Glutamine Powder Induced Hepatotoxicity: It Is Time to Understand the Side Effects of Sports Nutritional Supplements

Glutamine has been considered as a dietary supplement with a non-essential amino acid structure. Some studies found that liver failure may be associated with a high plasma glutamine level. Consumption of this product may be associated with potential adverse effect. This report describe the first case of glutamine induced hepatotoxicity. A 35-year-old female athlete with severe abdominal pain and scleral icterus was referred to the hospital. She has been taking glutamine powder for the past three weeks ago. Impaired liver function test and imaging evaluation suggested hepatotoxicity. Glutamine consumption was discontinued and the patient was closely monitored. Finally, after two weeks, the patient recovered successfully. This novel case was the first report regarding glutamine induced hepatotoxicity. Health care providers must know that consumption of dietary supplement such as glutamine may be associated with serious side effects. Liver damage is a possible side effect of glutamine. Hence it is necessary to consider hepatotoxicity as an adverse reaction in case of glutamine supplement consumption.