Why Use Glutamed Ox?
In SCD the redox potential of erythrocytes (RBC) shifts toward a more oxidative state, as cells can’t adequately neutralize harmful free radicals. Sickle erythrocytes and the vascular epithelium experience persistent oxidative challenge. Their antioxidant capacity depends in part on maintaining adequate NAD(H) pools. Imbalance leads to cell membrane damage, increased sickling, cell death and inflammation, all of which contribute to disease complications.
The primary active ingredient, L-glutamine, is highlighted for its clinical ability to reduce painful vaso-occlusive crises by restoring redox balance in red blood cells. To augment this effect, the formula includes nicotinamide riboside, which directly boosts levels of the vital metabolic co-factor NAD+. The disaccharide trehalose provides additional protection by stabilizing cellular membranes and promoting the removal of damaged proteins. Finally, a blend of zinc, copper, and selenium serves as essential support for the body's natural antioxidant enzyme systems.
Glutamed OX is formulated to improve the redox potential and support metabolic and antioxidant defenses, addressing a distinctive nutritional requirement in SCD, that ordinary diets do not meet.
The scientific rationale underlying this formulation is based on long-standing biochemical and cell-biological knowledge. It is provided separately for clinicians and other stakeholders seeking further detail under Useful resources.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
|
L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that supports redox homeostasis along several converging biochemical pathways: • as a nitrogen donor in the de novo synthesis of NAD⁺ • as a carbon source to sustain (fill-up) NADH/NADPH availability • as a precursor of glutamate for glutathione synthesis. |
Reduce oxidative stress and enhance erythrocyte and endothelial resilience by supporting antioxidant defences.
Acts as a disease-modifying nutritional component by shifting redox balance toward cellular resilience, consistent with the medical food / FSMP paradigm. |
|
Nicotinaminde riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 that serves as a direct precursor to NAD⁺ production via an alternative salvage pathway, producing a dose‑dependent increases in whole‑blood NAD⁺ and downstream metabolites.
Split dosing of 50 mg per sachet accounts for to the pharmacokinetics of NR, which shows relatively rapid absorption and metabolism; i.e. by distributing intake across the day (ideally in 3 doses) the aim is to sustain NAD⁺ availability in erythrocytes and vascular cells during periods of oxidative demand. |
Raise and stabilise the intracellular NAD⁺ pool, to reduce oxidative stress. |
|
Trehalose is a non‑reducing disaccharide that naturally preserves biological structures under stress
• induces autophagy, a natural ‘cleaning’ process which facilitates clearance of damaged/mis-folded protein aggregates and organelles, lowering the oxidative burden in RBC and endothelial cells. • Stabilises protein and cell membranes |
Reduces the substrates that provoke excessive NAD⁺ consumption and preserves antioxidant resources.
Protects cellular membrane integrity. Smooth glycaemic profile: unlike maltodextrin, trehalose leads to a gentler glucose release, less oxidative spike |
|
Trace Elements: Zinc Selenium and Copper commonly deficient in patients with SCD
Zn:Cu ratio = 7:1 Daily doses provide 90-100% of the NRV (R146 NRV’s for Adults and children > 4 years) |
• Essential for antioxidant enzyme functions • membrane stability • immune function • inflammation control |
|
Vanilla (Vanillin) Vanilla is included for flavouring purposes to improve palatability and adherence |
Although vanillin and related compounds have demonstrated biochemical interactions with haemoglobin in experimental settings, oral bioavailability and clinical relevance at dietary levels are limited. |
L-glutamine is complemented by additional ingredients to address the distinctive nutritional requirements and broader metabolic burden in SCD, that ordinary diets do not meet.
Dosage & Directions for Use
Take 1, 2 or 3 GLUTAMED OX sachets in divided doses daily as directed by your healthcare provider.
Dosing Guideline:
| Weight in kilograms (kg) | Dose in grams of L-glutamine per day | Sachets per day | Dose per day (twice daily) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 30 kg | 10 g | 2 | 1 sachet 2x daily |
| 30–65 kg | 20 g | 4 | 2 sachets 2x daily |
| 65 kg + | 30 g | 6 | 2 sachets 3x daily |
The recommended dose of L-glutamine in clinical nutrition is 0.3-0.5 g / kg per day for adults and children.
Take 1 to 3 Glutamed OX sachets in divided doses daily, as directed by your healthcare provider.
In peadiatric patients, dosing should follow established weight-based principles derived from clinical experience with glutamine therapy in sickle cell disease. Regimens typically approximate 0.3 g/kg per dose administered twice daily, using simplified weight bands for practical use in children and adolescents. Because metabolic demand and drug handling differ from adults, careful monitoring of hepatic function, nutritional status, and clinical tolerance is recommended when initiating or adjusting therapy. Conservative initiation with gradual titration may be appropriate in younger or acutely ill patients.
For adults, the dose should ideally be given in 3 divided doses daily, equivalent to 2 sachets 3x per day to achieve a better steady state buffer, against oxidative damage.
Administration
Add the contents of 1 dose (1,2, or 3 sachets) of GLUTAMED OX powder to 60 ml of liquid e.g. clean water, fruit juice or milk. Alternatively mix the powder contents of 1 dose (1,2 or 3 sachets) with soft food such as porridge, or yoghurt. Mix thoroughly. The powder may not dissolve completely.
Once reconstituted, consume immediately. Avoid mixing with very hot or very cold liquids/food.
If you miss a dose of Glutamed OX, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. DO NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Information | per 6.7 g Sachet | % NRV per 6.7 g serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kJ / kcal) | 108 kJ (26 kcal) | - |
| Protein - L-glutamine | 5 g | - |
| CHO - Trehalose | 1.5 g | - |
| Fat | 0 g | - |
| Fibre | 0 g | - |
| Nicotinamide Riboside | 50 mg | - |
| Zinc | 1.75 mg | 15.9% |
| Copper | 0.25 mg | 28% |
| Selenium | 10 mcg | 18% |
Ingredient Statement: L-glutamine, Trehalose, Nicotinamide riboside, Vanilla, Zinc sulphate, Copper sulphate, Selenium amino acid chelate, orange oil
*NRV for Adults and children > 5 years, R146 Guideline
✔️ Suitable for diabetics
✔️ Lactose and gluten free
