FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got a question about our range? Here is a list of Frequently asked questions for customers and Health Care Professionals. If you are looking for more information about a specific product please navigate to the Product Range to find out more.
Glutamed is a South African glutamine-based medical nutrition range developed to support patients with specific medical conditions through targeted nutritional therapy. The products are classified as Nutritional Supplements in South Africa, and in Europe fall under the category Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs). They are designed to be used under medical supervision for the dietary management of patients with specific conditions. The Glutamed range is used in hospitals, oncology centres, rehabilitation facilities and home-care settings throughout South Africa.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) refers to specialised nutritional interventions used to support patients with specific diseases, medical conditions or recovery needs. Glutamed products form part of this approach.
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, with the classification of glutamine as 'non-essential' only applying to the healthy, fed state. During catabolic conditions such as sepsis, surgery, trauma, burns, cancer treatment, haemolytic disorders, the body's requirements may exceed normal production. Glutamine becomes conditionally essential.
Glutamed was developed in conjunction with our R&D partner RigiCare in Switzerland. The range is manufactured in South Africa and distributed by Azela Health; founded by pharmacist Sharon Teversham, with over 30 years of experience in clinical nutrition.
Glutamed is supplied as a convenient single-dose powdered sachet that is easy to take at home or in hospital. Most Glutamed products are designed to be mixed with typically 60 - 100 ml of liquid, for improved tolerance and compliance. Sachets can be mixed with room-temperature water, fruit juice or other suitable beverages, or sprinkled into or mixed with soft foods such as yoghurt, fruit purée, or porridge. Consume immediately after mixing for best results.
Protein, glutamine, arginine, citrulline, zinc, selenium, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids are among the nutrients commonly associated with wound healing support.
Appropriate nutritional support may help maintain body weight, preserve muscle mass and support quality of life during cancer treatment.
Emerging research suggests targeted nutritional ingredients may support gut-brain communication, oxidative stress management and overall neurological function.
Most Glutamed products are suitable for diabetics. Patients with diabetes should still consult their healthcare professional regarding their overall nutritional management plan.
Several Glutamed products can be administered via enteral feeding tubes. Product-specific instructions are provided on each product page.
Patients with severe kidney failure, liver failure, restricted protein diets, or known hypersensitivity to ingredients should
consult their healthcare professional before use. Product-specific contraindications may apply.
No. Glutamed products do not constitute a balanced diet and should be used alongside adequate nutrition unless otherwise advised by your healthcare professional.
No, Glutamed products are not medicines. They’re specialised nutritional supplements designed for the dietary management of specific medical conditions and should be used as part of a broader treatment plan recommended by a healthcare professional.
No prescription is required to purchase Glutamed products. However, they are intended for use under medical supervision, particularly in patients with chronic diseases, cancer, wounds, neurological conditions or other specialised nutritional needs.
Coverage varies between schemes and plans. Certain products may qualify for reimbursement, out of hospital, when motivated for by a healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare professional or medical aid for further information.
Orders are generally processed as quickly as possible. Delivery times may vary depending on your location within South Africa but can be estimated to take 1 – 5 working days. International order will take longer and tracking information will be provided once your order has been dispatched.
Due to the specialised medical nature of Glutamed products we have a sale and non-return policy. Exceptions will be made for goods damaged in transit. Unopened products may only be returned in accordance with applicable consumer protection regulations and company policy. Please contact customer support before returning any product.
Healthcare Practitioners
Glutamed products are classified as Nutritional Supplements and fall under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Food Control in South Africa and therefore do not require registration with SAHPRA.
Yes. While not prescription medicines, Glutamed products can be clinically prescribed or recommended as part of a patient’s medical nutrition therapy plan.
Glutamed formulations are designed for:
- Oncology support (mucositis, cachexia, sarcopenia)
- Wound care (pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, burns)
- Surgical recovery and trauma
- Neurodegenerative diseases (gut-brain axis support)
- Sickle Cell Disease and oxidative stress
- Malnutrition and catabolic states
Glutamine becomes conditionally essential in:
- Critical illness
- Surgery and trauma
- Burns
- Cancer treatment
- Chronic inflammatory states
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Patients with high metabolic stress
- Patients with poor wound healing
- Oncology patients undergoing chemo/radiotherapy
- Patients with oral mucositis
- Patients with muscle wasting (sarcopenia/cachexia)
- Neurological patients with gut dysfunction
- Sickle Cell Disease patients
- Primary fuel for rapidly diving cells (enterocytes, fibroblasts & immune system cells)
- Maintain gut barrier function
- Immune system support
- Nitrogen transport
- Precursor to glutathione synthesis
- Heat shock protein induction
- Wound healing and tissue repair
- Maintaining redox balance and NAD+ levels
Calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (CaHMB):
- Reduces muscle protein breakdown
- Supports muscle protein synthesis and preservation in catabolic states
- May improve outcomes in sarcopenia and cachexia
Typical dosing ranges:
- 1 sachet 3 times daily. Daily dosage divided equally throughout the day provides optimal glutamine levels.
- Universal range of dosing is 0.3 – 0.5 g /kg /day in adults and children.
Yes. For products such as ND:
- Initiate with gradual titration
- Monitor GI tolerance (bloating, discomfort)
Yes. Most products are suitable for NG tubes and PEG feeding.
Yes. Compatible with Water, juice, yoghurt, porridge and purees. Avoid excessive heat where possible to preserve nutrient integrity.
Use with caution in:
- Severe renal impairment (protein restriction cases)
- Severe hepatic failure
- Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism
- Known hypersensitivity to ingredients
No major interactions are widely reported, but consider:
- Oncology protocols (coordinate with oncologist)
- Polypharmacy patients
- Immunocompromised patients
Yes, in selected products such as OX, with: weight-based dosing and clinical supervision.
Use only under medical supervision. Data is limited.
- REPAIR is for chronic, hard-to-heal wounds, catabolic states, collagen support.
- ZS is better suited for early-stage surgical wounds and trauma where uncomplicated healing is anticipated
Oncology patients with oral mucositis and enteritis, as well as cachexia and sarcopenia.
- Early to mid-stage neurodegenerative disease
- Patients with gut dysfunction and neurological symptoms
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Patients with high oxidative stress burden
- NAD+ depletion concerns
Depending on indication:
- Wound healing rate
- Weight and lean body mass
- Muscle strength/function
- GI tolerance
- Infection rates
- Quality of life
- Wound care: 2–6 weeks
- Oncology support: During treatment cycles
- Neurological support: Longer-term use (weeks to months)
Medical Aid reimbursement depends on scheme rules, diagnosis and clinical motivation. Motivations can include:
- ICD-10 code
- Diagnosis and severity
- Nutritional risk (e.g., MUST score)
- Clinical rationale (e.g., wound non-healing, cachexia)
- Duration of therapy
Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) is considered a PMB in certain conditions, eg. Cancer. Glutamed forms part of medical nutrition therapy.
Yes. Glutamed is suitable for:
- ICU step-down
- Surgical wards
- Oncology units
- Rehabilitation centres
Yes. Glutamed is frequently used in:
- Home care
- Step-down facilities
- Long-term chronic disease management
Yes, dietitians do frequently recommend Glutamed as part of a nutrition care plan within their scope of practice.
Yes. Glutamine has been studied in:
- Critical care
- Oncology
- GI disorders
- Surgical recovery
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Wound healing, including burns
Glutamine use is endorsed by several international guidelines including ESPEN, MASCC/ISSO.