Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid meaning your body can naturally produce glutamic acid and you do not have to acquire it through your diet. Glutamic acid, also known as glutamate, also functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter in your brain and spinal cord. Additionally, glutamic acid supports cell regeneration, removes ammonia from your body, and supports functions related to your brain and nervous system. Before taking glutamic acid in supplement form, you should speak to a medical professional.
Removal of Ammonia
Ammonia is toxic to your body, and your body converts ammonia into urea, a less toxic organic compound. This conversion process requires glutamic acid. Glutamic acid combines with ammonia to form glutamine, another amino acid. Glutamine functions as an intermediary and your liver converts the glutamine into urea. Your body can also excrete the excess glutamine through waste.
Fat and Carbohydrate Metabolism
The nutrients you put in your body such as fats and carbohydrates depend on other compounds for proper digestion and absorption. According to "Amino Acids and Proteins for the Athlete: The Anabolic Edge," glutamic acid also contributes to your intestinal energy by helping your body metabolize the fats and carbohydrates in the foods that you eat and use them as fuel or energy. Additionally, your muscles rely on glutamic acid for fuel when exercising or performing physical activities.
Neurological Health
Glutamic acid also supplies your brain with fuel, and your body uses the amino acid to transport potassium across your brain blood barrier. According to "Heal with Amino Acids and Nutrients," doctors use glutamic acid in the treatment of childhood behavioral disorders and Parkinson's disease. Although the exact role glutamic acid plays in your brain is not fully understood, glutamic acid may help support the cognitive functions required by your brain for learning and memory.
Warnings
There are no major side effects associated taking glutamic acid supplements. The most common side effect associated with the use of this amino acid is minor headaches. If you have kidney or liver diseases, you should not take glutamic acid supplements. According to "User's Guide to Protein and Amino Acids," the recommended daily dose of glutamic acid is between 500 and 2000 mg per day depending on the condition you want to treat.
References
- "User's Guide to Protein and Amino Acids"; Keri Marshall; 2005
- "Heal with Amino Acids and Nutrients"; Billie J. Sahley; 2011
- "Amino Acids and Proteins for the Athlete: The Anabolic Edge"; Mauro G. Di Pasquale; 2007
- "Heal with Amino Acids and Nutrients"; CNC Billie J. Sahley, Ph.D.; 2005
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