Is L-glutamic Acid Harmful?

L-glutamic acid, or glutamate, is a nonessential amino acid, meaning your body is able to produce it in adequate amounts, without the need of acquiring it from nutritional sources. Glutamic acid plays an important role in several different bodily processes, including the regulation of your metabolism and the production of brain neurotransmitters. Glutamic acid is also a constituent of some artificial sweeteners, compounds that mimic the sweetness and texture of sugar without the calories. Some adverse health effects may be associated with consuming excess amounts of glutamic acid as an artificial sweetener or dietary aid. Consult your doctor before adding glutamic acid to your diet.

Metabolism

Glutamic acid plays a key role in cellular metabolism, particularly in the natural breakdown of dietary proteins. The protein you eat as a part of your diet is broken down by digestion into amino acids, which are used for metabolic fuel throughout your body. To break down amino acids, a process called transamination, glutamic acid is required. Glutamate also assists your body in the disposal of excess nitrogren, a waste product of cellular metabolism and protein breakdown.

Neurotransmitter Function

Glutamic acid acts as a powerful neurotransmitter, a compound which helps regulate nervous system function. Glutamate is stored within your nerve endings, and is released when electrical signals from your brain stimulate your nerves, causing glutamate to exert its effects on the opposing nerve cell. According to the journal of Psychopharmacology, glutamate is involved in cognitive functions in the brain, such as learning and memory. However, the same study found that excess glutamate located in the brain outside of your brain cells may act as a neurotoxin, which may lead to cell death and impaired cognition.

Monosodium Glutamate

Glutamic acid is often combined with a sodium molecule to make the compound, monosodium glutamate, which is then used in some artificial sweeteners and processed foods. Monosodium glutamate is used as a flavor enhancer which has been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration to be generally recognized as safe. However, the Mayo Clinic states that the use of monosodium glutamate may lead to side effects such as headache, flushing, sweating, facial pressure, numbness, heart palpitations, chest pain, nausea, and weakness.

Other Considerations

Glutamic acid supplementation is not necessary due to its ability to be produced by the human body, however, its use as a food additive may increase the amount of glutamate found in your bloodstream. An increase in serum glutamate levels may place additional stress on your liver and kidneys, which are two organs that filter your blood. Individuals suffering from liver or kidney disease are advised to avoid products containing glutamate for this reason, as it may worsen the symptoms associated with liver and kidney disease.