What is Glutamine? Glutamine (Gln) is a conditionally essential amino acid, the most abundant free amino acid in the human body. It plays a vital role in protein synthesis, immune function, gut health, and nitrogen transport. Glutamine is synthesized in the body, primarily in skeletal muscle, and obtained through dietary sources like meat, dairy, and certain vegetables. Measuring glutamine levels in blood or plasma is used to assess metabolic stress, critical illness, nutritional status, and certain metabolic disorders.
Definition: The Glutamine Unit Converter converts glutamine concentrations between various units, enabling standardization of laboratory results for clinical and research use.
Purpose: It assists clinicians and researchers in interpreting glutamine levels across different measurement units (e.g., µmol/L to mg/dL), ensuring accurate diagnosis and monitoring of metabolic and nutritional conditions.
Converting glutamine concentrations between units is critical for:
Elevated Levels: High glutamine levels are rare but may occur in conditions like hyperammonemia, certain inborn errors of metabolism (e.g., urea cycle disorders), or excessive supplementation. Elevated levels can also be seen in liver dysfunction or specific cancers.
Low Levels: Low glutamine levels are associated with critical illness, sepsis, trauma, burns, or malnutrition, reflecting increased metabolic demand or depleted reserves. They may also indicate gastrointestinal disorders or chronic diseases affecting amino acid metabolism.
Normal Ranges:
Interferences:
Q: Why are there different units for glutamine?
A: Different units reflect varying standards; µmol/L is the SI unit, while mg/dL and mg/L are commonly used in clinical practice.
Q: What is a normal glutamine level?
A: Normal plasma glutamine is typically 500–750 µmol/L (7.3–11.0 mg/dL). Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.
Q: Can this converter be used for other amino acids?
A: No, this converter is specific to glutamine; other amino acids have different molecular weights and conversion factors—consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.