Oral glutamine for improving insulin resistance and IBS symptoms in obese adults

Effects of Oral Glutamine Supplementation on Insulin Resistance and Functional Intestinal Disorders in Obese Patients.

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Rouen · NCT04883515

This trial will test whether eight weeks of daily oral glutamine supplements can improve blood sugar control and reduce irritable bowel symptoms in adults with obesity and insulin resistance.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Rouen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rouen)
Trial IDNCT04883515 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will enroll obese adults with insulin resistance and IBS and randomize them in a blinded design to receive either oral glutamine or a protein powder placebo for eight weeks. The trial will include 55 participants per arm and monitor changes in glycemic control and IBS symptoms using standard clinical measures. The study is grounded in evidence that glutamine can support intestinal barrier function and may thereby influence metabolic and gut symptoms. Outcomes will include fasting glucose/insulin measures for insulin resistance and validated symptom scores for functional intestinal disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with class II or III obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2), fasting glycaemia between 1.0 and 1.26 g/L indicating insulin resistance, and IBS meeting Rome IV criteria are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with significant liver or kidney impairment, inflammatory bowel disease, recent vomiting, prior bariatric or other digestive surgery, recent use of laxatives or protein powders, or pregnancy are excluded and may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants might experience better blood sugar control and fewer IBS symptoms from a simple, low-risk oral supplement.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work and some small clinical reports suggest glutamine can restore gut barrier function, but randomized trials targeting obese, insulin-resistant patients with IBS are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged from 18 to 65 years
* Patient with h grade II or III obesity (body mass index equal or higher than 35 kg/m2)
* Patient with insulino-resistance (fasting glycaemia ≥ 1g/l et \< 1.26 g/l)
* Patient with irritable bowel syndrome (Rome IV criteria ≥ 2)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient with Known liver insufficiency (prothrombin time \< 70%)
* Patient with Known kidney failure (GFR \< 60 ml/mn)
* Patient with Known intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases
* Vomiting patients (≥ 1/ day) during the last 4 weeks
* Patient Previously received bariatric surgery or digestive surgery
* Patient Using laxatives or protein powder during the 4 last weeks
* On going Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Rouen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ObesityInsulin Resistanceoral glutamine supplementation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.