Both taurine and glutamic acid are amino acids that help to build proteins in your body. Both amino acids are also available in the form of supplements, taken for a variety of health purposes. In some cases, taurine and glutamic acid can be taken together as well. Before you begin taking either supplement, consult your doctor to discuss the proper dosage and potential health dangers.
Identification
As an amino acid, glutamic acid -- also called glutamate -- is typically found in meats, eggs, fish, poultry and dairy products, as well as high-protein plant-based foods, according to the the University of Michigan Health System. The amino acid taurine is found mostly in meats and fish. Like glutamic acid, you can also get taurine from eating dairy products, eggs and poultry, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. But you can't get taurine from high-protein foods that are plant-based. Your body can also synthesize taurine from vitamin B-6, methionine and cysteine, which are found in some nuts and legumes.
Function
Glutamic acid plays an important role in the function of your excitatory neurotransmitters, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Glutamic acid is also an essential component of the amino acid glutamine, which provides energy to the cells in your intestinal lining and supports your immune system, gastrointestinal tract and muscle cells, reports the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Like glutamic acid, taurine also affects neurotransmitters, and it supports cell membranes, regulates your heartbeat and prevents overactivity of your brain cells. Taurine is also part of bile, which helps in fat absorption.
Effects
Taurine supplements might help treat congestive heart failure and viral hepatitis, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Taurine could also help treat cystic fibrosis and iron-deficiency anemia, as well as provide liver support and support before and after surgery. Glutamic acid, on the other hand, might help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH . Glutamine supplements are sometimes recommended for treating angina and correcting undesired weight loss. Talk to your physician before taking taurine, glutamic acid or glutamine for any health purpose.
Potential
Glutamic acid supplementation could potentially help support heart surgeries, while taurine might help treat cardiomyopathy, hypertension, diabetes and epilepsy, says the University of Michigan Health System. Taurine could possibly help treat alcoholism, gallbladder disease, multiple sclerosis, strokes, psoriasis and cataracts as well, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Glutamic acid in the form of glutamine has potential uses for treating Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers, as well as food allergies, attention deficit disorder and overtraining syndrome. Glutamine could also help improve your mental function and support HIV treatment. No conclusive scientific evidence supports the use of glutamine, glutamic acid or taurine for treating or preventing any of these medical conditions, however.
Warning
Because they are amino acids naturally found in foods, taurine and glutamic acid rarely cause adverse effects, notes the University of Michigan Health System. But high intake of amino acids could be dangerous if you have liver or kidney disease. People with neurological diseases such as Lou Gehrig's disease or epilepsy should also use caution with glutamic acid, because the supplement can over-stimulate glutamate receptors and potentially worsen these types of conditions. Additionally, glutamic acid and glutamine supplements may interact negatively with certain medications, such as antiseizure drugs, chemotherapy drugs and protease inhibitors like nelfinavir for treating HIV, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Member Comments