
Intestamine® powder, supplied by Douglas
Laboratories®, is a unique and convenient dietary supplement formula for
gastrointestinal support. Intestamine provides significant amounts of
L-glutamine, an amino acid that is important in maintaining normal structure and
function of the gastrointestinal tract; NutraFlora®FOS, which selectively
provides nourishment for beneficial intestinal bacteria; acacia fiber, which is
fermented into short chain fatty acids for the lower intestine; and N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine,
which is used as a structural component of intestinal mucous secretions.
Intestamine is a taste-neutral powder that mixes easily with juices and other
beverages. Glutamine. The amino acid glutamine plays a
key role in the metabolism, structure, and function of the entire
gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and its extensive immune system. Glutamine is
perhaps the major energy source for intestinal cells, and under conditions of
physiological stress the GI tract benefits greatly from extra dietary glutamine.
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in blood, and is a vehicle for
nitrogen transport. Glutamineconsuming tissues, such as the GI tract, the liver,
and the immune system, use glutamine for the synthesis of nucleotides, proteins,
and amino sugars. Glutamine carries potentially toxic ammonia to the kidneys for
excretion, and participates in maintaining normal acid-base balance. The human
intestinal tract removes as much as 12-13% of the circulating blood glutamine in
addition to the glutamine absorbed from dietary origin. Intestinal mucosal cells
need glutamine as a nitrogen donor for the biosynthesis of a number of important
compounds, including nucleotides needed for cell division, amino sugars for
building the glycosaminoglycans of intestinal mucous, amino acids that are
crucial for protein synthesis as well as for an energy source. During
physiological stress, such as starvation, physical trauma, surgery, or
inflammatory bowel disease, the intestinal tract uses very large amounts of
glutamine and very little glucose for energy. This often results in a fall of
blood glutamine, and skeletal muscle is broken down to supply more glutamine.
The immune cells of mucosa, mesentary and liver depend on glutamine as a key
nitrogen donor and energy source. During infections of intestinal origin, immune
cells need more glutamine, and the liver’s glutamine consumption can rise about
ten-fold. Intestinal infections, trauma or surgery can result in lower blood
glutamine levels and muscle wasting. In summary, many clinical studies support
the fact that dietary glutamine is crucial in maintaining normal function of the
entire gastrointestinal tract, including the liver and pancreas. Glutamine helps
maintain normal intestinal permeability, mucosal cell regeneration, and
structure. At the same time, glutamine supports normal immune function of the
gastrointestinal tract and the liver. Most people who are concerned about their
GI health will benefit significantly from about 5 to 20 grams of supplemental
L-glutamine per day. Intestamine provides 5 grams of pure L-glutamine per
serving. NutraFlora®FOS. Each serving of Intestamine
provides 250 mg of NutraFlora® brand of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a class of
natural carbohydrates. FOS are nondiges- tible, short-chain fructose oligomers
that are utilized almost exclusively by the beneficial bacteria in the
intestinal tract. NutraFlora®FOS is a carbohydrate that passes through the small
intestine into the colon without being digested or absorbed. Once in the colon,
FOS selectively feeds the beneficial symbiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus
acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, and other acid-producing bacteria. Regular
consumption of FOS has been shown to support healthy levels of these beneficial
bacteria in the colon. This in turn creates a slightly acidic environment in the
colon that is inhospitable to potentially harmful bacteria and other
microorganisms, such as E. coli and Clostridium species. Acacia Fiber. Intestamine supplies 500 mg
of soluble, fermentable dietary fiber from acacia fiber. Like FOS, acacia fiber
is not digested in the upper intestine, but extensively fermented by the
beneficial colonic microflora. The fermentation products are short chain fatty
acids, such as acetic, propionic and butyric acid. These short chain fatty acids
have several functions in the healthy colon. First, they provide an acid
environment that favors the growth of the acid-loving beneficial Lactobacilli
and Bifidobacteria. Second, short chain fatty acids are important for colonic
water absorption and a normal stool consistency. And third, they are utilized as
an energy source by the cells of the colonic mucosa. Adequate amounts of
fermentable dietary fiber appear to be necessary to maintain normal structure
and function of the colonic mucosa. N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine. Intestinal mucosal
cells produce large amounts of mucous that are constantly secreted into the
intestinal lumen. This mucous protects the mucosal cells, and helps propel
digested food throughout the GI tract. Just like glucosamine (sold separately by
Douglas Laboratories as Glucosamine Sulfate), N-Acetyl- D-Glucosamine (NAG) is a
naturally occurring amino sugar. NAG is found in glycosaminoglycans which are
major structural components in intestinal mucous secretions as well as
connective tissues. Supplementation with these amino sugars often helps maintain
normal glycosaminoglycan synthesis and intestinal mucous production. Healthy
individuals can easily convert glucosamine into NAG. However, in patients with
inflammatory intestinal diseases, this conversion appears to be less effective.
That’s why for the GI tract, NAG supplementation is usually preferred over
glucosamine sulfate. Intestamine provides 250 mg of NAG per serving to support
normal mucous production for intestinal health. Intestamine may be a useful dietary supplement for
those who wish to provide dietary support for a healthy GI tract. Intestamine
can be taken regularly, and can be combined with probiotic dietary supplements,
such as Douglas Laboratories’ Bio-dophilus™ or similar products delivering
beneficial living bacteria. Intestamine can be taken on a regular basis to
maintain proper GI function. For this purpose, one to two servings a day are
usually appropriate. This level will provide 5 to 10 grams of L-glutamine.
Individuals with GI and catabolic diseases should consult a health care
professional for appropriate use of Intestamine for their nutritional support.
Intestamine is unflavored and contains no additives. It disperses easily in
juices and other beverages with little impact on taste. For best results, take
with cold or roomtemperature foods or liquids. Do not take with foods or liquids
that are hot or highly acidic. No adverse effects have been reported. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct
light. Keep out of reach of children. Alverdy JC. Effects of glutamine-supplemented diets on
immunology of the gut. J Parenter Enteral Nutr 1990;14:109S-113S. Burton AF, Anderson FH. Decreased incorporation of
14C-glucosamine relative to 3H-N-acetyl glucosamine in the intestinal mucosa
of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Gastroenterol
1983;78:19-22. Evans MA, Shronts EP. Intestinal fuels: glutamine,
short-chain fatty acids, and dietary fiber. J Am Diet Assoc 1992;92:1239-46,
1249. Furst P, Albers S, Stehle P. Evidence for a nutritional need
for glutamine in catabolic patients. Kidney Int Suppl 1989;27:S287-92. Gibson GR, Beatty ER, Wang X, Cummings JH. Selective
stimulation of bifidobacteria in the human colon by oligofructose and inulin.
Gastroenterology 1995;108:975-982. Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB. Dietary modulation of the human
colonic microbiota: Introducing the concept of prebiotics. J Nutr
1995;125:1401-1412. Goodman MJ, Kent PW, Truelove SC. Glucosamine synthetase
activity of the colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Gut 1977; 18:219-228. Hidaka H, Hirayama M, Tokunaga T, Eida T. The effects of
undigestible fructooligosaccharides on intestinal microflora and various
physiological functions on human health. Adv Exp Med Biol 1995;270:105-117.
Klimberg VS, Souba WW. The importance of intestinal
glutamine metabolism inmaintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract and
supporting the body's response to injury and illness. Surg Annu
1995;22:61-76. May T, Mackie RI, Fahey GC, Jr., Cremin JC, Garleb KA.
Effect of fiber source on short-chain fatty acid production and on the
growth and toxin production by Clostridium difficile. Scand J Gastroenterol
1994;29:916-922. Souba WW, Klimberg VS, Plumley DA, et al. The role of
glutamine in maintaining a healthy gut and supporting the metabolic response
to injury and infection. J Surg Res 1990;48:383-391. Van der Hulst RR, van Kreel BK, von Meyenfeldt MF, et al.
Glutamine and the preservation of gut integrity. Lancet 1993;341:1363-1365.
Welbourne TC. Increased plasma bicarbonate and growth
hormone after an oral glutamine load. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61:1058-1061. Wyatt GM, Bayliss CE, Holcroft JD. A change in human faecal
flora in response to inclusion of gum arabic in the diet.Br J Nutr
1986;55:261-266. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or
prevent any disease.
Description
Functions
Indications
Suggested Use
Side Effects/Warnings
Storage
References:
Each scoop provides:
L-Glutamine
5,000 mg
NutraFlora®*FOS (Fructooligosaccharides)
250 mg
Acacia Fiber (soluble dietary fiber)
500 mg
N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine
250 mg
* NutraFlora is a registered trademark of
Golden Technologies Company, Inc.
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