| GLUTAMIC ACID Glutamic acid, a non-essential amino acid and is synthesized from a number of amino acids including ornithine and arginine. It helps with the transportation of potassium across the blood-brain barrier, although itself does not pass this barrier that easily. Glutamic amino acid is important in the metabolism of sugars and fats, and aids in the transportation of potassium into the spinal fluid and 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. Glutamic Acid is a precursor to Glutamine and GABA (2 neurotransmitters). The conversion of glutamic acid into glutamine is the only means by which ammonia in the brain can be detoxified. Excesses in brain tissue can cause cell damage. This is thought to be one of the mechanisms why strokes kill brain cells; that is through the release of large amounts of Glutamic Acid. Main Functions: • One of two excitatory neurotransmitters, the other being aspartic acid/asparagine. • Helps stop alcohol and sugar cravings. • Increases energy. • Accelerates wound healing and ulcer healing. • Detoxifies ammonia in the brain by forming glutamine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, which Glutamic Acid cannot do. • Plays major role in DNA synthesis. • Glutamic acid helps to correct personality disorders and is useful in treating childhood behavioral disorders. • It is used in the treatment of epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, ulcers, and hypoglycemic coma, a complication of insulin treatment for diabetes. • It is a component of folate (folic acid), a B vitamin that helps the body break down amino acids. Deficiency Symptoms The deficiency symptoms of Glutamic Acid are unknown. Some may notice dullness of brain, insomnia. Rich Food Sources of Glutamic Acid 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. Caution • High dosages of glutamic acid may include symptoms such as headaches and neurological problems. • Because one of its salts is monosodium glutamate (MSG), glutamic acid should be avoided by anyone who is allergic to MSG. |