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What is Glutamic Acid?

Vanessa Harvey
Vanessa Harvey

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Glutamic acid is one of the nonessential proteinogenic amino acids that is synthesized or produced in the body from other amino acids, including arginine and ornithine. It's available in meats, poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs, as well as some plants that are rich in protein.

Research studies on glutamic acid reveal it to be an excitatory neurotransmitter. A neurotransmitter is a substance released by a neuron to stimulate neighboring neurons to permit the passage of impulses from one cell to the next throughout the entire nervous system. Discovery of this property prompted research studies indicating that people suffering from certain neurological disorders might experience improvement with supplements.

Nutritionists debate the value of taking glutamic acid supplements, especially for those with a balanced diet.
Nutritionists debate the value of taking glutamic acid supplements, especially for those with a balanced diet.

Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy and mental retardation are a few of the disorders that have been studied in patients taking glutamic acid. Some people, including health care providers, are skeptical of the role that it might play in the treatment of such diseases. Their skepticism is partly because it is one of the most widespread amino acids in what generally is considered a healthy diet.

Glutamic acid may benefit the prostate gland.
Glutamic acid may benefit the prostate gland.

A deficiency of any nutrient can and often does quickly produce signs and symptoms of a health problem that is usually corrected very easily by supplying sufficient amounts of the nutrient. Nutritionists, however, affirm that a deficiency of glutamic acid is highly unlikely, especially among populations that have adequate access to nutritious foods. High dosages of this amino acid could be toxic and have produced unpleasant side effects such as headaches and other neurological disorders.

Lean meats and dairy products are good sources of glutamic acid.
Lean meats and dairy products are good sources of glutamic acid.

It is for this reason that some nutritionists doubt the efficacy of glutamic acid supplements. Glutamic acid also helps in the metabolism of sugars and fats, and studies have been conducted that appear to indicate that supplements could help to lower blood pressure. The amino acid is capable of attaching itself to nitrogen atoms, a process during which the body manufactures glutamine. This same action is the detoxification of ammonia and the only method by which the brain can be cleansed of this substance.

Glutamic acid may help lower blood pressure.
Glutamic acid may help lower blood pressure.

The prostate gland is another organ that might benefit from supplements because it produces a fluid in which the amino acid is found. Some medical researchers believe that the normal and healthy functioning of this gland could be closely related to the action of this amino acid in the body. It still is recommended, however, that all nutrients, including amino acids, be obtained from natural and wholesome foods.

Discussion Comments

anon129098

For someone on a gluten free lifestyle, should they be in contact with Glutamic acid? and why is this substance in shampoo?

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    • Nutritionists debate the value of taking glutamic acid supplements, especially for those with a balanced diet.
      By: kostrez
      Nutritionists debate the value of taking glutamic acid supplements, especially for those with a balanced diet.
    • Glutamic acid may benefit the prostate gland.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Glutamic acid may benefit the prostate gland.
    • Lean meats and dairy products are good sources of glutamic acid.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Lean meats and dairy products are good sources of glutamic acid.
    • Glutamic acid may help lower blood pressure.
      By: Cheyenne
      Glutamic acid may help lower blood pressure.
    • A neurotransmitter is a substance released by a neuron to permit the passage of impulses from one cell to the next.
      By: designua
      A neurotransmitter is a substance released by a neuron to permit the passage of impulses from one cell to the next.