Also known as glutamate, L-glutamic acid is an amino acid found naturally in many foods. Your body uses these amino acids to build proteins in your body. Glutamate also can be used as a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that stimulates your central nervous system. Because many protein-containing foods contain glutamate, it's unlikely you would become deficient in this protein. Knowing the food sources of glutamate, however, can help to ensure you do get enough of this amino acid in your daily diet.
Animal Proteins
Many animal proteins are a source of glutamic acid. This includes beef, which contains 33 mg of glutamic acid per 100 g serving, according to MSG Facts. Chicken contains 44 mg of glutamic acid per 100 g serving. Other animal proteins that contain glutamic acid include eggs, dairy and fish.
Plants
Some plant-based sources of protein also have food high in glutamic acid. This includes soybeans and the foods made from them. For example, soy protein isolate powder has an estimated 17 g of glutamate per 100 g serving, according to Diet & Fitness Today. Soy flour also contains glutamic acid and low-fat soy flour contains 9 g of glutamic acid per 100 g serving. Broccoli, peas, tomato juice, walnuts and potatoes also contain glutamic acid.
Cheese
Ripened cheeses typically contain large servings of glutamate, according to "The Guardian," London's daily newspaper. Parmesan cheese has about 1,200 mg of glutamic acid per 100 g serving. Another ripened cheese that contains glutamic acid is Roquefort cheese, which has 1,280 mg of glutamic acid per 100 g serving, according to MSG Facts.
Monosodium Glutamate
In addition to foods that contain glutamate, another flavor enhancer known as monosodium glutamate -- also known as MSG -- also is added to many foods. This flavor enhancer is added to many traditional Asian foods, including noodles and rice. This flavoring is not associated with any of the traditional taste sensations, such as sweet, sour or salty. Instead, MSG has a somewhat "meaty" flavor. You can find MSG in many foods as it can help to preserve flavor in a number of packaged foods, including ice cream, bread, canned tuna, baby food, processed meats and carbohydrate-based snacks.
References
- University of California San Diego; Glutamic Acid; January 2009
- Diet & Fitness Today: Foods High in Glutamic Acid
- University of Arizona; Glutamic Acid; 2003
- "The Guardian"; If MSG Is So Bad For You, Why Doesn't Everyone in Asia Have a Headache?; Alex Renton; July 2005
- MSG Facts: What Foods Are Glutamate-Rich?
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