Total glutamine content in human milk is not influenced by gestational age

BACKGROUND: Glutamine may be a conditionally indispensable amino acid in neonates and should be given in adequate amounts. Reliable information concerning the glutamine content of human milk is lacking. AIM: To assess total glutamine content in human milk using a novel analytical procedure, and to evaluate the potential influence of time of delivery and lactational stage. METHODS: The content of free and protein-bound glutamine was assessed in transitional (days 4-7 of lactation) and mature (days 29-34) human milk, after preterm (<35 wk of gestation, n=20) or term (>37 wk, n=20) delivery. Milk samples were obtained by manual expression and stored at