Glutamic acid --- also known as glutamate --- is a nonessential amino acid that plays many essential roles in the body, particularly in the neurological system, and is a popular dietary supplement and component of multi-vitamin preparations. Proponents of glutamic acid supplementation contend that additional glutamate can improve brain function, decrease symptoms related to neurological disorders and increase muscle stamina. Glutamic acid supplementation has not been approved by the FDA; if you choose to use extra glutamate, speak to your doctor about possible side effects.
Aspects
"Nonessential" means that glutamic acid can be synthesized by the body from other amino acids like arginine and ornithine. It is also found in foods such as eggs, fish, poultry and dairy products. Glutamic acid is used as the base compound for the metabolic pathway that forms glutamine, the amino acid found in the highest concentration in the body and the most common stimulatory neurotransmitter in the neurological system. Glutamine is often referred to as "fuel" for the brain and high concentrations of glutamine in the nervous system is linked to better brain function. According to the Health Vitamins Guide site, glutamic acid is found in high concentrations in prostate fluid, leading researchers to believe it is important for a healthy prostate.
Uses
Glutamic acid is thought to be important in the proper functioning of the brain, the cardiovascular system and the muscular system. In the nervous system, glutamic acid acts as a neurotransmitter and facilitates the passage of potassium across the blood-brain barrier, ensuring the proper chemical and electrical transmission of signals between neurons. Because of this, it is often used to help treat neurological disorders like epilepsy, schizophrenia, retardation and depression, as well as fatigue, alcoholism and muscular dystrophy. Health Vitamins Guide.com reports that glutamic acid is required for the production and function of both glutathione and folic acid, two antioxidant compounds believed to help protect and maintain the heart. Additionally, since glutamic acid helps in the synthesis of muscle proteins, it is used by athletes to support the function, recovery and detoxification of muscle cells.
Function
The Nutros.com site reports that much of glutamic acid's ability to improve the function of nervous system and muscular system cells is linked to its use of ammonia as one of the compounds it uses to synthesize glutamine. Ammonia builds up in tissues --- particularly neural and muscle tissues --- as a nitrogen-based metabolic pathway waste product. Ammonia is toxic to both brain and muscle cells and can hinder their proper functioning; by using the ammonia molecules to form glutamine, glutamic acid cleanses and detoxifies tissues. Within muscle cells, glutamic acid is also a compound involved in one of the steps of the Kreb's cycle, so sufficient amounts of it in muscles may help the cycle run smoothly and prevent muscle cell fatigue.
Dosage
Although the FDA has not approved glutamic acid for use as a treatment or preventative measure for any medical problem, nor has it officially determined a safe and effective dosage level, Nutros.com reports that individuals using supplemental glutamic acid typically consume 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily with good results. The site recommends consuming glutamic acid supplements early in the day, before you've eaten any food.
Side Effects
Side effects with glutamic acid use are uncommon, but using extremely high amounts --- more than 2,000 mg daily --- may cause headaches and possible neurological problems. Since glutamic acid is related to MSG --- MSG is a salt form of the compound --- people with MSG allergies or sensitivities should avoid glutamic acid supplementation. Individuals suffering from any liver or kidney disorders should also avoid glutamic acid.
Member Comments