The Effect of Acute Glutamine Supplementation on Markers of Inflammation and Fatigue During Consecutive Days of Simulated Wildland Firefighting.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of oral glutamine supplementation on inflammation and fatigue during and after simulated wildland firefighting (WLFF) tasks in hot conditions over two consecutive days.

METHODS: Eleven men and women ingested a glutamine supplement or a placebo before and after simulated wildland firefighting in an environmental chamber (38°C, 35% relative humidity). Subjective fatigue, markers of inflammation and cellular stress were measured pre, post and 4h-post exercise on both days.

RESULTS: Gastrointestinal damage, subjective fatigue and ratings of perceived exertion were lower after glutamine supplementation compared to placebo. HSP70 and IκBα levels were higher on both days of the glutamine trial compared to placebo.

CONCLUSIONS: Glutamine supplementation may improve recovery after fire suppression in WLFFs. This may result from the upregulation of HSP70 which inhibits inflammation and protects against GI barrier damage.