Cancer Treatment Side Effects & Supportive and Palliative Care
Mucositis
Mucositis is a common side effect of radiation and chemotherapy treatment. The most common manifestation of mucositis in cancer patients is the development of sores in the mouth. Such sores can have a great impact on the patient's quality of life and well-being.
L-Glutamine for mucositis
L-Glutamine is recommended for treatment and prevention of Mucositis related to chemotherapy. L-glutamine is taken orally in doses from 3000-10,000 mg/day. It comes in powder and in capsules. Powder can be easily mixed in juice.
L-glutamine has been shown to prevent mucositis in patients with head, neck and gastrointestinal cancers who are receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation. There is some indication that l-glutamine may be also helpful for patients with other types of cancers (such as blood-related cancers) but these study results are not conclusive.