Wizard of Vitamins

Glutamic Acid Vitamin

What is Glutamic Acid?

Glutamic acid (glutamate) is an amino acid used by the body to build proteins. Glutamate is the most common excitatory (stimulating) neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Glutamic Acid in Diets

Sources of glutamic acid include high-protein foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Some protein-rich plant foods also supply glutamic acid.

Glutamic Acid Medicinal Treatments

Benign prostatic hyperplasia Heart surgery (support)

Known Consequences of Glutamic Acid Deficiency

Most food sources of protein supply glutamic acid, so only a person deficient in protein would become deficient in glutamic acid.

Glutamic Acid Recommended Dosages

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 physician.

Glutamic Acid Side Effects

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 physician before supplementing with glutamate. 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. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with glutamic acid.