Some amino acids can be manufactured in the body from other amino acids and are thus called non-essential.  Glutamic acid is one of these amino acids because it can be produced, in the brain, when arginine, ornithine and proline are in ample supply.  Glutamic acid can also be changed into GABA or L-glutamine, and vice versa.  Glutamic acid is a neurotransmitter, a brain chemical that regulates the electrical conduction of the brain.  It excites brain cells and causes them to fire.  Thus glutamic acid stimulates the mind and body.

Glutamic acid also helps the transport of molecules like potassium across the blood-brain barrier and acts as a fuel source for brain cells.  It reduces the build up of toxic ammonia in the brain.  If glutamic acid is changed into L-glutamine it helps to heal ulcers, detoxify chemicals and build muscle tissue.  Glutamic acid can be converted into GABA, a neurotransmitter that opposes glutamic acid in its function.  GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.  Natural health practitioners for hyperactivity, depression, epilepsy, developmental disabilities, muscular dystrophy and ulcers recommend glutamic acid.

Glutamic acid is usually supplemented as L-glutamine.  L-glutamine is more easily transported into the brain than glutamic acid.  Once in the brain L-glutamine can be easily converted into glutamic acid.  L-glutamine is found in capsules or tablets.  It is best absorbed when taken between meals.  If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, take it with an amino acid complex to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.  Glutamic acid can also convert into GABA, an inhibitory neurochemical.

MSG, monosodium glutamate, is a variation of glutamic acid.  Individuals who are allergic to MSG should not use glutamic acid.  Glutamic acid in high doses may cause irritation of the central nervous system that is similar to a reaction to MSG.  Do not use glutamine if you have liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, Reye’s syndrome or an accumulation of ammonia in the blood.