Nutritional Enhancement Projects

Glutamine is the most plentiful plasma amino acid in the body representing approximately 60% of all the free amino acids. Located in the plasma and skeletal muscle of the body, glutamine plays a unique role in numerous critical and life sustaining functions of both humans and animals. Over the past several years, my laboratory has been exploring the use of biological systems for the production of glutamine-rich peptides for use in oral rehydration and nutritional therapy (ORNT). Among our current projects is the development of probiotic bacteria ( E. coli and Lactobacilli ) for the production of glutamine- and arginine/glutamine-rich peptides. Our goal is to provide low cost supplements for enhancing dietary quality in developing nations and direct delivery of peptides for ORNT to assist in alleviating the burden on human health created by malnutrition and disease.

Useful links:

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/cgh/Faculty/RLG.cfm

http://www.alglutamine.com/