Glutamine Supplementation: A Possible Strategy to Help Mitigate Health Risks of Heat-Related Illness

Abstract

A rise in body temperature caused by physical work, including exercise, in a hot climate can lead to heat-related illnesses such as exertional heat exhaustion and stroke. Individuals who work physically demanding occupations in hot environments are at heightened risk of heat injury. The mechanisms that contribute to heat illness resulting from physical work in the heat are complex and include dehydration, tissue ischemia and damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory events. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies that address these mechanistic underpinnings to prevent exacerbation to heat illness. Glutamine is an amino acid that has been considered conditionally essential during situations of biological stress (e.g., tissue burn, exercise, sepsis) due to high rates of tissue consumption. Evidence suggests that glutamine may serve as an important nutrient during heat stress and when combined with other preventative measures (e.g., cooling techniques, work/rest ratios, clothing) may help to mitigate heat illness among individuals working in extreme climates. The aim of this review is to examine the current literature on the role of glutamine during heat stress.