Glutamic acid: what it is, functions, rich foods, consequences of its deficiency and contraindications of glutamic acid, a very important non-essential amino acid?
The amino acids are organic compounds necessary for the proper functioning of our body, which can synthesize or obtain them in order to build new proteins. Precisely in this sense, and depending on whether our body is capable of synthesizing them by itself, they can be called non-essential amino acids or essential amino acids.
In the case, for example, of these last amino acids are those that our body can only obtain from the diet, so that in order to contribute them to our body it is essential to follow a diet as balanced and varied as possible.
The glutamic acid is a type of non – essential amino acid that is also known by the name of glutamate, which, as discussed below and throughout this note- our body uses for energy transport, hence its importance.
What is glutamic acid?
It is a type of non-essential amino acid also known by the name of glutamate, which our body tends to use above all both for protein synthesis and when transporting energy (although it also fulfills other essential functions).
There is a peptide (molecule made up of several amino acids) called L-Glutathione, which is made up of glutamic acid, glycine and cysteine.
Glutamic acid functions
- Our body uses it to transport energy.
- Participates in the synthesis of proteins.
- It interferes with the absorption of certain nutrients such as: glucose, fatty acids and minerals.
- It is involved in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, helping digestion and the healing of ulcers in the digestive system.
- It is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, the spinal cord, and the brain.
Glutamic acid benefits for health
As we can see, and as we have learned from the section on the different functions of glutamic acid, it is a non-essential amino acid that is fundamental for our body, since it participates above all in the transport of energy and in the synthesis of proteins.
It is also a non-essential amino acid that interferes with the absorption of certain nutrients and is involved in the production of hydrochloric acid.
For its medical or therapeutic benefits, glutamic acid is commonly used in the treatment of muscular dystrophy, ulcers and epilepsy.
Where to find glutamic acid?
Here are the foods richest in glutamic acid:
- Food of animal origin: meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products.
- Plant-based foods: vegetables, seeds, algae and plants.
