Glutamic acid (glutamate) is an amino acid used by the body to build proteins and is needed primarily as brain fuel. Glutamate is the most common excitatory (stimulating) neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Sources of glutamic acid include high-protein foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Some protein-rich plant foods also supply glutamic acid.
What it does
- Brain protection: Glutamic acid is able to mop up excess ammonia in the brain and convert it back to glutamine. Ammonia can impair cognitive function and damage brain cells.
- Brain booster: Acts as a primary source of fuel for the brain.
- Prostate protection: When combined with the amino acids alanine and glycine it is thought to have a protective effect on the prostate gland.
Potential Uses
| BPH (benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) | Brain protection | Prostate protection |
What is glutamic acid vs glutamine?
Glutamic acid and glutamine are two amino acids that are essential for human health. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are essential for all life processes, including cell growth and repair, immune function, and energy production.
Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that the body can produce it on its own. However, it is also found in many foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Glutamic acid is also used as a food additive in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Glutamine is a conditional essential amino acid, meaning that the body can produce it on its own, but it may need to obtain it from food in certain situations, such as during illness or stress. Glutamine is found in many foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts.
What is glutamic acid found in?
Glutamic acid is found in many foods, including:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Vegetables
What produces glutamic acid?
Glutamic acid is produced in the body through a process called the Krebs cycle. The Krebs cycle is a series of chemical reactions that convert food into energy. Glutamic acid is also produced in the brain, where it acts as a neurotransmitter.
Where is glutamine found?
Glutamine is found in many foods, including:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whole grains
- Vegetables
Where is glutamine found in the body?
Glutamine is found in all cells of the body, but it is especially abundant in muscle cells. Glutamine is also found in the blood and in the digestive tract.
What is the role of glutamic acid in amino acid metabolism?
Glutamic acid plays a central role in amino acid metabolism. It can be converted into other amino acids, such as glutamine, proline, and arginine. Glutamic acid is also involved in the synthesis of glutathione, an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage.
Cautions
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), the form of glutamic acid that is used as a flavor enhancer, has been reported in anecdotal studies to have a number of different adverse effects including headache, fatigue, and depression.
Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using glutamic acid supplements.
Because overstimulation of glutamate receptors is thought to be a possible cause of certain neurological diseases, people with a neurological disease should consult their doctor before supplementing with glutamate.
People with liver or kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking high levels of amino acid or protein supplements.
