Glutamic Acid
GLUTAMIC ACID is a non-essential amino acid that can be synthesized from a number of amino acids, including ornithine and arginine. Besides glucose, glutamic acid is the only compound used for brain fuel. The brain converts glutamic acid to a compound that regulates brain cell activity. The brain metabolism of GA (glutamic acid), GAM (glutamine), and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is interwoven. Because of this metabolic teamwork, they are sometimes referred to as "the three musketeers". GA, as an excitatory neurotransmitter is balanced by the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, while GAM is primarily an energy source and mediator of both GA and GABA activity.
Glutamic acid easily loses its amine group, causing it to participate in reactions vital to the formation of non-essential amino acids. It is a precursor to GABA and glutathione with the assistance of Vitamin B6. When glutamic acid combines with ammonia, it becomes glutamine. It is also an important source that supplies hydrochloric acid to the digestive system. Glutamic acid is the key component of the chromium compound known as the glucose tolerance factor (GFT). The best source for this is brewer's yeast.
Glutamic acid increases the firing of neurons in the nervous system. It metabolizes sugars and fats, and detoxifies ammonia when used with glutamine. It also helps correct personality disorders, including autism. Its hydrochloride salt is used as a gastric acidifier.
Its monosodium glutamate form is used in treating degenerative brain diseases associated with diseases of the liver. At one time, this form was most notable for its use in enhancing the flavor in foods and tobacco. Glutamic acid, present in monosodium glutamate, combines with a pressor amine like tyromine, commonly found in certain foods, including aged cheese, pickled herring, etc. It is this combination that produces the migraine headaches associated with the consumption of such foods. Sensitivity to monosodium glutamate indicates a need for supplemental pyridoxine (B6).
Other names for glutamic acid include: glutamate, GLN, and amino acid Q.
