Glutamic acid: benefits and applications in medicine

For the body to function smoothly, hundreds of different nutrients are needed, and if even one of them is lacking, diseases can develop. Such compounds include glutamic acid: when it is deficient, metabolism and brain function are disrupted, and the condition of the skin and hair worsens. Let's take a closer look at the chemical formula, beneficial properties and options for using glutamic acid in medicine and cosmetology.

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general information

Glutamic acid has several names - glutamate, glutamate, Glu, Glu. The substance belongs to amino acid molecules. In the human body, the compound is part of proteins and some low-molecular substances; a small percentage of it is in an unbound form.

History of discovery

The substance was first obtained by the German chemist K. G. Ritthausen. The compound was released in pure form when gluten was treated with concentrated acid solutions. The name of the substance arose from the combination of two Latin words: “gluten” (gluten) and “amine”.

Japanese chemist Kinune Ikeda isolated a formula from seaweed and found that it gives dishes a characteristic, pleasant taste. The scientist called glutamic acid “umami,” which translated means “appetizing.” Ikeda received a patent for the production of this compound, and in 1908 he began producing a seasoning - monosodium glutamate.

Side effects

The WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) concluded that glutamic acid as a food additive does not pose a risk to human health

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However, some people may exhibit allergic reactions such as burning sensations, headaches, nausea, and chest pain when exposed to glutamate. People sensitive to glutamic acid should avoid consuming it.()

The information on this site has not been evaluated by any medical organization. We do not seek to diagnose or treat any disease. The information on the site is provided for educational purposes only. You should consult your physician before acting on information from this site, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical condition.

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Biological role

Once ingested through food or supplements, glutamic acid quickly passes from the blood into the tissues. The largest amount of the substance accumulates in muscles, neurons, liver and kidneys. The compound easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier into the brain, where it functions as a neurotransmitter by binding to specific NMDA receptors. The excess is excreted by the kidneys.

Glutamic acid has a number of beneficial properties:

• participates in the processes of transamination of amino acids, normalizes protein and carbohydrate metabolism;
• ensures the transmission of impulses in the central nervous system (CNS) - improves memory and mental performance;
• neutralizes and removes ammonia from the body;
• increases cell resistance to hypoxia;
• normalizes the electrolyte composition and CBS of the blood;
• stimulates the work of skeletal muscles;
• is a powerful hepatoprotector, reduces the secretion of HCl in the stomach.

Attention! Glutamic acid helps preserve beauty and youth: it restores elasticity to the skin and prevents the early appearance of gray hair.

Features of the structure of natural amino acids

The structure of amino acids is closely related to their functions. Substances with similar chemical structures do similar work. Let’s try to figure it out so that we don’t get confused later in the drug annotations.

All amino acids are molded according to one pattern.

The head is an amine residue containing nitrogen N.

A carbon skeleton consisting of a chain of carbon atoms (in the simplest case, one carbon, to which an amine residue is attached “in front” and a carbon tail at the back)

Tail – carboxylic acid residue – COOH

Some other chemical group may be attached to the side of the carbon skeleton, which gives the substance special properties.

The carbon chain, together with the acid tail, attached to the amine head is called an aliphatic radical.

Daily norm

There is no clear data in the medical literature about the body's need for glutamic acid. WHO also makes no recommendations on this matter. Established daily allowances vary in different regions and countries - from 3 g per day in Taiwan to 350-400 mg in the USA and Italy. Doctors agree that children and pregnant women should limit the amount of the substance in their diet.

A comprehensive analysis is used to determine amino acid levels in the body. For the study, blood is taken on an empty stomach. In the resulting material, the level of 32 protein compounds is assessed. Normal values ​​for an adult are 92-497 µmol/l.

Analogs

Level 4 ATX code matches:
Bravinton

Acefen

Carnicetine

Pyracesin

Nooclerin

Semax

Piracetam

Olatropil

Fezam

Vinpocetine

Cerebrocurin

Cavinton Forte

Calcium hopantenate

Cephabol

Olanzapine

Cerebrolysate

Pramistar

Sidnocarb

Vinpotropil

Glycine Ozone

Antifront, Armadin, Glycine, Instenon, Intellan, Cortexin, Neurotropin, Rilutek, Cytoflavin.

Glutamic acid in foods

The substance is found in protein foods - meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. High concentrations of the nutrient were found in wheat and members of the legume family. Reference books provide the average amount of the compound in a given food, but these values ​​can fluctuate depending on how the food is prepared.

Table – Top 8 natural sources of glutamic acid

Nomenclature of amino acids

The carbon chain (skeleton) can consist of either 1 carbon atom or several. In the latter case, it matters which carbon atom, starting from the carboxyl group, the amine head is attached to. This can be either the 1st carbon atom, or the 2nd, 3rd and so on. Chemists agreed to designate carbon atoms not by numbers, but by letters of the Greek alphabet: α is the 1st carbon atom, starting with the carboxyl tail, β is the 2nd, γ is the 3rd, etc.

If an amino group is attached to a carbon in the α-position, such an amino acid is called an α-amino acid, respectively, if the amino group is attached in the β-position, then it is a β-amino acid, if in γ, then it is a γ-amino acid.

All 20 natural proteinogenic amino acids belong to the group of α-amino acids.

Of the β-amino acids, the most famous is β-alanine, and of the γ-amino acids, the most famous is γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Their structural formulas are given below.

Deficiency Symptoms

Nutrient deficiencies are often observed in vegetarians and people who follow strict low-protein diets. Deficiency also occurs with a sudden onset of physical activity, kidney disease with nephrotic syndrome, and severe gastrointestinal diseases.

With a lack of glutamic acid, a number of physiological functions are disrupted. Deficiency is manifested by the following symptoms:

• decreased memory and attention;
• depressive states;
• anemia;
• dryness and sagging skin;
• the appearance of gray hair;
• in children - delayed psychomotor development.

To eliminate pathological signs, you should normalize your diet and add more protein foods to your diet. When the acid level is very low, it is replenished with the help of dietary supplements (dietary supplements).

Signs of excess

Excessive amounts of the compound accumulate in the body due to abuse of protein foods, lack of physical activity, or overdose of glutamate supplements. Excess acid also occurs in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Excess glutamate, like its deficiency, is harmful to the body.

Overdose symptoms:

• decreased levels of hemoglobin and leukocytes;
• vomiting, diarrhea;
• increased excitability, insomnia;
• allergic reactions;
• liver and kidney damage.

Attention! If an overdose develops, doctors recommend using symptomatic therapy, which includes taking enterosorbents and detoxification solutions, gastric lavage, and a protein-restricted diet.

Glutamine and...

…cancer

There is evidence that glutamine has antitumor properties. Some clinical trials have shown that taking an amino acid supplement can slow tumor growth and significantly improve metabolism. In addition, glutamine accelerates cell renewal and strengthens the immune system, which is of particular importance after chemotherapy, as well as for people with radiation sickness.

However, cells with active proliferation for the synthesis of macromolecules have an urgent need for nitrogen sources. Tumor cells are the most “voracious” and use an additional source of energy - glutamine, which is present in a free state in the cytoplasm, intercellular space and organelles to replenish their bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs. Modern research is aimed at developing drugs that selectively block the consumption of glutamine by tumor cells. which is a therapeutic target in oncology. Therefore, people with cancer, as well as people at risk, are recommended to limit their glutamine intake. A similar recommendation exists for people with kidney disease.

…the immune system

The immune system of the human body can be compared to a moving car: it, like a car, constantly needs fuel. And glutamine is precisely the element that supplies this fuel to the immune system. Stress, increased physical activity, certain illnesses, surgeries and injuries can trigger excessive production of the hormone cortisol; excess cortisol depletes glutamine reserves. The lack of amino acids, in turn, affects the condition of lymphocytes, on which the functionality of the immune system depends.

Research shows that maintaining the balance of this amino acid strengthens the immune system, prevents a number of diseases, helps wounds heal quickly, and even reduces the risk of death in critical illnesses.

…digestive system

This substance is also useful for people with intestinal diseases, as it helps protect the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and restore its integrity. Autoimmune intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease, almost always affect the effectiveness of the use of vitamins and nutrients obtained from food. Glutamine (calculated at 0.5 g per 1 kg of weight) is able to correct the permeability of the intestinal walls and increase the absorption of vitamins and nutrients through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, thereby improving the functioning of the entire body. In addition, glutamine has a positive effect on ulcers, diarrhea, and reduces the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Other benefits of glutamine:

• prevents muscle breakdown;
• maintains cell volume (by retaining moisture);
• accelerates the restoration of skin after burns or other injuries;
• accelerates the production of growth hormone;
• promotes the healing of ulcers (taking 1.5 g of the substance for 4 weeks accelerates healing by 90 percent);
• as a neurotransmitter, improves memory and concentration;
• restores endurance after exercise;
• promotes detoxification at the cellular level;
• reduces cravings for sweets and alcohol.

Dietary supplements with glutamic acid

In medicine, L-glutamic acid is used, which has increased pharmacological activity. Medicines based on it are prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases:

• petite epileptic seizures;
• reactive and somatic psychoses;
• Down syndrome;
• cerebral palsy;
• polio.

The substance is also included in many multivitamins, which are used for preventive purposes to compensate for the deficiency of useful nutrients. Nutritional supplements are available in the form of regular and chewable tablets, capsules, and liquid vitamin solutions.

Medicines for women

Glutamate is actively used for endocrine disorders in the female body and infertility. Dietary supplements based on this compound normalize hormonal levels, ensure a regular menstrual cycle, and also:

• support reproductive health;
• promote pregnancy;
• prevent the development of congenital diseases in the child.

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Supplements for Men

Medicines based on glutamic acid are prescribed to men for mental and physical overload, strenuous work that requires increased concentration. Supplements normalize mental state and the synthesis of male hormones, prevent emotional burnout, and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Sports nutrition

The amino acid is part of various protein mixtures that are used by athletes. The substance improves the functioning of skeletal muscles, increases endurance, and eliminates soreness after heavy training. With regular use of glutamic acid in athletes, the body's resistance to oxygen starvation also increases.

Skin beauty

Polyglutamic acid was derived from L-glutamic acid by fermentation. The component was obtained by fermenting natto beans. The extracted element is considered a strong hydrant, capable of retaining water more effectively than other products offered on the cosmetics market.

The substance greatly increases the level of moisture in the skin layer thanks to its unique molecular formula. It is actively included in cosmetics: creams for sensitive skin, whitening and after-sun products, anti-aging preparations. Polyglutamic acid, like glutamine, stimulates collagen production, smoothing wrinkles.

As reviews show , the component performs the following functions:

• Increases natural moisture factor (NMF).
• Smoothes, whitens and improves skin texture.
• Reduces wrinkles, has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Absorbs and retains moisture in tissues.

In addition to the above, polyglutamic acid enhances the functions of hyaluronic acid and protects it from inhibition by hyaluronidase. Positive qualities allow the element to soothe, rejuvenate and heal the skin layer.

Application in cosmetics

Glutamic acid has a pronounced regenerating effect: it activates cellular respiration, increases collagen synthesis, and normalizes the content of intercellular matrix proteins. The substance also moisturizes and tightens the dermis, cleanses and tightens pores and is suitable for all skin types.

In cosmetics, the compound is included in anti-aging facial serums and moisturizing gels in a concentration of less than 1% and is designated as glutamic acid or glutamic acids. It is also added to micellar water in an amount of 1-1.5%.

The amino acid is also used in care detergents due to its protective and softening properties. It is also included in sprays and makes hair smoother and shinier after curling and styling.

Attention! Gel masks with glutamic acid in a concentration of 4% are designed for rapid restoration of dry and damaged hair.