Glutamic acid

Glutamic acid (often simply called glutamate) is one of the essential amino acids, widely distributed in nature and playing an important role in metabolic processes in the human body. It is one of the most common amino acids present in proteins, and it performs several vital functions:

Roles of glutamic acid:

1. Neurotransmitter: Glutamic acid serves as an important excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It facilitates the transmission of nerve signals between neurons, which is important for learning and memory.
2. Metabolic function: Glutamic acid is involved in the processes of protein synthesis and breakdown, as well as in the urea cycle and gluconeogenesis (the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources).
3. Ammonia Detoxification: It helps remove excess ammonia from the brain by converting it into less toxic substances.
4. Energy source for cells: Under certain conditions, such as starvation, glutamic acid can be used as an energy source for cells.

Glutamic acid is also used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer known as monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is added to many foods to enhance their flavor.

Indications glutamic acid

1. Supports Digestive Health: Glutamic acid can be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and other digestive disorders.
2. Immune Support: Glutamic acid plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, so it can be used to strengthen the immune system and prevent infections.
3. Accelerate recovery from injury or surgery: Glutamic acid helps repair damaged tissue and speed up the wound healing process.
4. Sports nutrition: Glutamic acid can be used by athletes to increase endurance, speed up recovery after training and reduce the risk of muscle strain.
5. Supports Nervous System Health: Glutamic acid may help support the health and function of the nervous system.

Release form

Glutamic acid is usually available as a powder, capsule, or tablet for oral administration, and as an injectable solution.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Neurotransmitter: Glutamic acid is one of the main excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. It actively participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, playing a key role in the excitation of nerve cells.
2. Energy Supply: Glutamic acid is one of the main energy sources for cells, especially for highly active cells such as immune system cells, intestinal epithelial cells, and some brain cells.
3. Participation in amino acid metabolism: Glutamic acid is a key participant in amino acid metabolism in the body. It is involved in the synthesis of other amino acids, such as arginine and glutamate, as well as in the formation of amino acid derivatives.
4. Role in the immune system: Glutamic acid plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, especially in maintaining the function of lymphocytes and macrophages, which play a key role in fighting infections and diseases.
5. Participation in metabolic processes: Glutamic acid is involved in many metabolic processes, including protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis (the formation of glucose from non-glucose sources) and ammonium metabolism.
6. Role in digestion: Glutamic acid helps maintain the health of the gastrointestinal mucosa, improving its integrity and functionality.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Dietary Glutamic Acid: After oral administration, glutamic acid is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolized in the liver and other tissues and used as an energy source or for the synthesis of other substances.
2. Injectable Glutamic Acid: When injected, glutamic acid is rapidly distributed throughout the body's tissues and organs. Its metabolism and excretion depend on many factors, including the patient's general condition and renal function.

Dosing and administration

1. To improve recovery after training: It is generally recommended to take 5 to 10 grams of glutamic acid per day. This can be taken in several doses throughout the day, including before and after training.
2. For general health and immunity: The recommended dosage is 500 mg to 2 grams of glutamic acid per day. This can also be divided into several doses.
3. For certain health conditions: The dosage may be changed depending on the specific health condition and the doctor's recommendations. For example, for certain bowel diseases or after surgery, a higher dose may be required.

Use glutamic acid during pregnancy

Glutamic acid is generally considered a safe amino acid supplement during pregnancy because it is a natural component of many foods and is found in many body tissues.

Contraindications

1. Amino acid metabolism disorders: In people with rare hereditary disorders of amino acid metabolism (eg, glutamic acid), the use of glutamic acid may be contraindicated and should be used with caution under medical supervision.
2. Diabetes: Glutamic acid may affect blood glucose levels, so patients with diabetes should be careful when using it and may need to consult a doctor.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Information on the safety of glutamic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so its use requires consultation with a physician.
4. Renal impairment: Glutamic acid may have effects on the kidneys, so its use may be contraindicated or require dosage adjustment in patients with renal impairment.
5. Liver failure: Similar to renal failure, glutamic acid may have effects on the liver, so its use may be contraindicated or require dosage adjustment in patients with liver failure.

Side effects glutamic acid

Side effects of glutamic acid are usually rare and occur mainly when the recommended doses are exceeded or in the presence of individual intolerance. Possible side effects may include:

1. Gastrointestinal disorders: bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea.
2. Allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
3. Headache or dizziness.
4. Muscle pain or weakness.
5. Increased blood ammonium levels (hyperammonemia) with prolonged and high-dose use, which may lead to neurological symptoms.

Overdose

1. Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Consuming excess amounts of glutamine may cause symptoms associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
2. Risk of Liver Damage: In some people with predisposition to liver disease or impaired liver function, excessive glutamic acid intake may increase the risk of liver failure or worsen existing liver disease.
3. Effects on the Nervous System: Dizziness, headache, insomnia, anxiety and other central nervous system related symptoms may occur, especially when high doses of glutamic acid are consumed.
4. Interaction with other drugs: When using high doses of glutamic acid, interactions with some drugs are possible, which can lead to unwanted effects or an increase in their effect.
5. Effects on Blood Ammonium Levels: Excessive glutamic acid intake may increase blood ammonium levels, which may be dangerous for people with amino acid metabolism or liver function disorders.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Methotrexate: Glutamic acid may reduce the toxicity of methotrexate when administered.
2. Aminoglycoside antibiotics: Combination of glutamic acid with aminoglycoside antibiotics may enhance their toxicity.
3. Chemotherapeutic drugs: When glutamic acid is taken simultaneously with chemotherapeutic drugs, an increase in the therapeutic effect may be observed.
4. Drugs that affect amino acid metabolism: Some drugs, such as heparin or sulfonamides, can affect amino acid metabolism in the body, including glutamic acid.

Storage conditions

Glutamic acid is usually stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. The recommended storage temperature may vary depending on the specific manufacturer and form of the drug (powder, capsules, tablets, etc.), so it is important to follow the instructions on the package or your doctor’s instructions. Glutamic acid is usually stored at room temperature (15°C to 25°C).

It is also important to avoid storing the product in places exposed to high humidity, as this may cause it to spoil or deteriorate in quality. When stored properly, glutamic acid can usually retain its properties for a certain period of time, as indicated on the packaging or in the instructions for the product.