L-Glutamine Side Effects

sillyoldrabbit

I apparently have an uncommon but known side effect from L-Glutamine, and my MO told me today to stop taking it altogether. It causes an intense burning sensation with urination -- feels like strong acid. On a 1-10 pain scale, I rated it as a 9. I can also see the powder in my urine - completely unmetabolized.

She said that unless I could take the full 30 grams daily, there was no point in taking it at all. Does anyone know where the science is behind this recommendation? How did they arrive at that dosage? Has anyone tested the effectiveness of smaller doses? I'm wondering because my husband suggested that instead of eliminating it, I could start with tiny amounts and work up until I find a level I can tolerate and stick with that? Or perhaps I could aim for the full dose for the day of chemo and maybe one or two after, and then spend the rest of the week flushing it out of my system? It would mean living with the pain for a few days. However, I have no idea if the pain means damage is being done or if it's more like eating a hot pepper.

I'm a very petite person, and the side effect is associated with EXCESS L-Glutamine. Another reason I wonder about the dosage.

Has anyone else experienced this side effect? If so, what did you do? Does anyone know of a way to mitigate the pain?

I'm also icing fingers and toes during the infusion (Taxol/Carboplatin -- both notorious for causing neuropathy) and taking 200 mg B6 daily. For some reason, my MO didn't recommend additional B12. My multi contains 50 mcg, but possibly the wrong type (cyanocobalamin). That's my entire arsenal against neuropathy. Haven't experienced any yet, but have only completed 3 weekly rounds so far.

Thank you, brave sisters, for any ideas.

Amelia01

I was instructed not take any B vitamins during chemo because they produce cells (good ones but maybe also bad ones). And yes any B12 should be methly not cyano. Research has shown fish oil to prevent neuropathy. Sorry I can’t link atm but if you google it or look through past posts of mine you find the links. Maybe try that instead of L-glutamine.

SpecialK

How are you ingesting the L-glutamine? I took 30g daily during my 6 TCH infusions, but it was dissolved in a cold non-acidic drink first. I also took B6 at the same time. I had mild neuropathy from the outset in my fingers, toes, and tongue but it resolved over the 21 days between infusions, until the half way point. From then on, it stayed but didn't worsen. By about 90 days PFC all neuropathy was gone. I did ice during infusion but did it for preventing nail issues

sillyoldrabbit

SpecialK, are you saying you only took the 30 grams once per infusion? My MO wanted me to take that much every day!

SpecialK

No, I took it daily, will amend my post to make that clear to any other readers. I drank the dissolved 10g of powder in a cold, non-acidic drink 3 times a day. What I am wondering is whether it will be easier for you to ingest in a dissolved state.

sillyoldrabbit

Oh, thanks, SpecialK! That's exactly how I've been trying to take it - 10 grams dissolved in water with a splash of cranberry juice and a few ice cubes. Makes a pretty pink "cocktail" that goes down easily, but holy moly exits with a fury. Last night, as an experiment, I tried 5 grams and so far, no issues. Will try another 5 gram shot later this morning.

Amelia01, this is first I've read about fish oil helping. Thank you for the idea!

SpecialK

Maybe the key for you is less in each drink, and just stretch it out over the day - sure hope so! I dissolved mine in at least 8 oz, which also helped me hydrate.