 6 months (1934,5039,5040,6858,6859,6860,6861,6862,6867,6868)(7135,7137,10309,13053,14325,14440,17224,90057,90061)(90063,94234,95095,95096,95097,98687); however, most of these studies have used chromium doses in a range of 150-600 mcg. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Institute of Medicine (IOM) evaluations of the safety of chromium suggest that it is safe when used in doses of 200 mcg daily for up to 6 months (13241,13242).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts, long-term. Chromium has been safely used in a small number of studies at doses of 200-1000 mcg daily for up to 2 years (7060,7135,42618,42628,42666,110605,110607,110609). However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Institute of Medicine (IOM) evaluations of the safety of chromium suggest that it is safe when used in doses of 200 mcg daily for up to 6 months (13241,13242).

CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately in amounts not exceeding the daily adequate intake (AI) levels by age: 0-6 months, 0. 2 mcg; 7-12 months, 5.5 mcg; 1-3 years, 11 mcg; 4-8 years, 15 mcg; males 9-13 years, 25 mcg; males 14-18 years, 35 mcg; females 9-13 years, 21 mcg; females 14-18 years, 24 mcg (7135). POSSIBLY SAFE...when used orally and appropriately in amounts exceeding AI levels. Chromium 400 mcg daily has been used safely for up to 6 weeks (42680).

PREGNANCY: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately in amounts not exceeding adequate intake (AI) levels. The AI for pregnancy is 28 mcg daily for those 14-18 years of age and 30 mcg daily for those 19-50 years of age (7135).

PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally in amounts exceeding the adequate intake (AI) levels. There is some evidence that patients with gestational diabetes can safely use chromium in doses of 4-8 mcg/kg (1953); however, patients should not take chromium supplements during pregnancy without medical supervision.

LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately in amounts not exceeding adequate intake (AI) levels. The AI for lactation is 44 mcg daily for those 14-18 years of age and 45 mcg daily for those 19-50 years of age (7135). Chromium supplements do not seem to increase normal chromium concentration in human breast milk (1937). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of chromium when used in higher amounts while breast-feeding.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Glutamine has been safely used in clinical research in doses up to 40 grams per day or 1 gram/kg daily (2334,2337,2338,2365,5029,5462,7233,7288,7293), (52288,52307,52308,52311,52313,52337,52349,52350,96516,97366). A specific glutamine product (Endari) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (96520). ...when used intravenously. Glutamine has been safely incorporated into parenteral nutrition in doses up to 600 mg/kg daily in clinical trials (2363,2366,5448,5452,5453,5454,5458,7293,52272,52275), (52283,52289,52304,52306,52316,52341), (52359,52360,52371,52377,52381,52284,52385,52408,96637,96507,96516).

CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately. Glutamine has been shown to be safe in clinical research when used in amounts that do not exceed 0.7 grams/kg daily in children 1-18 years old (11364,46657,52321,52323,52363,86095,96517). A specific glutamine product (Endari) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for certain patients 5 years of age and older (96520). ...when used intravenously. Glutamine has been safely incorporated into parenteral nutrition in doses up to 0.4 grams/kg daily in clinical research (52338,96508). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of glutamine when used in larger amounts in children.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of glutamine when used in larger amounts as medicine during pregnancy or lactation.

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short term. Rehmannia root extract 4 grams daily or rehmannia leaf extract 800 mg daily has been used with apparent safety for 8 weeks in clinical studies (93660,93662).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = A Theoretically, chromium may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details Some research shows that taking chromium might lower blood glucose levels, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (7137,14440,15169,94234,95097,95098,98687).

ASPIRIN Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Insignificant •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.  Details Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood (21055).

INSULIN Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, concomitant use of chromium and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details In clinical research, chromium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity (1952,14440,95095),

LEVOTHYROXINE (Synthroid, others) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Chromium might bind levothyroxine in the intestinal tract and decrease levothyroxine absorption.  Details Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg with levothyroxine 1 mg decreases serum levels of levothyroxine by 17% when compared to taking levothyroxine alone (16012). Advise patients to take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.

NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.  Details Drugs that are prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, seem to increase chromium absorption and retention (7135).

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ANTICONVULSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.  Details Glutamine is metabolized to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate might have antagonistic effects with anticonvulsant drugs (7292,7293,7294). However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

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ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rehmannia might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Animal research shows that rehmannia may have hypoglycemic effects (15061,93668).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rehmannia might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.  Details Animal research shows that rehmannia may have hypotensive effects. Laboratory research shows that formulations of dried and processed rehmannia root inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (104272).

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General ...There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of alanine.

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General ...Orally, chromium is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Gastrointestinal irritation, headaches, insomnia, irritability, mood changes.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Rare cases of kidney and liver damage, rhabdomyolysis, and thrombocytopenia have been reported.

Dermatologic ...Orally, chromium-containing supplements may cause acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (42561), skin rashes (42679), and urticaria (17224). Also, chromium picolinate or chromium chloride may cause systemic contact dermatitis when taken orally, especially in patients with contact allergy to chromium (6624,90058). In one clinical study, a patient taking chromium nicotinate 50 mcg daily reported itchy palms that improved after the intervention was discontinued. It is unclear of this effect was due to the chromium or another factor (95096).
Topically, hexavalent chromium, which can be present in some cement, leather products, or contaminated soil, may cause allergic contact dermatitis (42645,42789,90060,90064,110606).
A case of lichen planus has been reported for a patient following long-term occupational exposure to chromium (42688).

Endocrine ...Orally, cases of hypoglycemia have been reported for patients taking chromium picolinate 200-1000 mcg daily alone or 200-300 mcg two or three times weekly in combination with insulin (42672,42783). Chromium picolinate has also been associated with weight gain in young females who do not exercise and in those following a weight-lifting program (1938).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, chromium in the form of chromium picolinate, chromium polynicotinate, chromium-containing brewer's yeast, or chromium-containing milk powder may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, flatulence, or gastrointestinal upset (14325,42594,42607,42622,42643,42679).
Long-term exposure to heavy metals, including chromium, has been associated with increased risk of gallbladder disease and cancer (42682,42704).

Genitourinary ...Orally, chromium polynicotinate has been associated with disrupted menstrual cycles in patients taking the supplement to prevent weight gain during smoking cessation (42643).

Hematologic ...Anemia, hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia were reported in a 33 year-old female taking chromium picolinate 1200-2400 mcg daily for 4-5 months (554). The patient received supportive care, blood product transfusions, and hemodialysis and was stabilized and discharged a few days later. Lab values were normal at a one-year follow-up.

Hepatic ...Liver damage has been reported for a 33-year-old female taking chromium picolinate 1200 mcg daily for 4-5 months (554). Also, acute hepatitis has been reported in a patient taking chromium polynicotinate 200 mcg daily for 5 months (9141). Symptoms resolved when the product was discontinued. Two cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported in patients who took a specific combination product (Hydroxycut), which also contained chromium polynicotinate in addition to several herbs (13037).

Musculoskeletal ...Acute rhabdomyolysis has been reported for a previously healthy 24-year-old female who ingested chromium picolinate 1200 mcg over a 48-hour time period (42786). Also, chromium polynicotinate has been associated with leg pain and paresthesia in patients taking the supplement to prevent weight gain during smoking cessation (42643).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, chromium picolinate may cause headache, paresthesia, insomnia, dizziness, and vertigo (6860,10309,14325,42594). Vague cognitive symptoms, slowed thought processes, and difficulty driving occurred on three separate occasions in a healthy 35-year-old male after oral intake of chromium picolinate 200-400 mcg (42751). Transient increases in dreaming have been reported in three patients with dysthymia treated with chromium picolinate in combination with sertraline (2659). A specific combination product (Hydroxycut) containing chromium, caffeine, and ephedra has been associated with seizures (10307). But the most likely causative agent in this case is ephedra.

Psychiatric ...Orally, chromium picolinate has been associated with irritability and mood changes in patients taking the supplement to lose weight, while chromium polynicotinate has been associated with agitation and mood changes in patients taking the supplement to prevent weight gain during smoking cessation (6860,42643).

Renal ...Orally, chromium picolinate has been associated with at least one report of chronic interstitial nephritis and two reports of acute tubular necrosis (554,1951,14312). Laboratory evidence suggests that chromium does not cause kidney tissue damage even after long-term, high-dose exposure (7135); however, patient- or product-specific factors could potentially increase the risk of chromium-related kidney damage. More evidence is needed to determine what role, if any, chromium has in potentially causing kidney damage.
Intravenously, chromium is associated with decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in children who receive long-term chromium-containing total parenteral nutrition - TPN (11787). Topically, burns caused by chromic acid, a hexavalent form of chromium, have been associated with acute chromium poisoning with acute renal failure (42699). Early excision of affected skin and dialysis are performed to prevent systemic toxicity.

Other ...Another form of chromium, called hexavalent chromium, is unsafe. This type of chromium is a by-product of some manufacturing processes. Chronic exposure can cause liver, kidney, or cardiac failure, pulmonary complications, anemia, and hemolysis (9141,11786,42572,42573,42699). Occupational inhalation of hexavalent chromium can cause ulceration of the nasal mucosa and perforation of the nasal septum, and has been associated with pneumoconiosis, allergic asthma, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and increased susceptibility to respiratory tract cancer and even stomach and germ cell cancers (42572,42573,42601,42610,42636,42667,42648,42601,42788,90056,90066). Although rare, cases of interstitial pneumonia associated with chromium inhalation have been reported. Symptoms resolved with corticosteroid treatment (42614).

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General ...Orally and intravenously, glutamine is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Belching, bloating, constipation, cough, diarrhea, flatulence, gastrointestinal pain, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Endocrine ...One case of hot flashes has been reported in a patient taking glutamine 5-15 grams orally twice daily for up to 1 year (96520).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, glutamine has been associated with belching, bloating, constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal (GI) pain. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and GI pain have been reported in clinical trials using high-dose glutamine 10-30 grams (0.3 grams/kg) in two divided doses daily to treat sickle cell disease (99414). One case of dyspepsia and one case of abdominal pain have been reported in patients taking glutamine 5-15 grams twice daily orally for up to 1 year (96520). In a small trial of healthy males, taking a single dose of about 60 grams (0.9 grams/kg of fat free body mass [FFM]) was associated with a 50% to 79% incidence of GI discomfort, nausea, and belching, compared with a 7% to 28% incidence with a lower dose of about 20 grams (0.3 gram/kg FFM). Flatulence, bloating, lower GI pain, and urge to regurgitate occurred at similar rates regardless of dose, and there were no cases of heartburn, vomiting, or diarrhea/constipation (105013). It is possible that certain GI side effects occur only after multiple doses of glutamine.

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, glutamine 30 grams daily has been associated with cases of musculoskeletal pain and non-cardiac chest pain in clinical trials for patients with sickle cell disease (99414).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, glutamine has been associated with dizziness and headache. A single case of dizziness has been reported in a patient treated with oral glutamine 0.5 grams/kg. However, the symptom resolved after reducing the dose to 0.25 grams/kg (91356). Mania and hypomania have been reported in 2 patients with bipolar disorder taking commercially purchased glutamine up to 4 grams daily (7291). Glutamine is metabolized to glutamate and ammonia, both of which might have neurological effects in people with neurological and psychiatric diseases or in people predisposed to hepatic encephalopathy (7293).

Oncologic ...There is some concern that glutamine might be used by rapidly growing tumors and possibly stimulate tumor growth. Although tumors may utilize glutamine and other amino acids, preliminary research shows that glutamine supplementation does not increase tumor growth (5469,7233,7738). In fact, there is preliminary evidence that glutamine might actually reduce tumor growth (5469).

Other ...Orally, glutamine has been associated with cough when a powdered formulation is used. It is unclear if this was due to accidental inhalation. One case of a burning sensation and one case of hypersplenism has been reported in a patient taking glutamine 5-15 grams twice daily orally for up to 1 year (96520).

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General ...Orally, rehmannia seems to be well tolerated.

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