 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Glutamic acid is a nonessential amino acid and is synthesized from a number of amino acids including ornithine and arginine.
Glutamic acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases the firing of neurons in the central nervous system. It is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord and is the precursor of GABA (gamma-aminobuytric acid).
This amino acid is important in the metabolism of sugars and fats, and aids in the transportation of potassium across the blood-brain barrier. Although it does not pass the blood-brain barrier as readily as glutamine does, it is found at high levels in the blood and may infiltrate the brain in small amounts. The brain can use glutamic acid as fuel. Glutamic acid can detoxify ammonia by picking up nitrogen atoms, in the process creating another amino acid, glutamine. The conversion of glutamic acid into glutamine is the only means by which ammonia in the brain can be detoxified.
Glutamic acid helps to correct personality disorders and is useful in treating childhood behavioral disorders. It is used in the treatment of neurological conditions, epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, and hypoglycemic coma, a complication of insulin treatment for diabetes. It helps speed the healing of ulcers, gives a "lift" from fatigue, and helps control alcoholism, schizophrenia, and the craving for sugar. It is considered a remedy for hypoglycemic coma (a complication of insulin treatment for diabetes), personality disorders and is useful for treating childhood behavioral disorders.
The fluid produced by the prostate gland also contains amounts of glutamic acid, and may play a role in the normal function of the prostate. Glutamic acid helps in the prevention and reduces the risk of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
SOURCES
Excellent sources of glutamic acid include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as protein-rich plant foods.
MOLECULAR DESCRIPTION
Glutamic acid is biosynthesized from a number of amino acids including ornithine and arginine. When aminated, glutamic acid forms the important amino acid glutamine. Because it has a carboxylic acid moiety on the side chain, glutamic acid is one of only two amino acids (the other being aspartic acid) that has a net negative charge at physiological pH. This negative charge makes glutamic acid a very polar molecule and it is usually found on the outside of proteins and enzymes where it is free to interact with the aqueous intracellular surroundings. On a molar basis, glutamic acid is incorporated into proteins at a rate of 6.2 percent compared to the other amino acids.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Heart Disorders. Glutamic acid may have protective effects on the heart muscle in people with heart disease. Intravenous injections of glutamic acid (as monosodium glutamate) have been shown to increase exercise tolerance and heart function in people with stable angina pectoris.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The fluid produced by the prostate gland contains significant amounts of glutamic acid, and this amino acid may play a role in normal function of the prostate. In one study, symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were improved in a group of 45 men taking 780 mg of glutamic acid per day for two weeks and then 390 mg for the next two and a half months in combination with equal amounts of the amino acids, alanine and glycine, an effect also reported by other researchers.
GLUTAMIC ACID DEFICIENCY
None known, but deficiencies of GABA can result in excess activity of certain regions of the brain and seizures or behavioral hyperactivity. Dietary glutamic acid does not have a significant effect on GABA in the nervous system. Most food sources of protein supply glutamic acid, so only a person deficient in protein would become deficient in glutamic acid.
TOXICITY & SYMPTOMS OF HIGH INTAKE
High dosages of glutamic acid may include symptoms such as headaches and neurological problems.
Although no major side effects are reported on supplementation of this nutrient and has generally been considered free of side effects for the vast majority of people who take it.
People with kidney or liver disease should not consume high intakes of amino acids without first consulting their healthcare provider.
GLUTAMIC ACID DOSAGE
Adults may ingest 20 to 35 mg per day of this amino acid without any apparent ill effects. In general, glutamine has been used therapeutically rather than glutamate in the management of certain types of problems such as alcoholism, liver problems, and certain biochemical problems.
Healthy people do not need to take glutamic acid as a supplement; for those who do use this amino acid, appropriate amounts should be determined with the consultation of a healthcare provider.
GENERAL INTERACTIONS
Glutamic acid is generally free of side effects for the vast majority of people who take it; however, people with kidney or liver disease should not consume high intakes of amino acids without consulting a healthcare professional. Because over stimulation of glutamate receptors is thought to be a possible cause of certain neurological diseases (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [Lou Gehrig's disease] and epilepsy), people with a neurological disease should consult of a healthcare provider before supplementing with glutamate.
CAUTIONS
Supplementation with purified glutamic acid on an empty stomach of 3 grams or more has resulted in intestinal disturbances.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), the form of glutamic acid that is used as a flavor enhancer, has been reported in anecdotal studies to have a number of different adverse effects (including headache, fatigue, and depression). However, controlled trials have failed to confirm that MSG causes these side effects, and the safety of this compound remains controversial. MSG can produce a condition called "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" which is associated with muscle cramping, abdominal spasms, and gastric distress. Generally, Caucasians are more susceptible to this condition in that they are unable to convert glutamate to glutamine as efficiently as Orientals. Higher levels of vitamin B-6 intake have been found useful for preventing "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" due to enhanced conversion of glutamate to glutamine in those who are susceptible to this problem.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with glutamic acid.
GLUTAMIC ACID SUPPLEMENT & PRODUCTS
Amino 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps
Amino 1000 Complete contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids.
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs
This Amino 1500 contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids in a chewable format.
Herbal Remedies: Glutamic Acid / Glutamate Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Glutamic Acid / Glutamate Information
Herbal Remedies: Glutamine / L-Glutamine Information
Herbal Remedies: Glutamine / L-Glutamine Supplements & Products
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
HELPFUL RELATED MOONDRAGON NUTRITION BASICS LINKS
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
Educational materials, dietary supplements and products for health are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Assessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
