L-glutamine and glutamic acid are two different amino acids. Both are non-essential amino acids -- and your body can derive l-glutamine from glutamic acid. Both amino acids play important roles in protein synthesis and brain functions. You can obtain both of these amino acids from supplemental sources. However, you should speak with a medical professional prior to taking any amino acid supplement.
L- Glutamine
L-glutamine is the natural form of glutamine. Your body requires glutamine to remove excess ammonia. In your body, ammonia is a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism. This non-essential amino acid also supports the immune system, normal brain function and digestion according to the book "Amino Acids in Human Nutrition and Health." Your body naturally produces glutamine, and you can also obtain this amino acid from both dietary and supplemental sources.
Uses of Glutamine
As a supplement, glutamine has several medical uses, according to the "User's Guide to Protein and Amino Acids." Gutamine supports wound healing and recovery from illness by strengthening your immune system and reducing infections. Additionally, glutamine can help patients with cancer manage the side effects associated with chemotherapy. Further, glutamine can protect the lining of your gastrointestinal tract and help aid in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Glutamic Acid
Glutamic acid can help nerve cells send and receive information from other cells, according to "Amino Acids in Human Nutrition and Health." Additionally, glutamic acid can decrease or prevent nerve damage caused by anticancer drugs. Further, this amino acid supports the learning and memory processes. One of the major byproducts of glutamic acid is glutathione, a major antioxidant in the body. Glutamic acid is also the building block of γ-aminobutyric acid, a major neurotransmitter in your nervous system.
Uses of Glutamic Acid
Glutamic acid in supplement form can also acidify your stomach to counterbalance deficiencies of hydrochloric acid in your gastric juices. The Food and Drug administration originally approved the use of glutamic acid in 1939. Recognized medical uses for glutamic acid supplements include treatment of your gastric juices and gastric cancer, nutritional supplementation and a treatment of pernicious anemia.
References
- "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics"; Robert Kliegman et al; 2007
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper et al; 2004
- "Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins in Organic Chemistry, Analysis and Function of Amino Acids and Peptides"; Andrew B. Hughes; 2011
- "Amino Acids in Human Nutrition and Health"; J. P. F. D'Mello; 2011
- "User's Guide to Protein and Amino Acids"; Keri Marshall; 2005
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