The catabolic-inhibiting effect occurred without an alteration of either the total calorie consumption or nitrogen intake. Thus, reversal of cachexia by EPA in this mouse model results from its capacity to interfere with tumor-produced catabolic factors. Similar factors have been detected in human cancer cachexia. Catabolic wasting patients should consider taking five capsules a day of the Mega EPA fish oil concentrate. Beneficial Effects of Glutamine Glutamine has been one of the most intensively studied nutrients in the field of nutrition support in recent years.
Animal studies show that glutamine is effective against catabolic stress.
Glutamine supplementation was shown to improve organ function, survival, or both in most published studies. These studies also have supported the concept that glutamine is a critical nutrient for the gut mucosa and immune cells. Recent molecular and protein chemistry studies are beginning to define the basic mechanism involved in glutamine action in the gut, liver, and other cells and organs. Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the human body. In catabolic stress situations, such as after surgical operations or trauma and during sepsis, glutamine is rapidly transported to organs and to blood cells.