Oral Glutamine Supplementation to Treat Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Veterans with Gulf War Illness

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in veterans with Gulf War Illness GWI who served in the Persian Gulf. These symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain, affect up to one-third of veterans with GWI and cause significant health and economic impacts. The study aims to explore whether oral glutamine supplementation can improve these symptoms by restoring intestinal permeability, which has been shown to be increased in affected veterans. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either oral glutamine or a placebo of whey protein powder. Both treatments involve consuming 5 grams of the powder mixed with water three times daily for 12 weeks, taken 30 minutes before meals. Assessments occur at baseline, week 4, and every four weeks until the study concludes at week 12. During the study, veterans will complete symptom severity assessments and tests measuring intestinal permeability. Researchers will monitor their response to treatment and adherence to the dosing schedule. The primary outcomes focus on changes in symptom severity and intestinal permeability over three years. The study is sponsored by the VA Office of Research and Development and excludes individuals with certain medical conditions or current conflicting treatments.

Mechanisms of Gulf War Illness