Glutamate in current paediatric amino acid solutions is not toxic.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the viewpoint article "How much glutamate is toxic in paediatric parenteral nutrition?" Acta Paediatr 2005;94;16-9.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no doubt that glutamate used at high bolus doses in animal experiments would permanently damage brain cells. However, these effects should not be extrapolated to the condition of parenteral nutrition of newborn infants when much smaller amounts of glutamate are infused constantly during 24 h. Clinical studies proving the maintenance of plasma glutamate concentrations within the reference range during parenteral nutrition were not considered. The authors have alarmed neonatologists with arguments without substance.
Pohlandt
Frank
F
Section of Neonatology and Paediatric Critical Care, Children's Hospital, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. frank.pohlandt@uni-ulm.de
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition
D018698:Glutamic Acid