Glutamic Acid and Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal reaction to a stressful situation. Almost everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives, but it disappears once the trigger goes away. Anxiety disorders occur when anxiety becomes excessive and irrational and affects your everyday activities. Several types of anxiety disorders occur ranging from general anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder to panic disorder and social phobia. Treatment generally involves psychotherapy and medications. Glutamic acid plays an important role in the occurrence of anxiety and understanding its role may provide a novel approach to treat these conditions.

About Glutamic Acid

Glutamic acid is a naturally occurring, nonessential amino acid. It plays an important role in the formation of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant with the ability to neutralize free radicals formed as a result of various metabolic processes in the body. It also helps metabolize fats and carbohydrates in the body and is the most common neurotransmitter responsible for inducing excitation reactions in the central nervous system. Apart from promoting learning and addictive behavior, an enzyme in the brain called glutamic acid decarboxylase converts glutamatic acid into another neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. In contrast to glutamic acid, GABA induces inhibitory action in the CNS.

Link Between Glutamic Acid and Anxiety

Increased levels of glutamic acid and low levels of GABA can occur when the glutamic acid is not converted into GABA effectively and efficiently. This can lead to anxiety disorders. Also, defective glutamic acid decarboxylase genes can lead to the formation of abnormal GABA from glutamic acid and, thereby, increase susceptibility to anxiety disorders, according to a study published in the August 2006 issue of "Molecular Psychiatry."

The Vitamin B-6 Connection

According to R. Hemat, author of the book "Principles of Orthomolecularism," vitamin B-6 is required for the conversion of glutamic acid into GABA and a deficiency of the vitamin can lead to accumulation of the excitatory glutamic acid and low levels of the inhibitory GABA neurotransmitter. This can lead to anxiety and restlessness. Hence, maintaining optimum levels of vitamin B-6 may be important to prevent anxiety disorders.

Role in Treatment

Significant variations are observed in GABA transporter genes in individuals with anxiety disorders and targeting them may help prevent and manage anxiety disorders, says an article published in the June 2009 issue of the "Journal of Neural Transmission." Another study in a 2003 edition of the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" also suggests that chemicals influencing the GABA system such as tiagabine may play a role in the treatment of anxiety disorders.