Elevated glutamate levels are commonly associated with panic attacks, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, OCD and depression.
Glutamate is low in patients with migraines. Clinically, low glutamate is implicated in depression, chronic fatigue, lack of concentration, low energy levels, and sleep disturbances.
Glutamate functions as the major excitatory neurotransmitter and metabolic fuel throughout the body. Glutamate is produced in your body, and is also found in many foods.
Functions of Glutamate:
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that sends signals in the brain and throughout the nerves in the body.
Glutamate plays an important role during brain development. Normal levels of glutamate also help with learning and memory.
Glutamate in food:
Glutamate is probably best known as “monosodium glutamate” or “MSG” which is used as a flavor or taste enhancer in food. It is usually available together with other food additives and spices in most large food stores. Some people may also have heard the term “Chinese restaurant syndrome” which is a sudden fall in blood pressure with subsequent fainting after ingestion of very spicy food.
References:
- Marko AM, Gerrard JW, Buchan DJ. Glutamic acid derivatives in adult celiac disease. II. Urinary total glutamic acid excretion. Can Med Assoc J 1960;83:1324-5. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13766911)
- Belanger R, Chandramohan N, Misbin R, Rivlin RS. Tyrosine and glutamic acid in plasma and urine of patients with altered thyroid function. Metabolism 1972;21:855-65. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5057275)
- Ragginer C, Lechner A, Bernecker C, et al. Reduced urinary glutamate levels are associated with the frequency of migraine attacks in females. Eur J Neurol 2012;19:1146-50. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435925)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK62187/
- https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/130/4/1007S/4686662
Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is considered to be the most abundant neurotransmitter in the nervous system. Glutamate is involved in most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning, although high levels of glutamate can cause excitotoxicity, a process where nerve cells are damaged by excessive stimulation.
Glutamate
