Glutamic Acid
Glutamic Acid: An Essential Nonessential Amino Acid
Glutamic acid is a nonessential amino acid that is derived from the diet and from the breakdown of gut proteins. Its ionized form, glutamate, is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Neurological Functions:
- Plays a role in neuronal differentiation, migration, and survival in the developing brain
- Involved in synaptic maintenance, neuroplasticity, learning, and memory
Dietary Sources:
Glutamate is present in many foods, including:
- Cheese
- Seafood
- Meat
- Spinach
Metabolism and Utilization:
Despite dietary intake, the total pool of glutamic acid in the blood remains small due to its rapid uptake and utilization by tissues, including:
- Muscle
- Liver (which uses it to form glucose and lactate)
Biochemical Precursor:
Glutamic acid serves as a precursor for several important compounds:
- Arginine
- Glutamine
- Proline
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
- Polyamines (putrescine, spermine, spermidine) - these are organic compounds essential for cell growth and differentiation
Role in Metabolic Pathways:
Cahill Cycle
- Also known as the glucose-alanine cycle
- Used to generate pyruvate and glucose in the liver using branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
- Glutamate is an end product of this reaction via the enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Urea Cycle
- Glutamate is an end product of the enzyme ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) in the urea cycle
- This reaction is catalyzed by a vitamin B6-dependent enzyme
- It involves the reversible conversion of ornithine to alpha-ketoglutarate, yielding glutamate
Health Implications:
- Excess glutamate in the brain has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Glutamate imbalance may play a role in conditions such as epilepsy and certain mental health disorders
Summary
Glutamic acid, while classified as nonessential, plays crucial roles in neurotransmission, brain development, and various metabolic processes. Its involvement in multiple biochemical pathways underscores its importance in human physiology.
References:
- Brosnan, J. T., & Brosnan, M. E. (2013). Glutamate: a truly functional amino acid. Amino Acids, 45(3), 413-418.
- Zhou, Y., & Danbolt, N. C. (2014). Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the healthy brain. Journal of Neural Transmission, 121(8), 799-817.
- Newsholme, P., et al. (2003). Glutamine and glutamate as vital metabolites. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 36(2), 153-163.
- Albrecht, J., et al. (2010). Glutamine in the central nervous system: function and dysfunction. Frontiers in Bioscience, 15, 300-312.
What does it mean if your Glutamic Acid result is too high?
Elevated Glutamate Levels: Causes, Implications, and Treatment
Causes of Elevated Glutamate Levels
- Dietary Factors:
- High intake of glutamic acid-containing foods can elevate levels.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG), the sodium salt of glutamic acid, is a common food additive that can increase glutamate levels when consumed.
- Nutrient Deficiencies:
- Various cofactors are needed for glutamate metabolism, including vitamins B1, B3, and B6.
- Functional deficiencies in these cofactors can contribute to elevated levels.
- Conversely, administration of these nutrients can help lower glutamate levels.
Associated Conditions and Implications
Elevated glutamate levels can signal various neurological and psychiatric conditions. Below is a summary of potential issues associated with high glutamate:
- Neurodegenerative Diseases:
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Neurological Conditions:
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Psychiatric Disorders:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Schizophrenia
- Pain Sensitivity:
- Higher glutamate levels are generally linked with increased pain sensitivity.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
- Studies suggest that individuals with MS often have elevated glutamate levels.
- Excitotoxicity:
- Excessive glutamate can overstimulate brain cells, potentially causing nerve cell damage or death—a process known as excitotoxicity.
- Sleep Disorders:
- Glutamate imbalance may play a role in sleep-related issues, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Imbalance with GABA:
- An imbalance between glutamate and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, can contribute to various neurological and psychiatric issues.
- Chronic Pain Conditions:
- Chronic pain disorders often lead to continuous glutamate release, further increasing pain sensitivity.
Note: Glutamate levels can be influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, as well as certain medical conditions. Elevated glutamate should always be interpreted within the context of other clinical findings. If you're concerned about glutamate levels, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
Treatment Approaches
Treating elevated glutamate levels involves addressing underlying causes, as well as balancing neurotransmitter levels through lifestyle adjustments, medications, and other interventions. Here are some common approaches:
- Medications and Supplements:
- NMDA Receptor Antagonists: Drugs like memantine are used in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions to block glutamate receptors, reducing excitotoxicity.
- Glutamate Modulators: Certain medications (e.g., riluzole for ALS) can regulate glutamate levels in the brain.
- Magnesium: Acts as a natural NMDA receptor blocker and may help reduce glutamate activity.
- Antioxidants: Supplements like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help protect neurons from damage by reducing oxidative stress associated with high glutamate.
- Dietary Changes:
- Reduce Excitotoxic Foods: Limiting foods high in glutamate, like those containing MSG, may help lower levels.
- Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, these support brain health and may help balance neurotransmitters.
- Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Dark leafy greens, berries, and green tea can support brain health and reduce inflammation.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Stress Management: Chronic stress increases glutamate levels, so practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity can help balance neurotransmitters, including reducing excess glutamate, and boost GABA, which counterbalances glutamate.
- Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is critical for brain health and helps regulate neurotransmitter levels.
- Therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): For those with anxiety, OCD, or other psychiatric conditions linked to high glutamate, CBT can help manage symptoms and indirectly reduce glutamate.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS may help regulate neurotransmitter levels in treatment-resistant depression and other disorders.
- GABA Support:
- GABA-Rich Foods and Supplements: Some foods, like tea and fermented foods, naturally boost GABA. GABA supplements may help, although their effectiveness varies.
- L-Theanine: Found in green tea, L-theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier and boost GABA, helping balance glutamate.
Note: If you're concerned about elevated glutamate, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan. They may recommend specific tests or therapies based on the underlying condition contributing to elevated levels.
References
- Brosnan, J. T., & Brosnan, M. E. (2013). Glutamate: a truly functional amino acid. Amino Acids, 45(3), 413-418.
- Zhou, Y., & Danbolt, N. C. (2014). Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the healthy brain. Journal of Neural Transmission, 121(8), 799-817.
- Lewerenz, J., & Maher, P. (2015). Chronic glutamate toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases—what is the evidence? Frontiers in Neuroscience, 9, 469.
- Javitt, D. C., et al. (2011). Glutamatergic theories of schizophrenia. Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, 48(4), 4-16.
- Swanson, C. J., et al. (2005). Metabotropic glutamate receptors as novel targets for anxiety and stress disorders. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 4(2), 131-144.
All Your Lab Results.
One Simple Dashboard.
Import, Track, and Share Your Lab Results Easily
Import, Track, and Share Your Lab Results
Import lab results from multiple providers, track changes over time, customize your reference ranges, and get clear explanations for each result. Everything is stored securely, exportable in one organized file, and shareable with your doctor—or anyone you choose.
Cancel or upgrade anytime
What does it mean if your Glutamic Acid result is too low?
Low protein intake, GI malabsorption, and maldigestion can all contribute to low levels of amino acids. As above, there are many endogenous pathways which create glutamate, each with vitamin and mineral cofactors. Lack of those cofactors should also be considered. No specific symptomatology has been attributed to low glutamic acid levels.
Laboratories
Bring All Your Lab Results Together — In One Place
We accept reports from any lab, so you can easily collect and organize all your health information in one secure spot.
Pricing Table
Gather Your Lab History — and Finally Make Sense of It
Finally, Your Lab Results Organized and Clear
Personal plans
$79/ year
Advanced Plan
Access your lab reports, explanations, and tracking tools.
- Import lab results from any provider
- Track all results with visual tools
- Customize your reference ranges
- Export your full lab history anytime
- Share results securely with anyone
- Receive 5 reports entered for you
- Cancel or upgrade anytime
$250/ once
Unlimited Account
Pay once, access everything—no monthly fees, no limits.
- Import lab results from any provider
- Track all results with visual tools
- Customize your reference ranges
- Export your full lab history anytime
- Share results securely with anyone
- Receive 10 reports entered for you
- No subscriptions. No extra fees.
$45/ month
Pro Monthly
Designed for professionals managing their clients' lab reports
- Import lab results from any provider
- Track lab results for multiple clients
- Customize reference ranges per client
- Export lab histories and reports
- Begin with first report entered by us
- Cancel or upgrade anytime
About membership
What's included in a Healthmatters membership
Import Lab Results from Any Source
See Your Health Timeline
Understand What Your Results Mean
Visualize Your Results
Data Entry Service for Your Reports
Securely Share With Anyone You Trust
Let Your Lab Results Tell the Full Story
Once your results are in one place, see the bigger picture — track trends over time, compare data side by side, export your full history, and share securely with anyone you trust.
Bring all your results together to compare, track progress, export your history, and share securely.
What Healthmatters Members Are Saying
Frequently asked questions
Healthmatters is a personal health dashboard that helps you organize and understand your lab results. It collects and displays your medical test data from any lab in one secure, easy-to-use platform.
- Individuals who want to track and understand their health over time.
- Health professionals, such as doctors, nutritionists, and wellness coaches, need to manage and interpret lab data for their clients.
With a Healthmatters account, you can:
- Upload lab reports from any lab
- View your data in interactive graphs, tables, and timelines
- Track trends and monitor changes over time
- Customize your reference ranges
- Export and share your full lab history
- Access your results anytime, from any device
Professionals can also analyze client data more efficiently and save time managing lab reports.
Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 10000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:
- The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
- GI-MAP,
- The NutrEval FMV®,
- The ION Profile,
- Amino Acids Profile,
- Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
- Organic Acids Test,
- Organix Comprehensive Profile,
- Toxic Metals,
- Complete Blood Count (CBC),
- Metabolic panel,
- Thyroid panel,
- Lipid Panel,
- Urinalysis,
- And many, many more.
You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.
If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.
We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.
At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.